Lesson video

Hello everyone.

How are you doing? I hope you're feeling really good.

My name is Ms. Afzal.

I tell you what, I'm feeling great today.

Guess why? We're going to be exploring a graphic novel and I love graphic novels.

This one in particular I adore.

It's called "Frizzy," and it's written by Claribel A.

Ortega, and it's illustrated by Rose Bousamra.

I would like you to go and get your copy of the text.

So I will wait here for you, pause the video while you go and get the text.

Okay, you're back.

You have your text in hand, your copy of "Frizzy." I'm really excited because this novel has some fantastic themes, I can't wait to get into them.

I can't wait to find out about identity, to explore identity, to explore our values and cultural heritage and so many other really important and interesting themes.

Shall we begin? Let's do it.

The outcome for today's lesson is I can infer what has happened in a visual text by examining details closely.

We have some keywords in our lesson today.

Let's go through them.

My turn, your turn.

Graphic novel.

Peritext.

Cultural heritage.

Inference.

Let's find out what these keywords mean.

A graphic novel is a form of text combining words and images in long form, sequential art panels.

Peritext are the elements around a book, including its cover, title and blurb.

Cultural heritage are the traditions, beliefs, and values passed down through generations.

And inference is to use clues from within the text to draw conclusions.

These are our keywords, let's look out for them.

Let's listen out for them, let's think carefully about these words, they'll be coming up in our lesson today.

Today's lesson is called "Introducing the Context of 'Frizzy.

'" It has three parts to it.

There is the introduction to the text, exploring cultural heritage and initial responses to the text.

Let's start at the beginning with the introduction to the text.

"Frizzy" is a fictional graphic novel text written by Claribel A.

Ortega and illustrated by Rose Bousamra.

And a graphic novel is a text that combines words and images in long form, sequential art panels and is one of my favourite ever kinds of texts, so I'm so pleased that this is what we are exploring today.

The text follows Marlene, a young Dominican-American girl coming to terms with growing up.

So Dominican-American means that her roots are in the Dominican Republic, and we can see an image of the Dominican Republic on the screen there, and the flag of the Dominican Republic.

Look at all that coastline.

The Caribbean Sea, the North Atlantic Ocean, oh my goodness.

Don't you just wanna be there? Marlene has naturally curly hair, however she faces pressure from her family to straighten it and look presentable.

The text contains themes of family, identity, self-acceptance and empowerment.

Empowerment, it's a noun, means the process of becoming stronger and more confident.

Pause video and tell someone nearby what is something that helps you to feel more empowered, to feel stronger and more confident? Is there anything that helps you to feel empowered? Okay, thanks for sharing.

I love that word empowerment.

I think it's a good thing to talk about.

For me, I feel empowered when I'm with my friends and my family or when I'm doing something that really expresses my identity, expresses who I am or key aspects of my identity, including my cultural heritage.

So that's something that can help me to feel really empowered.

Graphic novels contain many specific features, including call outs, which are speech bubbles, thought bubbles, sound effects, panels, and gutters.

Being presented in a graphic novel format means that meaning can be made from the words, the illustrations, or a combination of the two.

Alongside the front cover, the back cover and spine of the text can provide the readers with clues as to what might occur in the text.

This can be referred to as the peritext.

I would like you to read and explore the peritext.

What do you notice? What do you think will happen in the text? So pause the video, read and explore the peritext and answer these questions, share your answers with someone nearby.

Enjoy exploring and sharing.

Okay, so what did you come up with? What did you spot? Perhaps you spotted a confident young girl with large, frizzy hair.

She's looking at the reader.

There are several objects on the spine including a comb, cosmetics, shampoo, cream, hair ties, and a hat.

I wonder if these all feature in the narrative.

The blurb describes Marlene's three most prized possessions, her artwork and relationships with best friend, Camilla and auntie, Ruby.

Okay, we cannot continue without having a think about our own three most prized possessions.

So pause the video here, have a think about what are three possessions that you really prize.

So pause the video here and reflect on what are three of your most prized possessions.

They can be things, they don't have to be people or relationships, it's up to you.

