Comics+in+the+Classroom

__**A. Why use comics in the classroom?**__

//Courtesy of S. Hendy//

__** NETS ** **for** **Students** ** : **__ //**( N ational E ducation T echnology S tandards)**// 1. Creativity and Innovation (a, b)  2. Communication and Collaboration (a, b, d)  3. Research and Information Fluency (d)  4. Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Decision Making (b, c, d)  5. Digital Citizenship (a, b)  6. Technology Operations and Concepts (a, b, c, d)  __**B. How can comics be used in the classroom?**__
 * 1) Create an "All About Me" comic at the beginning of the year.
 * 2) Reinforce vocabulary/spelling words by using them in context.
 * 3) Create a set of instructions.
 * 4) Present research in a creative format.
 * 5) Interviews of characters, scientists, mathematicians....
 * 6) Convert a traditional story into a comic.
 * 7) Write a story.
 * 8) Respond to a current event.
 * 9) Sequence events from a story or science experiment.
 * 10) Demonstrate comprehension skill (cause/effect, point of view, etc.)
 * 11) Give directions to students in a clever way!
 * 12) Adapt a poem.
 * 13) Summarize story or concept.
 * 14) Apply song lyrics to a comic.
 * 15) Present findings from a science experiment.
 * 16) Illustrate a math problem.

__**C. What comics should I try?**__


 * __1. ReadWriteThink Comic Creator: __ **

[|Planning Sheet]
 * Student friendly....step by step.
 * Planning sheet allows students to prepare their work before they get to the computer.
 * Choose backgrounds, characters, and props.
 * Work cannot be saved.
 * Site gives lesson ideas for K - 12.
 * Prints with ease.




 * __2. Super Action Comic Maker:__ **


 * Six frames.
 * Select super heroes, backgrounds, and speech bubbles.
 * Scale and Action tools are unique.
 * Easily printed.




 * __3. MakeBeliefsComix:__ **


 * Choose 2, 3, or 4 frames.
 * Variety of characters, scenes, talk/thought balloons, and objects.
 * Foreign Language Option: Write in English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, or Latin.
 * Teacher Resources available.
 * Printable blank comics.
 * Can be emailed or printed.



Tutorial: [] Printable Version of Comics: [] Tutorial used by Mrs. Murphy with third grade: @http://screencast.com/t/YjgxZTkyMW


 * __4. Garfield:__ **


 * One frame or three.
 * Select from Garfield characters, backgrounds, and text bubbles.
 * Editing tools are easy to use.
 * Print with ease.




 * __5. Disney Comic:__ **


 * Simple format....more of a poster.
 * Select one of four characters and modify features to your liking.
 * Write a short story to accompany the character created.
 * Prints nicely.


 * __6. Super Hero Squad Show:__ **


 * Create a simple comic with 1 - 3 frames or an entire comic book.
 * Select backgrounds, characters, objects, dialogue bubbles, and sound effects.


 * __7. Myths and Legends:__ **


 * Create a cartoon myth by dragging and dropping animated characters.
 * Sound effects can be added.
 * Variety of pictures for background, characters, and props.
 * Audio recording of story is an option.
 * Read the story online or print.



**__8. Comic Life:__**


 * Import your own pictures.
 * Great editing tools and effects.
 * Print or save with ease.
 * Individual license is great for teacher use.
 * Appropriate for elementary or high school ages.
 * Must purchase individual or site licenses.







[|How to Use Comic Life in the Classroom] [|Comic Life Tutorial Slide Show]

**__D. Additional Teacher Resources:__**

[|Comics in the Classroom: 100 Tips, Tools, and Resources for Teachers] [|A Teacher's Guide to Comic Book Creation] [|Eek! Comics in the Classroom] media type="custom" key="9652250"

__**E. More Comic Sites:**__
 * 1) [|Bitstrips]
 * 2) [|Witty Comics]
 * 3) [|Pixton]
 * 4) [|Super Lame]
 * 5) [|pikikids]
 * 6) [|Stage'd]
 * 7) [|Charlotte's Web]
 * 8) [|ToonDoo]
 * 9) [|Professor Garfield Comic Lab]
 * 10) [|Goanimnate]
 * 11) [|Comic Master]
 * 12) [|Write Comics]
 * 13) [|The Stacks] //(Click on MAKE YOUR OWN....scroll down to MAKE YOUR OWN COMIC!)//
 * 14) [|Lego City]
 * 15) [|Creaza]
 * 16) [|Comic Brush]
 * 17) [|Dr. Who]
 * 18) [|comiqs]
 * 19) [|Chogger]