Here are some creative and fun cartoon and comic programs to utilize in the library and in any classroom. A great way to promote reading and learning, and to capture your students' attention!
ToonDoo was an easy cartoon to create because it guides you step-by-step while you are creating your comic, and it is free. There is a menu across the top that you can follow. There are also buttons on the right side of the page, and you can start with the button labeled ToonDoo Maker. It does have some variety of options to use for your cartoon. When you are finished, you can save it and also edit it. It would be easy and fun for students to use as well.
MakeBeliefsComix is probably the easiest of all the comic programs to use, but it is also the simplest as to the variety provided. You can print out the comic or email it to someone. When you begin to create your comic, it provides the panels across the top of the page, and some characters at the bottom. You can also find some different backgrounds, color choices and talk balloons at the bottom of the page. Along the left side of the screen are the motion movements for the characters you create. Although it is very easy to create, it might be better to use MakeBeliefsComix as a starting point when first introducing the creation of comics to students. Students will find it easy to use but, might get bored later on with the limited amount of options and variety supplied.
The following is the comic I created in MakeBeliefsComx:
Pixton was only free for 7 days for the general audience, but if you log in as a student or teacher, you are allowed to use it for 15 days free of charge. It has an introductory video that will show you what kind of comics you can create. You start by clicking on "Create a Comic", and it will give you a variety of comic formats. It contains more variety in the kind tools you can use to manipulate backgrounds, characters, and expressions. You can also add voice to your comic. It is very easy to save and share. Students will love Pixton, as it allows them to use their creativity and artistic talents. The only problem is the limited amount of time allowed as free. If you would like to purchase it, the cost starts at $8.99/month for an individual teacher, and schools or districts may purchase it for $1.75/student for a 1-Year License.
MakeBeliefsComix is probably the easiest of all the comic programs to use, but it is also the simplest as to the variety provided. You can print out the comic or email it to someone. When you begin to create your comic, it provides the panels across the top of the page, and some characters at the bottom. You can also find some different backgrounds, color choices and talk balloons at the bottom of the page. Along the left side of the screen are the motion movements for the characters you create. Although it is very easy to create, it might be better to use MakeBeliefsComix as a starting point when first introducing the creation of comics to students. Students will find it easy to use but, might get bored later on with the limited amount of options and variety supplied.
The following is the comic I created in MakeBeliefsComx:
Tellagami is a fun app to use from your iPad to create your own comic character. It can be used for book reviews, book talks, or to promote any idea or special occasion. It is very easy to use and share, and can be a creative way to get your idea out there.
My Tellagami creation:
Cartoons and comics are a fun and creative way to promote what is happening in your library. My favorite to use would be, Pixton. I found it to be the most creative and one that offers more variety. I can use it for book reviews, to promote special events happening in my library, and to capture my patrons' attention. I can also share this idea with my students at the library to have them create their own comics about their favorite books to share with their classmates. Children will love incorporating comics as a form of expression in their projects and other creations. A wonderful tool to use in any library or classroom.
I really enjoyed your Tellagami! I will definitely have to give that one a try. Great job
ReplyDeleteGreat job creating your Tellagami! It's a great way to introduce our students to new books.
ReplyDeleteI love all of the tired teachers! This is exactly how I feel!! Maybe music will help!! Thanks for the smile! :)
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