And if you'd like, you could share these with someone nearby and if you like, maybe you wanna just keep them to yourself and that's fine too.

Okay, well thank you so much for sharing.

Maybe I'll share some, a few of my most prized possessions.

So one would definitely have to be relationships.

I'm gonna have to lump them all in together, 'cause there's too many people that I love to be with.

So that would be friends and family, but also the children that I teach and the staff and teachers that I work with.

So yeah, the people in my life, so, so prized.

And another thing I would say would be pen and paper, because for me, I'm really into writing, I love writing.

So those are really prized possessions for me.

And now let's continue exploring the peritext.

So the back cover contains a small, spiralbound book, some to-do notes, and two pens.

I wonder if these are used by Marlene to create her artwork? Well done if you spotted some of these things as you explored the peritext.

Check for understanding.

Using the front cover, match the following information about the book.

Rose Bousamra.

Claribel A.

Ortega.

First Second Books.

"Frizzy." And I'd like you to match these to publisher, title, illustrator and author.

Pause the video while you match up the information.

So Rose Bousamra is the illustrator, what a talented person.

Claribel A.

Ortega is the author, another extremely talented individual.

First Second Books are the amazing publishers, well done for choosing to publish this book.

And "Frizzy" is the title of this graphic novel.

Well done if you made these connections.

Before we begin reading the story, we are introduced to Marlene, her mother, Paola, and auntie, Ruby.

They are pictured on the inside front cover on a mobile.

We join Marlene as she's at the salon.

I would like you to read and explore page three.

So pause the video while you do this.

Okay, now I've got some questions for you.

How do you think Marlene is feeling and how do you know? Pause the video while you reflect on these questions and share your answers with someone nearby.

Let's hear from Alex.

"Marlene's expression reminds me of when I've been annoyed, her eyebrows are furrowed.

She is back at salon after only three days.

It must be for a special occasion." Yeah, good spot there.

She does look pretty annoyed, doesn't she? Those furrowed eyebrows.

Thanks for sharing, Alex, and thank you for sharing as well.

Marlene clearly doesn't enjoy herself when she's at the salon.

I would like you to read and explore pages four and five.

Pause the video while you do this.

And now I'd like you to list one reason why Marlene does not enjoy the experience like her mother.

Pay attention particularly to the use of emboldening.

So that's when the text is in bold.

Pause video while you do this.

Here's Izzy, "Her hairdresser, Gleny, finds it challenging to detangle Marlene's hair and Marlene feels like she's blamed." That's really tough, isn't it? Really tough thing, Marlene.

Thank you for sharing.

Marlene finds a way to entertain herself while her hair is put in rollers.

I'd like you to read and explore pages 6 to 11.

Who does Marlene compare herself to and what does she imagine herself as? So pause the video while you read and explore those pages of the graphic novel and answer this question, who does Marlene compare herself to and what does she imagine herself as? And share with someone nearby.

So pause the video and I'll see you when you're finished.

"Marlene compares herself to Dulce Maria, a singer from a band she enjoys listening to.

She imagines herself as a superhero, battling against Gleny." Thanks for that, Andy.

Some really powerful images there.

Singer of the band and a superhero.

And the Spanish phrase used on page 11 translates to, "What a mop of hair your girl has!" Not a very polite thing to say about Marlene, if you ask me.

Think she looks amazing.

Check for understanding, true or false.

Marlene enjoys going to the salon.

Pause the video while you decide if this is true or false.

Well done if you selected false, and now I'd like you to justify your answer by selecting from one of the following two statements.

Marlene complains about returning to the salon after only three days.

Marlene is getting ready for her cousin Diana's quince.

Pause video while you select which of these statements justifies your earlier answer.

Both of these statements are true, however, it's the first one that more directly relates to and justifies your earlier answer.

Well done if you selected this statement, and now it's time for your first task.

In the opening few pages, we have a good understanding of two of the main characters in "Frizzy", Marlene and her mother.

I'd like you to create two mind maps with information that you have learned about them.

You can use the words and illustrations to infer possible character traits and feelings.

