K-12 Opportunity: Graphic Literature and Global Literacy Workshop (UT Austin)

Deadline for Registration: Ongoing Until Filled

Graphic Literature and Global Literacy – Strategies and resources to inspire critical conversations in ELA and Social Studies classrooms

Saturday, October 6, 2018
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Perry Castaneda Library (Learning Labs)
University of Texas at Austin Campus

This workshop will examine graphic literature from around the world to show how it can be used to increase global awareness and encourage explorations of diverse cultures and perspectives. For students, graphic novels and comic books are appealing resources that allow them to formulate and grasp new and challenging ideas while developing their creativity. For teachers, these multimodal texts offer new ways to engage students and assess their facility in understanding and analyzing content. They provide a chance to build literacy and critical thinking skills by helping students develop a deeper and more complex understanding of what they read. Graphic literature also provides an alternate way of approaching biographies and other forms of literature, introduces important political events and cultural moments, builds historical knowledge, and facilitates understandings of the development of national and social identities.The workshop is designed for ELA and Social Studies educators at the middle and high school level, and addresses Texas and national teaching standards related to literacy and critical thinking; how culture and experience influence people’s perceptions of place and history; understanding points of view; interpretation and critical evaluation of different resources; and expression of ideas in a creative way.

Speakers will illuminate the benefits and perils of using graphic literature to build global awareness and facilitate students’ abilities to engage in critical conversations about the world. Teachers will leave with carefully vetted materials and effective strategies for introducing global graphic literature to their students.

Space is limited to 30 participants who will be chosen on a first-come, first-serve basis. Attendance is free of charge to all teachers, but pre-registration is required.

Attendees will receive:
• 5 Professional Development Hours (CPE)
• Free teacher materials (books, lesson plans, etc.)
• Continental Breakfast, Lunch and other refreshments

To register and for more information on the workshop please send an email with information on where (school/district) and what you teach (grades/subjects) to Rachel Meyer at rachelmeyer@austin.utexas.edu