Teacher Discussion Forums

Yesterday I had an idea which I used for an extra class of 20 students aged 15 years that I take after school hours.

I used a print of a Gary Larson 'Far Side' cartoon where the old joke 'Why did the chicken cross the road? - To get to the other side' is twisted a bit. The caption depicts the chicken standing at the road facing a sign that says 'The Other Side - Why do you need a reason?'

I picked this out for the use of who, what, when, where, how and why, and as an exercise to get students talking and imagination rolling, something which they did well. I also had a chance to gauge their speaking levels, as it was the first time I had taken this particular class.
While the grammar was not perfect, there was a good knowledge and a storyline was developed.

I am wondering how far I can take this exercise, but more importantly, how I can improve it. A couple of students are good at drawing and some at msuic so would a long-term project like developing a manga/comic strip, writing a short story or even an easy song (after getting an idea of tastes, listening to enough music in accordance wiith language standard and working up some vocabulary). Or is this too much toi take on for them?

Feedback and criticism welcome. I know there is a wealth of experience in here so I am sure that some good stuff will come out of this.

Thanks.

Hi Canibal Clown

If you want to do a comic strip project with your students, try my webquest. It's got teaching notes you can print off:

www.grammarmancomic.com/wquestmenu.html

And here are some examples of comics students have already made:

www.grammarmancomic.com/sscom.html

I've run this project with six different classes now, and the students always seem to enjoy it. They find it very motivating to think their comics will eventually be published online.

Let me know what you think,

Brian

You may also find this book useful.

Going Graphic: Comics at Work in the Multilingual Classroom

A lot depends on what the students actually need.... if their imagination is good and their grammar not-so-good, it depends mostly on what they are there to learn. If they need excercises in speaking, it's a great idea...... if you want more 'correct English', you can try correcting any mistakes (if the class is small enough), or giving a 'sample answer'at the end. It depends mostly on what they need

In my opinion, when the teachers who use this teaching strategy should not care much about their student talk in a correct grammar or not and just encourage them to talk out.

I agree with eringuoming, I think the purpose of organizing activities is to erose students' interest. We don't have to worry about the grammar mistakes they make, the most important thing is to get everyone involved in the game, and let them want to learn something.

Jetgirly

I've just ordered that book. Our head of English agreed to buy it for the centre if I'm willing to give a workshop on using comics in the classroom.

Can't wait to read it.

Brian

Brian,

Thanks for the sites. I had a browse and they look really good, better than a lot of things I can draw.

Working in Korea, shyness is the biggest problem in middle school. That, and a reluctance to take part, no matter what incentive is given. It makes me feel helpless sometimes because nig classrooms are draining yo try and get everyone active, as you all well know.

My biggest challenge is gaining access to the sites for entire classes in my school, so I may have to modify that and select the most relevant bits to present in class. We are in the porcess of supposedly getting computer grades for each class at some stage, but I do not know when it will occur.
Doing so would make this task a lot easier.

Thanks for your input,everyone. I will keep you informed.