Year 4 - English
Developing an understanding of 'El Deafo' through rich discussions
'El Deafo': book club
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit, pupils explore and discuss the graphic novel memoir 'El Deafo'. They share their opinion on the text and explore the key themes of identity, family and self-acceptance. Finally, pupils engage in rich discussions around the characters in the text.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to discuss the main ideas of 'El Deafo'.
Key Notes
- El Deafo is a graphic novel memoir based on author Cece Bell's childhood.
- At the age of four, in 1974, Cece is diagnosed as deaf, following a bout of meningitis.
- The narrative follows her journey using a hearing aid and starting school.
- Graphic novels have many unique elements which allow readers to make meaning from both words and image.
- People may use Deaf and deaf terms differently based on their personal preferences and experiences.
Vocabulary To Learn
- graphic novel: A graphic novel is a type of text combining words and images in long-form, sequential art panels.
- memoir: A memoir is a historical account or biography written from personal knowledge.
- theme: A theme is a big idea, topic or message that recurs within a story.
- Deaf: Deaf (capitalised) refers to individuals who identify with the Deaf community, sometimes using sign language to communicate.
- deaf: deaf (lower case) refers to a medical or physical condition of hearing loss.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Pupils may expect all experiences with deafness and the Deaf community to reflect this text.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.
El Deafo is a graphic novel memoir based on author Cece Bell's childhood. At the age of four, in 1974, Cece is diagnosed as deaf, following a bout of meningitis.
2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'graphic novel'
A graphic novel is a type of text combining words and images in long-form, sequential art panels.
3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.
Mistake: Pupils may expect all experiences with deafness and the Deaf community to reflect this text. Correction: Explain to the children that the text explores an individual's recount of their experiences; it is not reflective of every experience within the Deaf community. Pupils could read additional texts to develop greater awareness and empathy.
More Lessons In This Unit
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