What about comics? I preferred watching cartoons, but my husband is a huge comic collector. He wouldn't use his lunch money and saved it...to buy the latest Marvel or DC comic.
Can you guess what I'll be discussing today?! If you guessed the double C's, then your right. Let's get started. I will discuss my experience with using the following websites: ToonDoo, Pixton, and MakeBeliefsComix.
ToonDoo
Pixton
To create your account, there are three choices: fun, school, or business. Beware: If you create account for teacher, this only gives you 30 days trial. Once you log in, its time to create! Click on main menu, and click on comics. From there, you have several options to choose from (layout). The process was easy! You can create using a basic or a more advanced template. In the basic, the website gives you options to choose. You only add the characters and text in the panels. In the advance, you create each panel. I actually created 2 comics. My first comic, I had trouble with getting my character to place his head down. The second time, it was much easier to create my comic. Once your comic is done, you can choose to save (for later) or save then publish (to twitter, print, or email). Students will find Pixton is easier to create comic with their many template options.
MakeBeliefsComix
You do not have to create an account on this website. The cartoon was easy to create, only 3 steps. However, I didn't like this website very much. Why? First, there's not variety to choose from. Second, cartoons can not be saved. Out of the three, this is by far the easiest. This website does have its merits like being able to create a short summary or an inference cartoon.
As August approaches, I'm thinking of ideas on how to integrate into my classroom. I would definitely use all three! I like MakeBeliefsComix for its 3 step process. Its quick and easy to use. I would have my students print their project since it can't be saved. I would encourage my students to use ToonDoo before trying Pixton. Here's some great idea I found:
- create an autobiography for the first day/week of school
- practice new vocabulary words
- practice creative writing
- enrichment for Reading lessons
- use to illustrate writing prompts
- practice language skills for ELL/ESL students
Hi Cynthia,
ReplyDeleteYour comic strips are very creative! These are a great way to engage students and to have them share their learning. I agree that Makebeliefscomix wasn't as intuitive as the other two sites. I used the Snipit tool to make a PNG file and then embedded it that way (if you're using a PC, its under Accessories). I agree it would be better to start with ToonDoo before teaching students about Pixton. Thank you for sharing your teaching ideas. ;0) Jill
Very creative comics, nice job! I loved your suggestions for using comic and cartoon making sites in the classroom. Great way to increase student engagement.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed reading your comics. You mentioned some great ideas on how to implement the use of comics and cartoons. I like that you mentioned using these with ELL students. This would definitely be a creative, fun way to help them practice language skills.
ReplyDeleteI agree that using comics as a way of helping ELL students learn to use language would be fun and highly engaging for them.
ReplyDeleteThere are lots of ways to use comics in the library, too! You could make one for overdue books, or let kids make them as book trailers, lots of different things! And you would get help, because I think students would love to do this.
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