Tuesday, February 12, 2008

COMICS IN THE CLASSROOM: I WANT TO HEAR FROM TEACHERS, STUDENTS

I’m just thinking out loud here, but I am interested in hearing from teachers who use comic literature in their classroom. Be it superhero, mainstream or independent comics, I would like to know how you use comics and how your students respond.

Moreover, I would like to hear from the students themselves. I am very interested in publishing some essays by elementary, middle school or high school students about how comic literature has influenced and affected their lives, their reading habits, their enjoyment of reading, and their education.

I would also like to publish some examples of student work involving comic literature. It can take many forms, but here are just a few examples:

  • A student-created comic about photosynthesis or the lifecycle of a butterfly
  • A compare/contrast essay of a graphic adaptation of a book versus the original novel
  • Well developed argument about the ethics of Superman versus Batman
  • A review of a comic book or graphic novel using good writing techniques
  • An essay on the use of figurative language in comics (onomatopoeia, simile, alliteration)
  • A student-created piece of fictional comic literature

Perhaps, a technology-driven classroom could have an assignment where the students respond to one of my reviews, and they discuss what they liked or disliked about the title. More importantly, they defend their position using examples from that title and other stories they know.

If you are a teacher who uses comic literature in the classroom and you are interested in getting your students involved and possibly published, then please respond in the comments section or email me directly at abikerbard@mac.com. It could be that THE GRAPHIC CLASSROOM hosts a comic literature competition for your classroom, grade, school, or state. The winning essay, comic or other project is published right here.

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