TeachersFirst's Comics Resources
Other TeachersFirst Special Topics Collections
This collection of reviewed resources from TeachersFirst is selected to help teachers and students learn about and create comics in any subject area. Comics have become mainstream in "graphic novels" and can express or explain major concepts, portray the underlying tensions behind an issue, or simply help students remember terms and definitions. The storytelling potential of comics goes back to cave drawings and can be as simple as a stick figure or as elaborate as a photograph annotated with voice bubbles. Explore these resources for tools and ideas to "draw" comics into your classroom as a tool for learning.
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Mugeda - mugeda.com
Grades
4 to 12
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Try this high interest animation tool without expensive programs, downloads, or installations. Mugeda is a free, cloud-based HTML5 animation platform, where you can create, share, and...more
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Try this high interest animation tool without expensive programs, downloads, or installations. Mugeda is a free, cloud-based HTML5 animation platform, where you can create, share, and publish HTML5 animation. Basic tutorials guide you to create content with easy to follow instructions. Animation applications include; games, ads, cartoons, tutorials, or persuasive commercials. Use tablets, Pcs, smartphones, or tablets. Note that HTML5 works on iPads and iTouches, where most Flash-based sites do not.
tag(s): animation (38), comics and cartoons (51)
In the Classroom
Bring along Mugeda in your bag of tricks to capture and intrigue all of your students. Use Mugeda to illustrate class content, support debate, persuade, and entertain. The possibilities are endless! Add the creations to your website to share with your community. Use on school news programs to add student content without cost, and make information available for all levels of student abilities. Create commercials for your content or to convey information. In history classes go back in time to envision popular opinion that made history happen. Use during campaigns to promote your side of the debate. Science fairs will never be the same. Highlight projects to create anticipation. Send messages to students using the embedded tool. This programming tool has applications in all subject areas. Gifted students, ELL/ESL students, and remedial students will be captivated by this high interest way of expressing themselves.Edge Features:
Parent permission advised before posting student work created using this tool
Includes Interaction w general public/ public galleries with unmoderated content
Includes social features, such as "friends," comments, ratings by others
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Products can be embedded
You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Dib Dab Doo and Dilly too... A smarter safer way to search the Internet - Dibdabdoo.com
Grades
K to 7
0 Favorites
0 Comments
Here you will find a "kid-appropriate" search tool featuring countless general topics: Facts & Reference, Computers/The Internet, The Arts, Strange & Mysterious, Hot Topics, The World,...more
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Here you will find a "kid-appropriate" search tool featuring countless general topics: Facts & Reference, Computers/The Internet, The Arts, Strange & Mysterious, Hot Topics, The World, Science & Math, Reading, Writing, Speaking, Nature, and several others. Within each of the main topics are subtopics. For example, in the Classroom section you will find English, Foreign Langauges, Math, History, Reference Tools, Shapes, Woodwork, Colors, Art, Religion, Philosophy, Social Studies, and Homework Help. There is a ton here to explore! The information includes articles and images/photos.
