Subject: ESL/ELL (English Language Learning)

Lesson Length: 45 mins - 1 hour

Topic: Expression, Instruction, History, Narration

Grade Level: 6, 7, 8

Standards / Framework:

Brief Description: Students will show an accurate interpretation of a historical event or historical figure.

Know Before You Start: Students should be familiar with the idea of making accurate representations of events or people.

Hook:

  • Ask students:
    • “What is a historical event?”
    • “Why is it important to portray historical events and figures accurately?”
    • “How can we find the main points of a historical event or the main characteristics of a historical figure?”

Activity:

  • As a class, have students discuss common historical figures or events to help brainstorm ideas.
  • Have students discuss different ways to portray a figure or event.
  • Have students choose an event or figure to illustrate.
  • Using the sample comic as a guide, have students create a comic showing key points in their event or key characteristics of their character.

Closure:

  • Have students share their comics with the class or in small groups.
  • Have students explain why they chose that historical person or event.
  • Discuss why it’s important to be able to communicate about historical people or events with accuracy.
  • Emphasize that research and facts are important for historical non-fiction narratives.

Differentiation:

  • Allow students to use the speech-to-text feature.
  • Allow students to work in pairs or groups as needed.
  • Allow students to use the voiceover feature to read their comics aloud.
  • Allow students to choose the historical figure or event they wish to portray, as well as the level of detail they wish to share.
  • Allow students to use digital dictionaries/translators as appropriate for your class policy.

Suggested Story Starters: