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SLJ Visits the Digital Lizards Classroom
School Library Journal
School Library Journal previewed the next two volumes of Digital Lizards of Doom and looked at how San Diego Unified is teaching with the book, including a five-day lesson plan built with teacher David Ebert.
Comics in schools? Yes, the book has been adopted by the San Diego (CA) Unified School District, and writer Gabriel Valentin has teamed up with San Diego teacher David Ebert to create a 5-day lesson plan that delves into graphic novel structure, literary devices, identifying the characters’ emotions and how they evolve, and how to analyze the author’s point of view. Valentin has also developed a curriculum for after-school programs. Like the book, the educational materials are geared for ages 7-12. The book is accompanied by a soundtrack, which can be streamed for free, and puppet show videos on YouTube. Here’s the reaction from Tobie Pace, the San Diego Unified School District Senior Director Extended Learning Opportunities:
The DLOD book has ignited a passion for literacy in some of our most disengaged students. Gabe’s creative style of writing in a text based format along with the engaging plot eliminates barriers of accessibility to engage young readers to see themselves as readers. The implementation of this graphic novel into our afterschool programs in San Diego Unified School district has sparked a love for reading in our students. In addition, Gabe has incorporated various components of Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) through the companion curriculum, videos, and songs. I strongly recommend this book and curriculum to students in 3rd-7th grade.
From School Library Journal
School Library Journal’s Good Comics for Kids gave readers an exclusive look at the next two volumes of Digital Lizards of Doom, along with a report on how the books are being used in schools.
San Diego Unified has adopted the series, and Gabriel Valentin partnered with San Diego teacher David Ebert on a five-day lesson plan covering graphic novel structure, literary devices, character emotions and the author’s point of view. The piece also covers the after-school curriculum, the free soundtrack and the puppet show videos.
