Using Digital Comics to Motivate Reluctant Readers and Writers With Sample

Using comics or graphic novels in your teaching is a fun way to keep your students motivated. Reluctant readers and writers tend to get excited over using comics because comic writing is less intensive. Students can be imaginative in their writing and creative in their choice of characters and props. Using comics can even increase a student's vocabulary. Jennifer Haines wrote an excellent article about Teaching With Comics. In this post, I've provided ideas for Using Digital Comics to Motivate Reluctant Readers and Writers.

Using digital comics infused into your reading or writing curriculum is a great way to motivate your reluctant learners. The different online apps & websites listed here are great resources for your 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, & 6th grade classroom or home school students. It's a great way to bring technology into students' day. Science, social studies, & various ELA topics can all be covered depending on which technology component you use. {second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth graders, upper elementary}

Using Comics can deepen learning through their visual design and content.

Comics offer a unique avenue for reading intervention due to their visual nature, which can engage readers and writers of all levels and interests. The combination of text and images provides multiple entry points for comprehension, making complex stories more accessible. Struggling readers benefit from the visual support, as illustrations help to scaffold understanding of vocabulary and plot elements. Moreover, the sequential art format encourages readers to infer meaning from context, improve their sequencing skills, and develop critical thinking abilities. By incorporating comics into reading and writing, educators can create a dynamic and inclusive learning environment that motivates students to become more confident and proficient readers and writers.

Working with comics encourages students to build fluency by rereading their work Comics offers more engagement in the text. Topics can include personal narratives, social issues, historical events, and more. Including visuals helps students with vocabulary, sequencing, character elements, and other literary concepts.

Here's a list of Comic Creator websites and apps you can use with your students:

1. Comic Life

Students can actually use their own photos and create captions for each. The layout looks like a page out of a comic book. It's so easy to use; you just drag and drop. There lots of options compared to other online comic applications. And, students can use Comic Life for Language Arts, Social Studies and even Science. The basic version is free through Softonic. The upgraded version Comic Life 3 costs $29.99. The app can be purchased for $4.99. Such a great way for using digital comics!

2. Comic Creator

Another great way students can begin using digital comics is through Comic Creator by Read Write Think. It's very simple to use and features are limited. Students can print their comics in black and white. Students decide on their panel and then add the graphics that are provided. They can select props, backgrounds, bubbles and people. Comic Creator is free.

3. MakeBeliefsComics.com

This application has a few more options than Comic Creator. Students can add color to their backgrounds and choose the number of panels. Students can rotate objects, adjust the size in this application. New characters and scenes have been added. There are more selections in this application than Comic Creator. MakeBeliefsComics is free and students can print their products.

4. PicCollage

My friend Erintegration has a great tutorial on creating comics with PicCollage. Students design their grid and will then take photos of scenes they would like to have in the comics. After all of the scenes are placed, students will add speech bubbles and write the text for each scene. I can't think of a better way to use it for a book study.