The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken up a lot in our lives, including our creative drive. For some students, the motivation to stay mentally sharp in a home environment is a struggle. One Middletown High School English teacher has a solution for these creative blocks, whether you're an adult, teen or young kid.
WVXU reached out to Chris Pearce to create a step-by-step guide on how to create a comic to keep you creative, or help your student stay sharp via literacy exercises. Pearce uses comics to engage his 9th grade class and creates comics as a side hustle.
"Even if you're not much of a person who likes to draw, you can still do this," he says. "This is also a writing exercise as much as it can be a comics exercise."
A study shows using comics as a method to teach literacy does not always translate into significant educational growth. But it can improve interest and attitudes toward reading.
Here's how it works:
Steps One And Two
Grab a piece of paper and fold it hot dog style to create three lines. Next, write the words "did," "see" and "felt" on the three separate sections of the paper.
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Step Three
Fill each section out with drawings. What did you do today? Watch TV, eat a big sandwich, or work? What did you see? A red cardinal sitting on the porch, or a juicy red tomato on your big sandwich from lunch? What did you feel?
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Step Four
Admire the Picasso in you! Hang your new comic up on your refrigerator.
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If you're looking to take your new skills up a few notches, Pearce has a TikTok channel he uses to connect with his high schoolers.
@mrpearceteach
♬ original sound - mrpearceteach
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