tag(s): alphabet (56), animals (166), animation (38), clip art (6), colors (36), comics and cartoons (51), cooking (24), crafts (25), creative writing (67), cross cultural understanding (38), cultures (62), dance (17), dinosaurs (32), disabilities (14), diseases (35), drawing (58), fitness (38), flags (19), folktales (59), geometric shapes (42), grammar (169), homework (34), insects (46), journalism (20), measurement (103), museums (30), mysteries (19), numbers (137), nutrition (102), oceans (106), operations (66), origami (10), painting (54), photography (97), poetry (169), psychology (28), rainforests (9), religions (27), search engines (41), seasons (21), sign language (5), social networking (53), spelling (124), sports (55), trivia (10), vocabulary (251), weather (150)
In the Classroom
Help students learn about narrowing and refining research by demonstrating this site on a projector or interactive whiteboard. As you start a project, take the time to SHOW how to use this tool to save time and find appropriate resources. Allow students to explore this site on their own finding relevant information from the various topics. If time permits, have students research a specific topic and create a multimedia presentation using one of the many TeachersFirst Edge tools reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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World of Tales - Viktor
Grades
K to 8
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World of Tales collects folk and fairy tales from various sources into this site. Many are tales long past copyright and therefore available for use without copyright concerns. There...more
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World of Tales collects folk and fairy tales from various sources into this site. Many are tales long past copyright and therefore available for use without copyright concerns. There are also links to animated or audio folk tale versions. Some of the animations are from YouTube so may be blocked by school filters. Search tales by geographic origin, theme, author, book, and more. You can also change the "theme" of the page display to make it easier to see on a projector. There are advertisements that clutter the page and slow it down a bit, but having such a searchable collection is very handy.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): folktales (59), stories and storytelling (13)
In the Classroom
Declutter the display of a specific tale by using the Readability plugin (reviewed here) on your computer or copy/paste the text into a clear page to share on a projector interactive whiteboard. Have students highlight their favorite passages or examples of characterization. Have students create story maps of these classic tales or produce their own "skit" versions to record on video and share on TeacherTube (reviewed here) or SchoolTube (reviewed here). Make this resource available on your teacher public page for students to select and read their stories of choice during a unit on folktales/fairy tales. World language classes can read these English language versions of tales from land/language they are studying and write dialog between characters in their new language. Students could also create scenes using a comic creation tool from the many tools among TeachersFirst's Comics Resources.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Speechable - Enluminari
Grades
K to 12
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0 Comments
Add a captivating or informative speech bubble to a picture from your computer or that you find (legally) online. Make the picture private and share with others. The public pictures...more
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Add a captivating or informative speech bubble to a picture from your computer or that you find (legally) online. Make the picture private and share with others. The public pictures on the home page change frequently, so be sure to check this just before SHARING with your students. Some of the captions could be considered offensive to some. . Be sure to make all of your pictures private.
tag(s): comics and cartoons (51), images (115)
In the Classroom
The possibilities are only limited by your imagination. Caption the homework directions on your teacher web page. Ask your students to create captions for class photos for all sorts of reasons. Use photos or digital drawings from your classroom, such as pictures taken during any hands-on activity. Have students draw in a paint program, save the file, and then add a caption. Spice up research projects about historic figures or important scientists. Have literary characters "talk" as part of a project. In a government class, add captions to photos explaining politicians' major platform planks during election campaigns. Caption the steps to math problem solving. Even primary students can make captions of an animal talking about his habitat or a "community helper" talking about his/her role. Make visual vocabulary/terminology sentences with an appropriate character using the term in context (a beaker explaining how it is different from a flask?). Students could also take pictures of themselves doing a lab and then caption the pictures to explain the concepts. This would be a great first day project (introducing yourself and breaking the ice). Share the class captions on your class web page or wiki! Leave directions to your class (for when a substitute is there). Use at back to school night to show your humorous side to the parents. Have students make talking photos of themselves as a visual tour of their new classroom for parents attending back to school night.Edge Features:
Parent permission advised before posting student work created using this tool
Includes Interaction w general public/ public galleries with unmoderated content
Includes social features, such as "friends," comments, ratings by others
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Products can be shared by URL
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Childtopia's Classic Tales - Childtopia
Grades
K to 12
2 Favorites
0 Comments
This section of the larger Childtopia website offers seven classic tales in interactive, audio book format: The Emperor's New Clothes, The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid, The Tin...more
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This section of the larger Childtopia website offers seven classic tales in interactive, audio book format: The Emperor's New Clothes, The Ugly Duckling, The Little Mermaid, The Tin Soldier, The Three Little Pigs, Goldilocks, and Little Red Riding Hood. These audio stories are available in English, Spanish, French, Catalan, and Basque. The text appears on book pages, and you simply flip the bottom edge of the page to move forward and back. Although the advertisements at this site are a bit distracting, this collection is still worthwhile.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
Share these stories as an interactive whiteboard or computer "center" for students of all ages to listen and enjoy. With emergent readers, mute the volume, and read the story as a class or in small groups. In world language classes, have students read the tales in their "new" language. Have students act out the tales. Challenge students to create their own comics to retell a classic tale using one of TeachersFirst's many comic/cartoon tools here.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
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Lego City Comic Builder - Lego
Grades
K to 4
4 Favorites
0 Comments
Build a unique and personal comic strip with Lego characters. First, decide upon the layout of the cartoon strip. Then choose from different backgrounds for each of the frames. Every...more
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Build a unique and personal comic strip with Lego characters. First, decide upon the layout of the cartoon strip. Then choose from different backgrounds for each of the frames. Every cartoon series is built using a gallery of characters, and this is where LEGO minifigures come in. Turn the cops and robbers and place them in different positions. Add coffee cups and crowbars, depending on the story. Put in speech bubbles and thought bubbles for adding text. Save finished comic strips on computers or send directly to a printer using links at the top of the activity box.
tag(s): comics and cartoons (51), digital storytelling (40)
In the Classroom
This is a great storytelling tool that might entice reluctant writers. Allow students to create a comic strip to use as a story starter. Provide Lego characters for students to use in creating a comic strip inspiration. Printed stories make a wonderful bulletin board. Students could make stories to reinforce character ed lessons such as bullying or even safety stories or tales about community helpers.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Running for Office--Cartoons of Clifford K. Berryman - The National Archives
Grades
7 to 12
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Each Presidential election cycle brings with it a new crop of political cartoons and caricatures of politicians. Clifford K. Berryman drew political cartoons at the turn of the 20th...more
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Each Presidential election cycle brings with it a new crop of political cartoons and caricatures of politicians. Clifford K. Berryman drew political cartoons at the turn of the 20th century and US Presidents from Grover Cleveland to Harry Truman. This site profiles both the cartoons themselves, and the issues and personalities behind the cartoons. Visually attractive, the site also permits downloading cartoons so they can be printed and studied.
As an important primary source, political cartoons provide an important insight into the issues and controversies of their time period. More than simply who did what, and what happened where, these drawings show us the emotions and conflict involved in the ugly and messy business of politics.
As an important primary source, political cartoons provide an important insight into the issues and controversies of their time period. More than simply who did what, and what happened where, these drawings show us the emotions and conflict involved in the ugly and messy business of politics.
tag(s): comics and cartoons (51), elections (58), politics (57), presidents (78)
In the Classroom
Students can gain insight into the events of the first half of the 20th century as well as draw parallels between the issues of that time and today. How are Presidential campaigns different and how are they similar? Challenge students to create their own political comics using one of TeachersFirst's many comic/cartoon tools reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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SuperLame - Superlame.com
Grades
4 to 12
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Super-hero your images! Use this image editor to add speech and thought bubbles to photos and images. Upload your image (such as a photo from your digital camera or a ...more
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Super-hero your images! Use this image editor to add speech and thought bubbles to photos and images. Upload your image (such as a photo from your digital camera or a copyright safe image), add a text balloon, insert a sound effect (like kaboom!), and change the background or border. Save to your computer or email to yourself or others (note that the image is deleted from the website after 24 hours.)
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): bulletin boards (8), comics and cartoons (51), digital storytelling (40), images (115), photography (97)
In the Classroom
This would be a great way to make comic strips using images from class! Use in any subject area and for any topic to add a twist to your digital storytelling project. Have students create a comic rather than a traditional book report. The main character or a minor character could "talk" about the book. Or have students create comic strips to go along with science topics, math concepts, historical figures, and more. Have students email you the images/comics. Share the finished products on your projector or interactive whiteboard. Share the saved images on a class wiki or make a student generated bulletin board of comics.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
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Write Comics - Write Comics
Grades
K to 12
5 Favorites
0 Comments
You can make your very own comic right now! At Write Comics, you will be able to create your own comics using the figures, backgrounds, animal, aliens, and dialogue bubbles, ...more
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You can make your very own comic right now! At Write Comics, you will be able to create your own comics using the figures, backgrounds, animal, aliens, and dialogue bubbles, supplied by Write Comics. This site is extremely easy to use. There is no need to sign up or register. Once you click Finish, you will be given a link. Go to your link and print your comic or upload it to your webpage.
