As teachers, one should understanding the formatting of the graphic novel.  It will certainly aid you in working with your students.

-- A graphic novel is created using the following basic structure:

   -- Panels

   -- Panel borders

   -- Specific arrangement of the panels

   -- Possible exceptions

      -- Sometimes a small panel may be embedded in a larger panel to relate background information or an author's details

      -- Sometimes the panel arrangement may be changed from left to right from top to bottom or across a two-page spread for emphasis

      -- Sometimes different configurations are used to add details to the story

      -- The exceptions are rare because authors do not want to confuse readers

-- Gutters will provide pauses for readers to provide pauses that will integrate pauses that may show changes in time or jumps between characters or action

-- Ballons

      -- Contain thought, dialogue, and/or sound effects

            -- Staging

                  -- For setting the scene. Often rectangular box shapes implementing a different fone

            -- Story

            -- Thought

                  -- Convey a character's thoughts, emotions, and motives

            -- Dialogue

                  -- Characters are speaking aloud

            -- Sound effects

                  -- Convey senses or sound images.  Othen written in large, interesting fonts

            -- Ballon-less ballons

                  -- Text relaying thought, dialogue, or direction not placed in a balloon