Introducing the context of 'Frizzy'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can infer what has happened in a visual text by examining details closely.
Key learning points
- ‘Frizzy’ is a fictional graphic novel text written by Claribel A. Ortega and illustrated by Rose Bousamra.
- The text follows Marlene, a young Dominican-American girl coming to terms with growing up.
- Graphic novels include features such as speech bubbles, thought bubbles & sound effects to explain what is happening.
- Readers sometimes have to infer what has happened, rather than being told by the author or illustrator.
- The text celebrates Spanish language and Dominican culture; this helps ground the story in Marlene’s cultural heritage.
Keywords
Graphic novel - a form of text combining words and images in long-form, sequential art panels
Peritext - the elements around a book, including its cover, title and blurb
Cultural heritage - the traditions, beliefs and values passed down through generations
Inference - to use clues from within the text to draw conclusions
Common misconception
Pupils may expect direct translations for Spanish text.
Explain that untranslated Spanish is the author and illustrators intention. Meaning can be inferred by exploring the surrounding panels for clues and context.
Teacher tip
To build up a better understanding of language and Dominican culture, questions and thoughts can be noted by pupils as they read. Pupils should read pages 18-59 prior to the next lesson.
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2022 First Second edition of ‘Frizzy’, written by Claribel A. Ortega and illustrated by Rose Bousamra, for this lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.True or false? Readers can discover clues as to the contents of a text from its front cover.
Q2.Which of the following best describes a narrative?
Q3.True or false? All panels in a graphic novel text have to be in a rectangular box.
Q4.What is a suitable definition of a theme?
Q5.A tradition is ...
Q6.Why are words usually emboldened in a graphic novel text?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What type of text is 'Frizzy'?
Q2.Match each keyword to the correct definition.
the elements around a book, including its cover, title and blurb
the traditions, beliefs and values passed down through generations
using clues from within the text to draw conclusions
Q3.Using the front cover, match the following key elements found on text covers to information about the graphic novel.
Rose Bousamra
Claribel A. Ortega
First Second Books
Frizzy
Q4.Which words best describe how Marlene feels about being at the salon? Refer to page 3.
Q5.Which of the following definitions best describes a 'quince'?
Q6.True or false? Our initial responses to a text will all be the same.
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Introducing the context of 'Frizzy', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 English lesson on: Introducing the context of 'Frizzy', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 English lessons from the 'No Country' and 'Frizzy': graphic novels exploring identity and belonging unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.