tag(s): comics and cartoons (51)
In the Classroom
Create a comic to put on your website. You might want to use Write Comics to display the vocabulary word of the day, the math puzzle of the week, a concept your students are learning in social studies or science. Have students create comic strips for dialog-writing lessons, summarizing, predicting and retelling stories. Use comic strips for literature responses. For pre-reading students, create a comic of pictures and have students tell the story based on the pictures/scenes. Make a class book of the comics created throughout the year. That book will become the most read classroom book of all in an elementary classroom. Use comics to show sequencing of events. When studying about characterization, create dialog to show (not tell) about a character. World language and ESL/ELL teachers can assign students to create dialog strips as an alternate to traditional written assessments. Have students share all of their comics on your interactive whiteboard or projector.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Stage'D - Unity 3D
Grades
2 to 12
3 Favorites
0 Comments
Stage'D is a great tool for creating quick and easy comics. You can pick characters, costumes, scenery, and create your own dialog. Once created, these fast and fabulous cartoons can...more
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Stage'D is a great tool for creating quick and easy comics. You can pick characters, costumes, scenery, and create your own dialog. Once created, these fast and fabulous cartoons can be shared through email, URL, and any social network. To use the site, you must download the unity web player which is found on the website. Membership is not required to create or share comics. See a sample here the reviewer's sample here.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): comics and cartoons (51), digital storytelling (40), multimedia (17)
In the Classroom
This tool is fast and easy though a little limited. However, that makes it great for younger students who would be overwhelmed by choices and possibilities in more complex programs. Have students create commercials advertising the best elements in chemistry or physical science classes. Have students create characters with some basic dialog, and then have them expand the cartoon to a full short story in a document for language arts classes. Or in social studies, have students create a commentary dialog about a specific event such as the Battle of Gettysburg or the sinking of the Lusitania. Teachers can use this tool to create simple comics for elementary students to read. Give directions or ask questions using a comic, and students will love to respond!Edge Features:
Includes Interaction w general public/ public galleries with unmoderated content
Includes social features, such as "friends," comments, ratings by others
Requires registration/log-in (WITH email)
Products can be embedded
Products can be shared by URL
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Inspire My Kids - Mike Stutman and Kevin Conklin
Grades
K to 12
3 Favorites
0 Comments
Find inspiring, age-appropriate, real-life stories, videos, and projects to share with the children and teens. The site hopes to help these students take positive actions and become...more
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Find inspiring, age-appropriate, real-life stories, videos, and projects to share with the children and teens. The site hopes to help these students take positive actions and become the best people they can be. Stories offer great examples of values like courage, determination, honesty, humility, kindness, responsibility, and tolerance. The stories range from incredible kids inspiring other kids, to amazing animals demonstrating admirable qualities, to the invention of inspirational social causes. Stories are searchable in several ways - by values, topics, age range, and format. Formats include articles, podcasts, reference, and videos. You can also sign up for the site's newsletter including updates and new article information.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): bullying (41), disabilities (14), school violence (11), service projects (14)
In the Classroom
Share stories from the site on your interactive whiteboard or projector when learning about character traits such as sportsmanship, perseverance, and responsibility. Use the site as a resource when problems arise in the classroom such as bullying, intolerance, or special needs awareness. Have students use resources from the website as models for writing their own articles or creating a podcast. Use a site such as PodOmatic (reviewed here). Use the stories as models for writing activities and essays. Your students could also draw inspiration from this site to create values comics using one of many comic creation tools in this TeachersFirst collection.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
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World of Tales - Viktor
Grades
K to 8
1 Favorites
0 Comments
World of Tales collects folk and fairy tales from various sources into one searchable location. Many are tales long past copyright and therefore available for use without copyright...more
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World of Tales collects folk and fairy tales from various sources into one searchable location. Many are tales long past copyright and therefore available for use without copyright concerns. There are also links to animated or audio versions. Some of the animations are from YouTube so may be blocked by school filters. Search tales by geographic origin, theme, author, book, and more. You can also change the "theme" of the page display to make it easier to see on a projector. There are advertisements that clutter the page and slow it down a bit, but having such a searchable collection is very handy.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): folktales (59), stories and storytelling (13)
In the Classroom
