Creative Writing Residency: Graphic Novels (Grades 5-8)

Under Motoko’s step-by-step guidance, each student will write a narrative fiction in a graphic novel format. Students will gain knowledge of characteristics and conventions of myths and legends, and apply them to their own writing by using well-defined characters, clear event sequences, dialogues and descriptive details. They will learn strategies to communicate ideas and feelings through art and text, and to make the two work together. They will understand the cultural role of myths and legends as a vehicle for teaching morals and lessons, and express their own worldview and values through writing and sharing their original stories.

This residency was initially developed for the 5th and 6th graders at Elm Park Community School in Worcester, MA, funded by the Massachusetts Cultural Council’s STARS Residency Grant.