Presenter: Name: Tiffany Spriggs

Title: Library Media Specialist
Organization/School: Pearson Middle School

Program Description
In this interactive session, teachers and librarians will explore how visual narratives—graphic novels, illustrated books, and comics—can support social-emotional learning (SEL) for English Language Learners (ELLs). These texts, with their blend of images and accessible language, help ELLs understand and express emotions, fostering emotional growth, empathy, and cultural understanding.

The session will highlight how visual cues in these narratives—such as facial expressions and body language—help ELLs relate to characters’ emotional journeys, promoting SEL skills like emotional expression, conflict resolution, and empathy. By engaging with stories of characters overcoming challenges like isolation or cultural adaptation, ELLs can better process their own emotions and develop a sense of empathy toward others.

Participants will learn practical strategies to integrate visual narratives into classroom and library programs, using them to teach key SEL concepts like emotional recognition and empathy. The session will also cover emotional literacy activities and scaffolded instruction for diverse language proficiency levels.

Attendees will receive a curated list of effective visual narratives for SEL, including
• El Deafo by Cece Bell
• Smile by Raina Telgemeier
• The Arrival by Shaun Tan, and
• American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang,
all of which explore themes of self-identity, empathy, and cultural understanding.

By the end, participants will leave with actionable strategies and resources to use visual narratives to create supportive, inclusive learning environments that foster SEL for ELLs.

Learning Objectives
Learning Objectives: By the end of the session, participants will:
• Understand the role of visual narratives in supporting SEL for ELLs.
• Know how to use graphic novels and illustrated texts to explore emotions, relationships, and cultural understanding.
• Discover practical strategies for incorporating visual narratives into both classroom and library settings.
• Gain confidence in selecting and using culturally relevant visual narratives that resonate with ELLs.

Program Outline
Greeting & Icebreaker
• Start with a brief check-in to gauge how participants are feeling by asking, “What’s one word you would use to describe how you feel about supporting ELLs in your classroom?" (Nearpod lesson)

Overview of SEL
• 5 core SEL competencies - self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making.
• Discuss how SEL is crucial for all students, especially ELLs, supporting emotional regulation, building self-esteem, and promoting a sense of belonging.

Interactive Discussion:
• Ask "How do emotional experiences and language development intersect for English language learners?" (Nearpod lesson)
• Discuss how SEL supports language acquisition by creating a positive, supportive environment where students feel safe to express themselves.

The Role of SEL in ELL Success:
• Share research or data linking SEL competencies with improved academic outcomes for ELLs.
• Explain how understanding and regulating emotions can help ELLs navigate the complexities of learning a new language and culture.

Visual Narratives: Definition and Purpose
What Are Visual Narratives?
• Define visual narratives
• Highlight how they can be used to bridge language barriers for ELLs
• Why visual narratives matter for ELLs
• Show examples of visual stories (actual books or cover art if not available)
• Emphasize how visuals support comprehension, vocabulary acquisition, and the development of empathy and social awareness.

Practical Strategies: Using Visual Narratives to Support SEL and Language Development
Strategy 1: Picture Storytelling
• Demonstrate how to use pictures from a storybook or a set of images to guide students in telling a story in their own words. This helps students process emotions, organize their thoughts, and practice language in a low-pressure environment.
Strategy 2: Visual Vocabulary and Emotions (5 minutes):
o Introduce a strategy where students match emotions with pictures. Show images depicting various emotions and have students describe or act out the emotion.
o Explain how this can help students understand both emotional expression and new vocabulary in a contextual setting.
Strategy 3: Emotion-Based Video Clips (5 minutes):
o Show a short video clip (1–2 minutes) without sound and ask participants how they think the characters are feeling – would this be helpful in a classroom supporting ELLs

Group Activity: SEL and Visual Narrative Integration
In small groups, participants will create a short visual narrative plan for an ELL lesson. They will choose an SEL competency (e.g., self-awareness) and create a story idea or activity that uses visuals to teach both language and SEL concepts.

Wrap-Up and Reflection and Closing Thoughts
• Summarize key takeaways about how SEL and visual narratives can support the emotional and linguistic development of ELLs.
• Encourage participants to experiment with these strategies in their classrooms and observe their students' responses.
Provide a slide in the presentation (or a handout) with additional resources on SEL frameworks and visual storytelling techniques for ELLs.
Encourage teachers to reflect on their own practice and explore ways to integrate SEL and visuals into their everyday teaching methods.
Visual Narratives and SEL: Supporting English Language Learners

Grade Level: Prek-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12

Session Strand: Literacy

Presenter
Tiffany Spriggs

I am a dedicated educator with 23 years of experience in public education, all within a Title I school setting. Because of this, I understand the unique challenges and strengths of underserved communities and remain a passionate advocate for providing every child with the tools and opportunities needed to thrive. After spending 14 years as an elementary classroom teacher, I transitioned into the role of school librarian, a position I have held for the past 9 years. In this role, I continue to inspire a love of reading, support literacy development, and provide access to vital resources for both students and staff.

My undergraduate degree is in Elementary Education from the University of North Georgia. I then went on to earn my Master's degree in Instructional Technology in 2007 and this past May, I earned my Education Specialist (Ed.S.) degree from the University of Alabama, further expanding my expertise in instructional leadership and school library practice. I also hold certification in middle grades mathematics (6–8), bringing a strong foundation in numeracy and problem-solving to my work across disciplines.

Passionate about educational equity and student empowerment, I bring practical experience, academic insight, and a commitment to lifelong learning to every educational setting.


Description: In this engaging and interactive session, school library media specialists will explore the power of visual narratives (graphic novels, illustrated books, and comics) as tools for teaching social-emotional learning (SEL) to English Language Learners (ELLs). Attendees will gain practical strategies for integrating visual stories into their curriculum and library programs, with an emphasis on fostering emotional growth, empathy, and cultural understanding among diverse student populations. Participants will leave with actionable ideas, resources, and techniques for using visual narratives to create inclusive, supportive learning environments that meet the unique needs of ELLs.