Declutter the display of a specific tale by using the Readability plugin (reviewed here) on your computer or copy/paste the text into a clear page to share on a projector or interactive whiteboard. Have students highlight their favorite passages or examples of characterization. Have students create story maps of these classic tales or produce their own "skit" versions to record on video and share on TeacherTube (reviewed here) or SchoolTube (reviewed here). Make this resource available on your teacher public page for students to select and read their stories of choice during a unit on folktales/fairy tales. World language classes can read these English language versions of tales from the land/language they are studying and write dialog between characters in their new language. Students could also create scenes using a comic creation tool from the many tools among TeachersFirst's Comics Resources.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Dvolver - Movie Maker - Ben Rigby
Grades
7 to 12
1 Favorites
1 Comments
Dvolver creates animated movies online. In no time at all, there is an animation of your topic. No membership is needed to create movies. Membership is free. Some content choices ...more
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Dvolver creates animated movies online. In no time at all, there is an animation of your topic. No membership is needed to create movies. Membership is free. Some content choices may be inappropriate for the classroom. The scene descriptions include things like "freeze your butt off" at the mountain scene, so less mature students will not manage this tool well. Always preview or use under supervision, depending on your teaching situation and students' maturity level. Here is a sample Dvolver movie made by our review team. Tip: email the finished movie to yourself to obtain the url or find it amid the embed code, if you are enough of a "geek."
Devolvr content may be problematic in some middle school/junior high settings, depending on community standards and student maturity levels. Teachers should preview to determine suitability at their own school or use only in a teacher-supervised setting.
This site includes advertising.
Devolvr content may be problematic in some middle school/junior high settings, depending on community standards and student maturity levels. Teachers should preview to determine suitability at their own school or use only in a teacher-supervised setting.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): comics and cartoons (51), video (67)
In the Classroom
Model how to use this site safely on your projector or interactive whiteboard so students can learn how to act wisely online. Doing this also provides you with the ability to point out specific features students should not use and to spell out consequences. Some districts may filter this site. Follow district policy to see if you can request it be unblocked for educational purposes. Have students create commercials for any or all content areas. The videos are short and limited in the number of characters for text. This means they take very little time to create which makes the tool very versatile. Use this to create beginning of the year "do's and dont's" for your classes instead of rule lectures. Try one for open house to let parents know quickly what is going on in your class. Embedding results in a class wiki or web page will avoid issues with students venturing into undesirable areas of the site. Primary teachers could make quick "movies" as a class using sight words in the speech bubbles so students can practice reading them at a center.Comments
Not appropriate for elementary or middle school students. Options suggest or lend themselves to inappropriate content. Characters are overtly sexual and scantily clad. Editors Note: Thank you for your comment. We have raised the grade level and added a strong warning.Dwight, , Grades: 3 - 7
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Focus on Animation - National Film Board of Canada
Grades
K to 6
1 Favorites
0 Comments
This site is useful for learning about both the technical and historical aspects of animation. Over seventy animated shorts date back as far as 1941. Several informative films explain...more
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This site is useful for learning about both the technical and historical aspects of animation. Over seventy animated shorts date back as far as 1941. Several informative films explain a variety of processes animators' use and include biography pages. The section, "My Film Class", is specifically for children. It contains games, films, and activities for students. Many of the films on this site reflect on the human condition and have a strong philosophical message. The National Film Board of Canada organizes films into seven main themes such as citizenship, folk tales or rights and responsibility. There are a few postings for film competitions. This site is a "work in progress" with new material being added often, so be sure to check back.
tag(s): animation (38), comics and cartoons (51), drawing (58), french (73)
In the Classroom
Provide background information about the filmmaker and the animation process used, before projecting a film shirt to the whole class. Download free lesson plans for each of their thematic units. Each lesson consists of three activities and a closing lesson. The content of the films will stretch a student's ability to think metaphorically, and understand symbolism. Use this site to inspire future animators. Encourage students to create their own films. Share the films on a site such as TeacherTube reviewed here. Provide opportunities for students to create stop motion films that use clay, paper cut outs or object animation. Explore the other various techniques they mention on this site. Younger children will enjoy the activities on "Animacat's House." Be sure to screen each film before playing them for your class. This site is excellent for enrichment. Include it on your class web page for students to access both in and out of class.
