Cartoons and Comics

It was fun playing with ToonDoo, Pixton and Makebeliefscomix to create my comic strips.  The following information provides feedback of what I thought after using every comic strip tool.  I honestly believe that students will probably have more creativity than I did.  I think promoting Comic Strips to our fellow teachers to incorporate in their classes for reading, vocabulary, writing and team work between students is an excellent and creative way to strengthen their reading and writing skills.

ToonDoo

I personally had a lot of trouble just loading the page to create my comic strip.  I used my phone, I-Pad and laptop computers to be able to log in and create it.  Don’t know if the webpage was having technical issues.  I had no problems creating my comic strips.  I liked that it provides you with different layouts from where to choose.  It has a variety of characters and backgrounds you can go for.  I had a little problem trying to delete the text balloons and re-adjusting them to the comic strip, other than that it was easy.  I had no problem saving it and getting the link to share and embed.  I did notice that when I tried embedding the link to my blog it gave me some kind of error message. That’s why I only have the link.

View this Toon at ToonDoo

http://www.toondoo.com/cartoon/10245402

Pixton

I really enjoyed using Pixton.  I liked that you are able to create your own characters, avatar, and give them a name.  I noticed that you are able to create a longer comic strip.  It allows you to change the characters position-loved this feature.  It has enough backgrounds to choose from.  Pixton allows you to change the emotions of your character but not until you choose to add another strip.  At least that was the only way I was able to do it.  I had no problems registering and saving my comic strip.  I was able to embed the link to my blog without problems.

MakebeliefsComix

MakeBeliefsComix comic strip:


http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/Comix/?comix_id=14908952C1978603

There isn’t a need to make an account to start using Makebeliefscomix.  I liked that the characters are animated.  It is simple to use and easy to delete if you don’t like what you have done.  It allows you to print and share it with a friend.  It does not have a variety of features to choose from like Pixton and ToonDoo but it is very neat to have an animated comic strip.

In addition, it was informative to read the Makebeliefscomix web link for educators.  I never thought of implementing a comic strip for reading and writing.  As I was reading the different ways to incorporate comic strips in the classroom, I was thinking and making a list of things I can do with my 1^st grade classroom this coming school year.  I really liked the idea of using a comic strip to introduce yourself.  I use that activity every year the first week of school.  I personally loved Pixton from all three comic strips tools. But base on the grade level I teach and the needs of my students, I would recommend Makebeliefscomix. My students can just log in and let their imagination and creativity loose. The fact that it allows them to print their cartoon strip and present it.

I also see myself using it to promote collaboration among students, build their vocabulary words, writing and reading skills in a creative way.  I have my students write in their journal in a daily basis. I think creating a comix diary will be an excellent way of engaging students to write.