And remember, infer means to use clues from within the text to draw conclusions.

And you can use evidence from pages 1 to 11 to support your reasoning.

So pause the video here while you create two mind maps with information that you have learned about Marlene and her mother.

Okay, great to be back with you.

So what's on your mind map for Marlene? What's on your mind map for Paola, Marlene's mother? Let's have a look at some ideas.

So Marlene is annoyed, she does not want to be at the salon.

She's determined, Marlene just wants to be herself.

Here, here, Marlene.

She's creative and imaginative, Marlene has a vivid imagination.

I love that.

Let's move on to Paola.

She's quite strict, she focuses on beauty and appearance.

She's overly caring, she wants her daughter to be the best version of herself.

Were your ideas similar or different from these, I wonder.

And thank you for sharing them.

And now let's explore cultural heritage.

The text celebrates Spanish language and Dominican culture.

The inclusion of Spanish helps to ground a story in Marlene's cultural heritage.

Cultural heritage means the traditions, beliefs, and values passed down through generations.

As well as referring to her auntie as Tia, there are several phrases and expressions featured throughout the text.

This can add an extra layer of meaning for readers who understand a language.

For those who don't, it's possible to infer meaning through the image and what is happening around the words.

Before we continue reading, it's important to have some understanding about a quince.

I'd like you to refer to pages three to seven.

If you had no previous knowledge or experience of this word, what in the text would help you work out what it means? Pause the video, refer to those pages, and then share your ideas with someone nearby.

Here is Jacob, "Marlene's mother mentions looking nice for Diana's quince, 'There will be pictures!' Therefore I think it might be a type of party or celebration that Marlene has to make a good impression for." Really great inference there, Jacob, thank you.

I like your answer there.

A quince or quinceanera, so we pronounce that quinceanera, is a significant and traditional celebration in many Latin American cultures, including the Dominican Republic.

It marks a girl's transition from childhood to young womanhood on her 15th birthday.

The quinceanera is a major community event that brings together family and friends to celebrate the young woman.

It reflects the values of family, tradition and community in Latin American cultures.

So I haven't actually experienced a quinceanera myself, but a couple of my friends have, and it was really interesting to talk to them about their experiences.

It sounds like a really significant and beautiful occasion that people will always remember and really, really enjoy celebrating.

And we can see that, we can see some people really enjoying this celebration of a quinceanera in that image there.

Check for understanding.

Which of the following definitions best describes a quince? A hairstyle that Marlene must have to look presentable, an informal term to describe someone's auntie, a traditional Dominican celebration marking a girl's transition to young womanhood at 15.

So pause the video while you decide which of these definitions best describes a quince.

Well done if you selected statement C.

Indeed, a quince is a traditional Dominican celebration marking a girl's transition to young womanhood at 15.

And in fact, it is a celebration in many Latin American countries.

And now it's time for your next task.

Do you have a tradition like Marlene? And is it linked to an aspect of your cultural heritage? Your family? Or your faith? A tradition can also be something that you do regularly, such as Marlene visiting the salon.

I would like you to share your tradition with your talk partner.

And do you notice any similarities or differences? So pause the video and share with someone nearby a tradition that is linked to an aspect of your cultural heritage.

And if there's not something immediately coming to your mind, then maybe you could share about a tradition that you know that someone else, maybe a friend of yours, has in their family or in their faith.

Pause the video here.

Okay, it's great to be back with you.

I am curious to find out about whether you have any traditions like Marlene or if anyone else you know has a particular tradition linked to their cultural heritage.

Let's hear from Aisha.

Aisha's gonna tell us about her friend.

All right, so, "My friend celebrates a Bar Mitzvah or Bat Mitzvah, which happens aged 12 or 13.

It is a Jewish coming of age ceremony." Oh, thanks for sharing that one.

And here's Laura.

"Our tradition is to have a meal on Sunday with my family.

It means we all make time for one another.

It usually includes roast meat or vegetables and potatoes." Oh my goodness.

I love the sound of those roast potatoes.

Oh, making me feel hungry, Laura.