This resource requires Adobe Flash and PDF reader software like Adobe Acrobat.
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Hall of Presidents - Fraboom
Grades
3 to 9
1 Favorites
0 Comments
Use cartoons and humor to help teach civics. This section of the Fraboom website discusses the U.S. Presidents, the electoral vote, the creation of laws, and highlights key vocabulary...more
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Use cartoons and humor to help teach civics. This section of the Fraboom website discusses the U.S. Presidents, the electoral vote, the creation of laws, and highlights key vocabulary words. There are videos, interactives, cartoons, and more. There is an option to purchase a premium membership but the free account offer plenty of excellent features. Students do not need to create an account to access the "Hall of Presidents".
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): bill of rights (20), comics and cartoons (51), drawing (58), elections (58), electoral college (8), lincoln (58), presidents (78)
In the Classroom
This is a great resource to use with your social studies curriculum or to teach about the Presidents. Use the animated videos on this site for an anticipatory set or "activator" that introduces a civics unit or lesson on how the electoral vote works. Share the interactives and/or videos on your projector or interactive whiteboard. Use this site as a center to support a unit about the Presidents of the United States. Have students practice identifying the humorous cartoons of former presidents. Post a link to this site on your class website so students can watch the videos at home. Use the video cartoon about Abe Lincoln to inspire students to animate biographies about presidents. Consider using sites such as go animate reviewed here to create these engaging reports.
This resource requires Adobe Flash.
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Here on Earth - NPR
Grades
5 to 12
0 Favorites
0 Comments
This NPR site offers the weekly schedule and recorded programs in its "Here on Earth" series, offering cultural news from around the world. The programs are often part of a ...more
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This NPR site offers the weekly schedule and recorded programs in its "Here on Earth" series, offering cultural news from around the world. The programs are often part of a larger series, the archives of which are easily accessible as well. Previews for the five weekly programs, Monday through Friday include enticing photographs. Links on the pages of the programs offer opportunities for more information and links to related programs. Students also have the opportunity to see short, related videos and comment on ongoing programs. Programs cover a wide variety of subjects and fields.
This site includes advertising.
This site includes advertising.
tag(s): comics and cartoons (51), radio (18), religions (27)
In the Classroom
Teachers may want to preview the upcoming programs for each week to connect their ELL/ESL students with the programs that concern their part of the world. Students could do an introduction to their countries before the class listens to an appropriate program. Ask your students to visit the site, listen, research, and create a multimedia presentation using one of the many TeachersFirst Edge tools reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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ArtsEdge - Kennedy Center
Grades
K to 12
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This site, created by the Kennedy Center offers a wealth of interactive lesson plans for grades K-12 dealing with a variety of topics, all with an "arts" spin. Search by ...more
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This site, created by the Kennedy Center offers a wealth of interactive lesson plans for grades K-12 dealing with a variety of topics, all with an "arts" spin. Search by subject, keyword, or grade level (K-4, 5-8, or 9-12). Some examples of topics include Native Americans, Civil War, Shakespeare, myths, melodrama, adjectives, baseball, and countless others! There are many interactive lessons: some with video, audio, or slideshows. The lessons provide an estimate of time required and complete, step-by-step instructions. There are printables included with some of the lessons.
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This site includes advertising.
tag(s): african american (106), baseball (37), civil war (80), comics and cartoons (51), dance (17), folktales (59), greece (20), habitats (50), immigration (38), literature (185), mexico (30), musical instruments (15), myths and legends (8), native americans (34), painting (54), surrealism (3)
In the Classroom
Search this site for a topic that you are teaching in your class. Share the lesson on your interactive whiteboard or projector. Better yet, make the video or slideshow a learning station for students to do themselves in small groups.
