Cartoons and Comics
Book reviews, book talks, creative writing, vocabulary
words, research projects, and character viewpoints are a few of the great ideas
that can be used in the classroom using comic strips. Students who don't
typically like reading, read graphic novels at my school. I think those students would enjoy writing
using this format. ToonDoo, Pixton, and MakeBeliefsComix are a few of the
sites that offer free accounts. ToonDoo and Pixton require users to
create a profile using an email address, but MakeBeliefsComix will let you get
started right away.
ToonDoo
ToonDoo starts out prompting the user to begin by creating a
site layout. I would have liked to be able to use more different characters to
make the cartoon strip. This site had a
lot of editing options and creative tools that would help the older student
make an extravagant comic but for younger user I don’t think this is the site
to use. It was difficulty to move and
use the different characters and backgrounds for me. I don’t think I will use this site with my
students.
Pixton
Pixton was the easiest of the three comic sites. This site is great for teachers looking to
create an account for the classroom. The
only drawback is the price, the account will cost $8.99 month plus 30 cents per
student. This site was the most user friendly site and could be used with young
children with ease.
MakeBeliefsComix
MakeBeliefsComix
A perfect site for users to use quick to create a comic
without paying or loggin. It was easy to
save in my documents and paste it in my assignment. I will be using this site with my students in
the future. I like the part about emailing it to someone or to yourself. The graphics are great and kid friendly with
many different types that gives a variety for any student to use.
The three sites are easy to use. I will recommend MakeBeliefsComix to my
teachers and students if they need to do a quick and easy comic. I feel this site is one that young or older
student will use over and over to do all kinds of projects.
I found that Pixton was a bit limited in what the characters could be doing, but I agree that the fee to have more access is a drawback. I liked using the various methods and would like to have more practice with them and have the students become familiarized as well. I'm sure they'll have their favorites.
ReplyDeleteReading and writing in this format really helps some kids feel like their contributions are valid~ and one does not have to know how to draw, which is also a plus!
ReplyDeleteThe cartoon sites were great. I guess it depends on what exactly you are wanting to do for a cartoon project, but I liked Pixton the most. After seeing your owl cartoon, it made me think that it would be great to include this as a blurb in our school newsletter because owls are our mascot.
ReplyDeleteThe cartoon sites were great. I guess it depends on what exactly you are wanting to do for a cartoon project, but I liked Pixton the most. After seeing your owl cartoon, it made me think that it would be great to include this as a blurb in our school newsletter because owls are our mascot.
ReplyDelete