One of the hottest trends in children and YA literature is graphic novels. This genre has opened up many doors to reluctant and avid readers alike. So, how can we take this idea and make it user friendly for our students. One way is to utilize the many different apps that are out there that help students become creative designers and show what they know. It is a great tool that shows teachers the depth of student learn. So sit back, check out my simple cartoons, and decide which of the following apps could be used by you and your students in the classroom.
This cartoon was created using ToonDoo. Users simply click on "Create" and select the layout of the comic strip. A variety of character, background, and "props" options are found across the top menu. In addition, the "DoodleR" and "TraitR" tools allow users to create their own drawings or characters. Other features include the image upload tool (images can be uploaded from a URL or from a saved file), a variety of text balloon options, and clip art. I found this tool easy to use and easy to save. Students would be able to create some amazing cartoons with all the options available to them.
I used Pixton to create a school scene with 2 students discussing homework that wasn't done. Pixton is easy to use and offers high-quality images that would be appealing for students. Users can choose starting scenes, add new frames, change characters and add text. At this site, students can create, share, and "remix" comics. The "remix" link allows students to add their own twist to ready-made comics. Students can read comics created by others and also make comments on them. Other highlights of the site include a featured author and blog. Although not as flexible to use as the others, Pixton was an ok tool that I think would appeal to students.
I used MakeBeliefsComix to create this simple picture icons to represent the story element Conflict. The site provides dialogue prompts under each blank frame. There is a Printables page. Many of the themed comics include space to add text. MakeBeliefsComix was very easy to use and I had no problems saving my final product. Students would be able to create some fairly creative cartoons, although it is limited in characters and setting.
I think that using comic strip in the library as a way to summarize a book and by showcasing students work within the library and school, would get other students interested in reading the book. I would like to use this in my book club before doing the more difficult items such as book trailers. It also helps students work on story structure, key events, and characterization. I would like to use ToonDoo as I found it more appealing and easier to manipulate then the other two examples.
I like your comics! Reading your blog made me think that it would be neat to use these as story starters...if we created strips with no dialogue and encouraged students to fill in what the characters are saying, that might be fun. I agree that students would love to create comics as well. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI like your comics! Reading your blog made me think that it would be neat to use these as story starters...if we created strips with no dialogue and encouraged students to fill in what the characters are saying, that might be fun. I agree that students would love to create comics as well. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLeslie, I found that although Makebeliefcomix did not offer a lot of variety to actually create comics, it really made up for it in the resources that it had. I plan on using some of their templates like you mention in order for students to be able to add their own text to them. I feel that it would be a great way to get their feet wet before using the program. Great comics!
ReplyDeleteGreat recommendations. This will be helpful to other colleagues who might want to think about sharing this with their students!
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