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Aaron's Awesome Adventure - Metmuseum.org
Grades
2 to 7
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This interactive story revolves around a young boy's reactions has each time he visits the Metropolitan. Sara Bradshaw, the winner of the Metropolitan Museum of Art story-writing contest...more
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This interactive story revolves around a young boy's reactions has each time he visits the Metropolitan. Sara Bradshaw, the winner of the Metropolitan Museum of Art story-writing contest in 2007, is the author. The story focuses on Aaron's fascination with; Ancient Egypt's "Temple of Denbur", the painting "Washington Crossing the Delaware," ancient funerary masks from Peru, and European coats of arms. Additional links provide students more background information and reference materials about the pieces mentioned in the story. You can choose to read the text themselves or have it read to them.
tag(s): egypt (53), pyramids (27), washington (18)
In the Classroom
Project this story onto an interactive whiteboard or projector for shared reading or have students listen to it in small groups at a computer station. Ask students to explore the "About the Art" tab, and research one of the four artworks featured in the story. Afterwards, have them present their findings to the class. Integrate the study of Art with writing lessons by inviting the class to compose an additional chapter and research page to this story. Let students decide what additional awesome adventures Aaron might have with other pieces of art in the Metropolitan. Let students choose artwork found in their database collection. If you are lucky enough to live within field trip distance to the Metropolitan, have students select a work of art while touring the museum. Consider having students post their stories on Voicethread (reviewed here), or create a comic strip version of their chapter with Comic Creator (reviewed here). Include a link to this site and the class stories on your class webpage.
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Speak Up - Learning Media of New Zealand
Grades
2 to 8
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"Speak Up" is a straightforward cartoon-creator site meant to teach the importance of character, setting, problem, and solution. The site provides possible characters, settings, and...more
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"Speak Up" is a straightforward cartoon-creator site meant to teach the importance of character, setting, problem, and solution. The site provides possible characters, settings, and conflicts from which students can choose. Creating cartoons is an effective way to teach students how to write stories with a clear storyline and structure. The story problem section allows students to write in their own scenarios. Students are responsible for creating the solution to the story problem themselves. Each cartoon strip contains six boxes, allows two characters per page, and speaking bubbles as well as narrative box across the bottom of the page.
tag(s): bullying (41), comics and cartoons (51), creative writing (67), digital storytelling (40), problem solving (123)
In the Classroom
Use "Speak Up" as part of a mini-lesson about problem and solution or dialogue. Have students create their own cartoons as part of a craft lesson. Print out the cartoon and students can use it as an outline to help them write narrative text or plays. Demonstrate how to combine narration with dialogue in one text from this cartoon outline.Use scenarios of social conflicts your class may be facing or are currently discussing in character education. For example, use bullying or peer pressure issues. Pair up classmates to re-tell a conflict similar to those students face during recess, in class, or from home. Together they can discuss ways to solve these conflicts. Use the results to open up dialogue about student issues and as a tool to brainstorm constructive ways to solve them.
World language teachers or ESL/ELL teachers can also use this tool for students to practice written dialog and appropriate social interaction.
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Selenia: Science comics - University of the West of England
Grades
2 to 8
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This colorful site offers science comics, educational interactives, links for teachers, and more. Engage students with these comics, and encourage them to identify the scientific principles...more
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This colorful site offers science comics, educational interactives, links for teachers, and more. Engage students with these comics, and encourage them to identify the scientific principles found in each. Follow up activities include word searches and other puzzles to reinforce vocabulary. Use the "For Teachers" link to find pdf lesson plans for ideas and experiments that coordinate with the comics. This site was created in Great Britain, so you may notice some slightly different spellings that US English.
tag(s): air (181), comics and cartoons (51), inquiry (25)
In the Classroom
Begin with the comic strip to introduce a concept (share on your interactive whiteboard or projector). Have students note the physical and chemical properties occurring in each frame and to identify the scientific principle being presented. Use as a class discussion and introduction to specific principle. Use the suggested experiments and activities for further inquiry and investigation. When discussing other topics in class, encourage students to create their own comic either traditionally or digitally to demonstrate their understandings of the concept. Try using an online tool for students to create comics, such as the Comic Creator (explained here).
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