http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/
What is it and how do you use it?
Makebeliefcomix is a website that allows you to create simple comic strips. Strips can have 2-4 panels. The interface is very easy to use and figure out. I have used this site with my First and Second Graders and they required very little instruction to start using the creator. Below is a screen shot of what the interface looks like:
Makebeliefscomix is an easy tool to use, but the fact that you can’t save the comic strips may seem problematic to a teacher. (What if a student doesn’t finish in the allowed classtime?!) Here are my suggestions for how to address this concern:
· First, have a class section where the students can just “play” with the comic creator. Yes, I said play. Show them how to use the website, but then allow them time to play around with the features. They may get silly doing this, but this play session lets them get familiar with the website and gets the silliness out as well.
· Second, after your initial play session, have the students write out their ideas prior to creating their comics. A simple storyboard worksheet would work for this. See below for a sample storyboard worksheet you can use.
storyboard.pdf
**You might also want to give your students a rubric so they know what is expected of them and what they should include in their comic. This will help them outline how they want their storyboard to look. See below for a picture of what the rubric could look like. A sample rubric document is also attached below in case you want to see an example.
Each comic strip must have.pdf
· Once students have finished their writing, then they can start creating their comics. If they do not finish their comic in the allotted class time, have them print out what they have done. Then have them use good old fashion scissors to cut out their finished panels. They can then glue their finished panels on a sheet of paper. During their next class section, they can create the final panels, print them out, and then use scissors to cut them out. Then they can glue their remaining panels to the same sheet they had created before.
Bonus item: This site also has hundreds of ready to use printables for your classroom, so if you are unable to have students create their own, you can still use comics to stimulate thoughts and conversations! Click on the link below for the printables:
http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/Printables/
Ah, an easy to use tool that is both fun and engaging! It is even comes with an after snack mint(printables bonus). If this gets any sweeter, I might have to go to the dentist! Until our next meeting at the Tech Snack Café!