Comics with Strip Generator

Using Strip Generator, an easy-to-use web-based comic creation tool, I made this comic as a demonstration: 

Comic or graphic story strips can be a great, quick way to have students practice or demonstrate understanding of vocabulary, phrases, or language patterns. Not only do comic panels benefit language learners by dividing text into smaller chunks that are easy to digest (or write), they also offer visual cues to contextual background.

I have had students write (paper) comics before to demonstrate usage of target language forms and vocabulary with generally positive results. At first, I asked students to draw their own original comics. They had a lot of fun, but drawing each image seemed to take up too much time. I started editing out the text of popular comic strips (Garfield and Spiderman being the favorites) and asking students to use certain words or language patterns to fill in their own stories. A digital tool like Strip Generator offers a great balance, allowing students plenty of creativity to make any story they want, but also providing pre-made images to speed up the process by not focusing too much on intricate drawings.

For example, after finishing a lesson on prepositions, I would ask students to use Strip Generator to make a comic including the words in/on/over/under along with visual representations of the text. Students could work with partners and share their finished comics with the class. Students would be able to use target language for creative expression and write collaboratively. Teachers could use the context of the visuals to help assess students’ understanding of the language used.

Whether practicing vocabulary, writing procedures, or grammar patterns, comics offer language learners an amusing opportunity to generate English narratives. The ability to supplement the text with creative visual imagery (a way for learners to express ideas they want to share but feel unable to translate into English) doubles as a fun incentive for students to present their work to the class.