Article
Art By Elio
Mini Graphic,

It Was an Accident!

Enjoy a mini graphic novel about apologizing.

By Katie Mach
From the March/April 2025 Issue

Learning Objective: Children will discuss how and why we apologize.

Lexiles: 330L
Featured Skill: Main Idea,
Topic: SEL,
Common Core Standards
  • RF.1.3 Decoding RI.1.3 Connecting information RI.1.4 Vocabulary RI.1.5 Text features RI.1.6 Distinguish between information from words and images RI.1.7 Use illustrations to describe key ideas SL.1.1 Participate in collaborative discussions with peers and adults
TEKS Standards
  • Health
    (3) Mental health and wellness—social and emotional health. The student identifies and applies strategies to develop socio-emotional health, self-regulation, and healthy relationships. The student is expected to: (E) describe ways to build and maintain friendships; (F) identify ways to respectfully communicate verbally and nonverbally; (G) identify feelings and emotions expressed by others; (H) identify and practice ways to solve conflicts with friends and peers.

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It Was an Accident!

By Katie Mach

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About the Story

English Language Arts Focus

Genres of literature

Social and Life Skills Focus

Relationship skills

Self-awareness

Step-by-Step Lesson Plan
Download the Lesson Plan

Implementation

  • Whole group

Pairings and Text Connections

  • Suggested book: Pete the Cat and the Missing Cupcakes by Kimberly and James Dean; How to Apologize by David LaRochelle

Before-Reading Resources

  • Video: What Is a Comic? (5 minutes) Explore how comics use pictures, thoughts, and dialogue to tell a story.

Suggested Reading Focus

Relationship skills/self-awareness (20 minutes)

  • Ask students to think about why you might have to apologize to someone. Why is it important to say sorry to someone?
  • Read the comic with expression. Check children’s comprehension after each panel. Children can also turn and talk to discuss.
  • Using the Talk It Out questions, discuss the comic. Encourage children to make personal connections. Can they think of a time they made a mistake? Did they apologize? Brainstorm words you can use when you say sorry.

Text-to-Speech