There are a variety of electives
offered every year at Bryant High School in every subject. These classes are not only a great way
for students to earn credit, but they also allow students to learn something new
and as a result challenge them in a refreshing way.
This year, the English Department
created a Graphic Novel & Comedy elective that has inspired students to
create stories from start to finish in a completely new format.
“The class is all about bringing out
the creative side of the students,” said English teacher Mr. Fischedick. “Anyone
can learn anything as long as they feel their ideas are an important part of
the experience.” Fischedick introduced the idea for this class in the fall and
students have engaged in the creative aspects of the course immediately.
A graphic novel is a narrative work
told through pictures arranged in sequential panels. Usually, words are presented in speech bubbles for dialogue
and text boxes for narration, although this may not always be the case.
“The goal for Graphic Novel & Comedy is to allow the
students’ creative sides to fuel the class, allowing them to really understand
the literary aspects they are being taught,” he added.
The assignments given to students in
the course are the most enjoyable part for both the students and teacher. “I like seeing the students
come up with their own work,”
Fischedick said. We just recently made our graphic novels and I was
blown away by the amount of work and detail the students put into their work.”
Although the elective is different
from a regular English class, the same elements can be applied. “The class is
different only in the material we study,” added Fischedick. “A good story,
whether it is a thousand page classic or a hundred page graphic novel, still
has important themes to be investigated, compelling characters and related
conflicts.”
The course can actually help students
understand figurative language more effectively because it is found commonly in
graphic novels. “The art of writing and understanding the different forms of
comedic writing lies a great deal in understanding the use of metaphor,
hyperbole, tone and such,” he added.
Electives like this are proof that
teaching students the same techniques and skills in a new format can foster an
exciting and productive environment for students to learn.