Comic Books and More

A WebQuest for Grades 5-8 (Language Arts/ Fine Arts)

Comic Books and More Main Page

Introduction:

Spiderman. Batman. Daredevil. Superman. Wonder Woman. X-Men. These are all comic book characters. Today, many of the comic book characters are finding themselves on the Big Screen, but their home will always remain with the comic book. Those who have selected one of the many different types and titles of comic books understand how versatile they are and how effective they can be in the realm of education. They can inspire a reluctant reader to READ (Inge 1989:5), they can encourage readers to understand the complexity of dialogue, they inform the reader of the world of pop culture, they offer an outlet to writers and artists to go beyond the classical restraints of their disciplines. To read, to appreciate, and to create a comic book invites the readers to a world that is beyond their imagination.

Task:

As in any field of interest, it is necessary to understand how the comic book developed and is created and how it can change a reader. By understanding certain terms and ideas about the comic book, readers will appreciate this format and hopefully they will be inspired to create their own comic book. Through reading and creating their own comic books, students will develop their skills in observation, articulation and critical thinking skills. "By drawing a scene of ordinary life in sequential frames, students will pay attention to life and nature around them" (Toku 2001:16)

Process:

So where to begin....

First, what is a comic book? Its important to understand the definition and description of a comic book as well as be aware of some of the terminology related to the comic book industry.
After learning something about the comic book, take a look at some comic books. Hopefully, the library, public or school will have some comic books (they can be hardbound) available. If not, there are local comic book stores and book stores that sell comic books for under two or three dollars depending on the type of comic book. While looking at the comic books, try and figure out the different genres or types of comic books. What makes the comic book appealing? Why read them? Are they all the same?
Get ready, for the hands on part. Reading comic books can be very entertaining especially with an appealing one. Creating a comic book takes the understanding, appreciation, and entertainment levels another notch up. Writing comic books reinforces writer's skill in audience identification, mapping storylines, developing plot lines, conversation skills, and imagination. Illustrating comic books allows the artist to experiment with storytelling through images, working within a fixed format, sketching, drawing, inking, and coloring, and creating action with images.
Finally, the finished product should have a front and back cover and be bound. Binding the comic book doesn't always have to be professionally, but could just be tied with ribbon, yarn, rings, fasteners, or whatever. A comic book is not truly complete until it is shared with lots of readers.

Evaluation:

Whether the comic book was designed by one individual or a group of individuals, evaluation of the final product should reflect the process, the collaboration, and the final product. There are three grades for this lesson. The first two deal with the collaborative writing and illustrating of the final product, the comic book. The third grade deals with the individual completion of the various lessons associated with the WebQuest.

Writing	Beginning (1)	Developing (2)	Accomplished (3)	Exemplary (4)	Score
Expressiveness of theme
Uses appropriate grammar and free of spelling errors
Uses appropriate script format and direction information for illustrator
Write for different purposes and to a specific audience or person, adjusting style and tone as necessary.
Revise writing to improve organization and word choice after checking the logic of the ideas and the precision of the vocabulary.
Write narratives that: establish and develop a plot and setting and present a point of view that is appropriate to the stories; include sensory details and clear language to develop plot and character; use a range of narrative devices, such as dialogue or suspense.
Use varied word choices to make writing interesting and more precise.

Art	Beginning (1)	Developing (2)	Accomplished (3)	Exemplary (4)	Score
Expressiveness of Theme
Uses good composition/ uses good design principles
Demonstrates understanding of elements and principles- perspective, characterization, page format, speech bubbles and caption boxes, splash page
Proportions are correct
Repeated pattern evident
Space accurately portrayed

Individual	Beginning (1)	Developing (2)	Accomplished (3)	Exemplary (4)	Score
Completes assignments accurately
Completes assignments on time
Keeps on task
Works well with team members

Conclusion:

Comic books offer learners a way to merge their skill in writing with their talent in art. It offers a creative outlet to telling a story through dialogue and action and allows the reader to intimately relate to the story being told. Today's comic book is no longer a piece of cardboard glued together. Comic Books are reflections of today's society and invite readers to READ more. If comic books have really encourage the reader to read more, check out the comic books designed by some middle schoolers.

Credits and References

The background and images were part of the Microsoft Frontpage Editor 3.0.2 Streetwriting Theme. WebQuest format was modified from Lee Ehman's WebQuest template. References consulted for this project include printed and non printed material. The lesson was collaboratively taught by Ms. Kris McGlaun, Ms. Sara McQueen, and Ms. Jennifer Zock.

Teacher's Help:

Included in this section is proficiencies and standard information, suggested adaptations, and some insight into how this lesson was implemented.

Kris McGlaun, Library Media Specialist
Jackson Creek Middle School
Last Updated: 08-08-03

Comic Books and More

A WebQuest for Grades 5-8 (Language Arts/ Fine Arts)

Comic Books and More Main Page

Introduction:

Task:

Process:

So where to begin....

Evaluation:

Writing

Beginning (1)

Developing (2)

Accomplished (3)

Exemplary (4)

Score

Expressiveness of theme

Uses appropriate grammar and free of spelling errors

Uses appropriate script format and direction information for illustrator

Write for different purposes and to a specific audience or person, adjusting style and tone as necessary.

Revise writing to improve organization and word choice after checking the logic of the ideas and the precision of the vocabulary.

Write narratives that: establish and develop a plot and setting and present a point of view that is appropriate to the stories; include sensory details and clear language to develop plot and character; use a range of narrative devices, such as dialogue or suspense.

Use varied word choices to make writing interesting and more precise.

Art

Beginning (1)

Developing (2)

Accomplished (3)

Exemplary (4)

Score

Expressiveness of Theme

Uses good composition/ uses good design principles

Demonstrates understanding of elements and principles- perspective, characterization, page format, speech bubbles and caption boxes, splash page

Proportions are correct

Repeated pattern evident

Space accurately portrayed

Individual

Beginning (1)

Developing (2)

Accomplished (3)

Exemplary (4)

Score

Completes assignments accurately

Completes assignments on time

Keeps on task

Works well with team members

Conclusion:

Credits and References

Teacher's Help:

Included in this section is proficiencies and standard information, suggested adaptations, and some insight into how this lesson was implemented.