LESSON PLANS
DEAR BODY Published by : Fairsquare Comics ISBN : 9798985927832 Ages : Ages 16 and up
Dear Body is an anthology of comics , created by female and nonbinary creators all addressing body positivity in some way or another . These stories emerged from Lea Bordier ’ s long running video documentary series that gathers “ women ’ s testimonies on their relationship to the body .” Each comic is the result of a pairing an interviewee with a cartoonist to produce a dozen gorgeous , unique visual narrative . The range of artistic styles here is truly something to behold .
To address each individual comic here would take … well , quite some time , so I will limit myself to two of my favorites . First there is Lucie by Sybilline Meynet , which tells the story of a tattoo artist and a client seeking to get a tattoo to cover up a scar . In the story we get to see different approaches to handling the painful memories associated with scars , with the attention they can sometimes bring , and , importantly , that there is no one right approach to living with your body , your past , and how people see you in the world . Colored with a soft , calming palette and ending with a bit of the fantastical , this one sticks with you . I ’ ve always thought tattooing and cartooning are a natural match for one another , so perhaps I was predisposed to liking this one .
Then there is Camille by Marie Boiseau , which is about 23-year-old ( at the time of telling ) Marie , who was born with cerebral palsy and has a , in her words , “ chaotic and paradoxical ” relationship with her body . It is so rare to see disability in comics told from the perspective of someone living it , and rarer still to see mobility aids depicted in a realistic and positive way , that this comic immediately stood out . The love and care on display in the panels highlighting Marie ’ s handidansing are wonderful . Ending on what she calls a positive moment , and what I consider part of my own chronic pain therapy routine , Marie reflects that most of our problems become secondary when we recognize how lucky we are to be here at all – to simply be alive .
Dear Body is opens up a world of conversation about what it means to be ( in ) a body and how insisting on the right to be comfortable in the world in one ’ s body is vital .
ELEMENTS OF STORY Plot : A series of interviews turned comics with female and nonbinary creators about their bodies , their experiences , and owning space in the world . Characters : N / A Major Settings : N / A Themes : Body positivity , health , feminism , identity , disability Lesson Plan Idea Using Common Core Standards ( CCS ) CCSS . ELA-LITERACY . W . 9-10.3 – Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique , well-chosen details , and well-structured event sequences .
DIRECTIONS : Dear Body is an anthology , featuring 12 stories from women or non-binary individuals about their bodies , from the pressures they ’ ve faced to the joys they ’ ve experienced . Presented here as comics , the stories are adapted from interviews that Lea Bordier conducted originally for YouTube or podcasts . Given the personal nature of these stories , rather than have students conduct an in-depth analysis of the book , let us turn to creative efforts . Step 1 : Assign students to read Dear Body over the course of a few weeks , with dedicated times throughout to discuss the stories they ’ ve read as a group in class . Perhaps two comics from the anthology per discussion period . Encourage students to explore not only the content of the comics , but their form as well . Why were those colors chosen ? What metaphors were used ? Were there stiff panels or was it more free-flowing ? It is important here that students consider how the medium shapes the message .
Step 2 : Midway through the reading period , introduce the following prompt to the students : “ Consider a time , feeling , or experience where you were especially aware of your body . What prompted or led up to the event and how has it impacted you up to today ?” Students should consider this prompt while finishing reading Dear Body and prepare a few possible options for answering the prompt . Students can present their answer in a variety of creative formats : written essay , zine , comic , podcast , and so on . ( Teacher , be flexible in format and length !)
Step 3 : Students should submit a proposal for their project prior to the final discussion session . Proposals will be returned with teach comments on final day of discussion .
Step 4 : On final day of discussion of Dear Body , provide feedback on student proposals and provide class time for one-onone discussion with any student who needs additional support .
Step 5 : Students will have two weeks past final discussion day to finish their creative project . The projects only have to be provided to the teacher , though students should feel free to distribute to classmates if they like . If students are comfortable , offer time for them to share their final project with the class .
Remember , the goal of this assignment includes understanding the book , as well as flexing narrative skills , but it is also about ensuring students have a space in which to discuss difficult topics . Grade should focus on how well the project presents and conveys the themes of the students ’ experiences , less so on specific artistic talents .
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR • Lead Collection & Knowledge Management Librarian Matthew Noe provides in depth graphic novel review and creates associated lesson plan for librarians and educators for graphic novels for their collection or classroom .
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