Students love reading comics.  There is just something about comics, maybe it’s the graphics, quick-witted dialogue, easy-to-read quality, etc., that makes them appealing to all kids…and, even more to struggling readers.  The same holds true for struggling writers.  A blank stare and expression matches the blank sheet of paper sitting in front of them.  A feeling of dread and a cold sweat is soon to ensue as they attempt to overcome writer’s block.  Creativity in the classroom can be optimized through the use of comic strip-like creations.  This unique way of teaching & learning can help students that may be struggling with reading textbook passages, help guide students in their story creation or assist students’ focus on a specific topic or unit of study.  

Comics in the Classroom

Studying animals?  Have your students find some clip art of the animals they are studying and create a one-slide comic to compare/contrast two particular animals.  Teaching Civil War?  Have your students retell the story as a comic strip or rewrite history given what students have studied.  Try it and watch the creativity that students will bring to the project.  Here are a couple of examples of comics in the classroom:

Here are some other great uses for comics in the classroom for both teachers & students:

1. pre-research questioning comics of the topic/unit getting ready to study
2. use comics to illustrate science processes, i.e., plant life, butterflies, rainforest, etc.
3. create math word problem comics for students to solve
4. create decision-making comics for positive work habits or how to handle difficult situations
5. develop a comic on a character(s) from a novel study
   
6. create a one-page comic on the setting for a story to be written
7. tell or retell a story through a comic strip
   
8. show the sequencing of a science experiment, way to solve a math problem, learn grammar, clarify parts of a story, etc., via comic strips
   
9. convert a novel, poem, speech or play into a comic strip
10. tackle a current affair topic by using a comic strip to explore the social or political issues
11. create a comic to assess student understanding
12. have students create comic strips as an end-of-unit assessment or a self-reflection tool

Comic Programs

All iMacs in the K-6 Media Centers and all iMacs in the Computer Labs at Harvest, Pleasant Ridge, Woodland Meadows, Heritage and the Middle School have a great comic program added to the dock called Comic Life.  Here are some online comic creators for your back pocket if your workstation is a PC or you want your students to create a comic from home:

• Comic Creator
• Garfield’s Comic Creator
• Strip Generator
• Bitstrips
• Doctor Who Comic Creator
• ToonDoo
• Pixton - Do it Yourself Comics
• Myths and Legends Creator
• Creaza
• The Super Hero Squad Show
• Piki Kids Comic Creator

"Cape"d Crusaders

Like mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent turning into Superman, or Diana Prince morphing into Wonder Woman or Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson sliding down the bat pole to become Batman and Robin, you have the opportunity to change your teaching identity and leverage your own Super Hero skills.  Saline Schools has the “cape” abilities to help you transform your classroom into the Bat Cave and tap into your inner Super Hero persona.  It doesn’t have to take you being bitten by a radioactive spider to turn your classroom into a Super Hero’s lair.  You can become a Caped Crusader by tapping into the tech-capes that are at your disposal in the classroom/school building and swoop in and save the day!