Integrating Social and Emotional Learning with Content: Using Graphic Texts for Differentiated Teaching in Grade 3-5 Classrooms

This book provides a framework for creatively and effectively teaching social and emotional learning across content areas in grades 3–5 using illustrated texts such as graphic novels, manga, and picture books.

Thoughtful book choices that reflect the range of diversities found in classrooms and communities help support students as they develop their academic skills, and provide opportunities to address their unique socio-emotional needs. Covering theoretical context, the benefits of using graphic texts to activate important cognitive structures, as well as specific techniques and advice for implementation, this book makes pairing effective, diverse books with thoughtfully designed, standards-aligned lessons encouragingly simple.

Packed with adaptable lesson plans, book lists, differentiated activities and more, this book is a must read for educators seeking truly integrated learning experiences that meet all learners’ academic and social and emotional learning (SEL) needs.

Sarah Bright, PhD, is a research associate at Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development and a post-doctoral research associate at Purdue University, where she works on research focusing on expanding the access of underrepresented gifted students to advanced programming and the impact of technology on learning. She is the co-author with Dr. Katherine Kapustka of Integrating Social and Emotional Learning with Content: Using Picture Books for Differentiated Teaching in K-3 Classrooms (Routledge, 2022).

Katherine Kapustka, Ed.D, is an associate professor of teacher education at DePaul University, where she also serves as the Director of Teacher Preparation, Leadership, and Licensure. She teaches a variety of courses in the elementary education program, including literacy and assessment. Her current research focuses on pre-service teachers’ understanding of and attitudes toward differentiation in the classroom. She is the co-author with Dr. Sarah Bright of Integrating Social and Emotional Learning with Content: Using Picture Books for Differentiated Teaching in K-3 Classrooms (Routledge, 2022).