What a great tradition.

A tradition that I always enjoyed celebrating with my family when I was a child was the celebration of Eid, and we would gather together with family and there'd be lots of fantastic food.

Everyone would be dressed up, the kids would be playing, we'd play with my cousins, and it was a really, really wonderful time that I enjoyed very much.

And now let's move on to initial responses to the text.

Graphic novels can sometimes contain breaks or chapters.

These can act as a change of scene.

I'd like you to read and explore to the end of the scene, pages 12 to 17.

Pause the video while you do this.

And now I'd like you to answer this question, what is the difference between how Marlene sees herself and how her mother and Gleny see her? Pause video and share your answer with someone nearby.

Let's hear from Lucas.

"Marlene does not like how she looks.

Her mother and Gleny describe her as 'cute', 'presentable', and 'beautiful'." Bit of a contrast there we can see between how Marlene sees herself and how her mother and Gleny see her with her new hairstyle.

Thanks for sharing your answers.

When talking about texts, the reader's perspective and experience of reading is very influential.

We can note down our initial responses by focusing on likes, parts of the text that we enjoy.

These might reflect our own experiences, thoughts or feelings.

Dislikes, not necessarily parts we don't like.

Dislikes can also be things that don't reflect our values and preferences.

And puzzles, parts of the text that we're curious to find out more about.

It's important to remember that some readers may have the same preferences as you, others may not.

Everyone's ideas are equally valid.

I'm going to discuss some of my likes, dislikes, and puzzles.

I liked how the text introduces me to Marlene's cultural heritage, including aspects of Dominican culture and Spanish language.

I really love learning about things that are new to me, and I didn't know so much about Dominican culture, so I loved learning that.

I disliked how Marlene is unable to be herself.

She goes through this tradition to make her mother happy, not herself.

And I wonder if the relationship between Marlene and her mother will change throughout the graphic novel.

Hmm.

Let's keep reading, I'm really curious to find out.

And I hope you enjoyed sharing your likes, dislikes, and puzzles.

Check for understanding.

Match the terms to their definitions.

Likes, dislikes, puzzles.

Sections of the text that don't reflect our values and preferences.

Sections of the text that we are curious to find out more about.

Sections of the text that we enjoy.

Pause video while you match the terms to their definitions.

Puzzles are sections of the text that we are curious to find out more about.

Likes are sections of the text that we enjoy and dislikes are sections of the text that don't reflect our values and preferences.

Well done if you made these connections.

And now it's time for your final task.

Referring to what we've read so far, what are your first impressions of the text? Likes, what caught your attention? What made you wanna keep reading? Turning those pages, looking at those panels? Dislikes, was there anything that you did not understand? Puzzles, was there anything you found strange or surprising? Pause the video here, refer back to what you've read so far and share your first impressions of the text.

Your likes, your dislikes, your puzzles.

I'll see you when you're finished.

It's great to be back with you.

So what are your first impressions? What caught your attention? What made you want to keep on reading? Let's hear some responses.

"I like how panels changed based on Marlene's imagination.

The expression of Dulce Maria changed from page 8 to 14 to reflect how Marlene is feeling." Yeah, that was really clever, wasn't it? Really creative, love that.

Dislikes, was there anything that you did not understand? "I didn't like how Marlene's mother thought that being beautiful was the only thing that mattered." Here, here, absolutely.

It's really, really, really not the most important thing.

And puzzles, was there anything you found strange or surprising? "I wonder what will happen to Marlene at the quince? Will lots of her family be like her mother?" Let's find out.

In our lesson today, "Introducing the context of 'Frizzy'", we have covered the following.

"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 many features such as speech bubbles, thought bubbles, and sound effects to inform the reader 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.

I really enjoyed exploring the context of "Frizzy" with you.

Such an incredible graphic novel.

I'm learning so much, I'm loving so much, and I'm also a little concerned for Marlene too.

Let's find out, let's see what happens as we continue with this novel.

Thanks for all your great ideas and your input.

It was really wonderful to be here with you today.

I'll see you at the next lesson soon.

Bye for now.