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.
Endless possibilities with this program and I can't tell you how many times the kids surprise me with their creativity on these kinds of things.
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