Rob's+Resource

This has come up several times in our class, but the one resource/strategy I would be sure to use again is the software Comic Life, which is on all TDSB computers. I used the software to great success teaching Romeo and Juliet in a Grade 9 Applied class. There's any number of ways to make use of the program, but I had students work in pairs and each pair was responsible for a (meaty) scene in the play, covering all of the acts. I would NOT have students go straight to using the computer, but instead have them work in stages. First, to check for understanding, I would have students summarize their scene in brief prose form and submit it so I could make sure they are on the right track. Next, they would have to dramatically shorten the text by picking out the key lines they want to use in the comic. You could also have students adapt and modernize the text. Finally, I would print out blank comic strip templates in different shapes and sizes and have students do a rough copy, where they can develop an aesthetic and practice filling in word bubbles. Depending on the class, you may have to spend more or less time initially explaining the comic form (what is a thought bubble? How do you demonstrate time passing? etc.)

My experience is that students love the freedom to be creative and that drawing comics is seen to be "fun," while the activity engages visual and other learners. The bonus is that besides learning their scene in depth, students will become curious about the rest of the play. To conclude the activity, I would combine the comics into one graphic novel. Students could illustrate a cover for the "folio". Using a projector to display the comic, I would have students read or perform their scenes to the rest of the class and answer questions about their process in designing the comic and adapting the text (why was that speech so important to keep? Why did you cut that part?). In combination with other teaching strategies, I think using Comic Life will help students engage with the text and take ownership over at least a part of it. Finally, if you don't have access to computers, you can do all of the above the old fashioned way!

Rob B.