Social Studies Comic Strips

Mrs. Fritz's seventh and eighth graders used Bit Strips to create comic strips illustrating important topics in history they have studied thus far this year. One group focused on their study of Ghandi and used their comic strip to document his many important life events. Another group used their discussions of the 22nd and 23rd Amendment's to guide their creations.

This project focused on our digital learning skill of creativity and allowing our students to demonstrate their knowledge in a variety of ways. Students were given the ability to design the comic strip starring the famous character or use a cartoon version of themselves to explain the scenario. Other than the requirement to include important events pertaining to their topic, they were given the freedom to include whatever style of art they wished.

The BitStrips Comic Creator offers students a variety of storyboard layouts, allowing even our youngest students to create one-scene images. The site also includes many characters, famous people, and even a customization area to create the perfect leading roles for their masterpiece. Add in backgrounds, accessories, props, furniture, effects, and speech bubbles to finalize the comic strip.

This would be a great way for students in may grade levels to brush up on their creativity skill and be given an opportunity to display their learning in a new way. For more comic strip sites scroll down in this blog post.

Some ideas for your classroom

• Summarize a story
• Book Report Alternative
• Sequencing of Events
• Problem and Solution
• Conflict Resolution
• Autobiographies
• Vocabulary Word Review
• Creative Writing

Other comic strip creator websites:
Comic Creator from Read Write Think
Pixton
ToonDoo
BeFunky
BitStrips

For over 100 tips, resources, and ideas for using comics in your classrooms (lessons for elementary to high school) click on the link below.
Using Comics in the Classroom