This guy absolutely loves comics! The best aspect of his book Making Comics: Storytelling Secrets of Comics, Manga and Graphic Novels was the whole book being written in comic form. Scott has a web page with supplemental information on the chapter "Tools, Techniques and Technology" that he calls chapter 5 1/2. I like the fact that the online supplement talks about color, and the reader can actually see the color. The book doesn't have any color in it.
I never really realized how much detail goes into drawing a comic. Also, I never imagined how much information and detail can be given through just the picture and not the words. For example, page 84 shows the vast array of facial features to show emotions. There are sooooo many! I would never be able to draw that many emotions on just a face without the guidance and detail Scott gives in this book.
As I was looking up Scott on the Internet, I found something he did that might be something fun to try with students. Scott and a friend had a contest to create the 24-hour comic. He describes it in detail on his site.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Class Reflection
I have enjoyed our class this semester. The strategy demonstrations were my favorite part of the class. More classes throughout the college requirement sheet should do activities like this. I felt that it came to late in my college career. This assignment gave the class a lot of really good ideas to use in the classroom. Furthermore, I think it would be even better if the lessons/ideas were collected into one document and emailed to the class listserve.
Also, I enjoyed parts of the writing workshop. In the beginning, I was a little reserved about sharing any of my writing with the class; however, after reading the pieces from my peers, it wasn't as scary. The length of the assignment was daunting until I actually began to write. When I made the time, the words just seemed to flow out onto the page. The class discussion was the only aspect of this process that I didn't enjoy. I felt as though the track changes were enough for me. It might be good for some people, but I'm not the tell-people-what-I-think type. In my own class, I would allow class discussion on the pieces of writing, but it would not be part of the grade.
Finally, I really appreciated the time Dr. Kist devoted to answering student questions and listening to our comments or stories at the beginning of each class. This helped me feel more relaxed and less stressed out about the semester. I enjoyed hearing about my classmates' experiences and their own struggles.
Also, I enjoyed parts of the writing workshop. In the beginning, I was a little reserved about sharing any of my writing with the class; however, after reading the pieces from my peers, it wasn't as scary. The length of the assignment was daunting until I actually began to write. When I made the time, the words just seemed to flow out onto the page. The class discussion was the only aspect of this process that I didn't enjoy. I felt as though the track changes were enough for me. It might be good for some people, but I'm not the tell-people-what-I-think type. In my own class, I would allow class discussion on the pieces of writing, but it would not be part of the grade.
Finally, I really appreciated the time Dr. Kist devoted to answering student questions and listening to our comments or stories at the beginning of each class. This helped me feel more relaxed and less stressed out about the semester. I enjoyed hearing about my classmates' experiences and their own struggles.
Paying Students for Grades
I know that many people do not agree with giving students money as a reward for good grades; however, I think it is a good idea for many reasons. First of all, teachers are preparing students to become functional, tax-paying citizens. This means that students will need to be able to find and keep jobs! Also, they will be getting paid to do their work. So why not have the incentive of money for doing good school work. Workers get bonuses for a job well done; therefore, students should get a bonus for a job well done. I'm sure that math teachers can use the fact that students are getting paid for some type of educational benefit! Have the students calculate interest if they keep their money in a savings account...lol!
Secondly, I believe that this type of reward system might be better used in low-income communities. When parents do not make enough money, sometimes their children will have to find jobs as early as thirteen years old. Working and doing school work is not an easy task, and some teenagers are trying to work as close to forty hours as possible. Maybe if students didn't have to worry so much about getting a job, they could focus more on academics.
Secondly, I believe that this type of reward system might be better used in low-income communities. When parents do not make enough money, sometimes their children will have to find jobs as early as thirteen years old. Working and doing school work is not an easy task, and some teenagers are trying to work as close to forty hours as possible. Maybe if students didn't have to worry so much about getting a job, they could focus more on academics.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Image Grammar
I absolutely loved Harry Noden's Image Grammar lesson last semester. I think using visual aids to help students become better writers is very useful. I have problems getting started on writing something when I have nothing to start with. I believe that the pictures or visuals used with image grammar have to say something also. I have used certain images to assist with writing that weren't very useful. The visual didn't stimulate the writing part of my brain in the right way. Therefore, I don't think just any visual item can work the way the teacher expects it to.
I also like some of the activities that can go along with image grammar. Learning about grammar and writing doesn't always have to be sitting at a desk with paper and pencil. For example, strategy number 5 deals with students becoming detectives and solving a murder. This allows students to be involved in learning at the same time as moving around and talking with peers. Also, I would have never thought about the benefits of using a magic trick to learn concepts of grammar. This book and its ideas will definitely hold a place on my book shelves!
I also like some of the activities that can go along with image grammar. Learning about grammar and writing doesn't always have to be sitting at a desk with paper and pencil. For example, strategy number 5 deals with students becoming detectives and solving a murder. This allows students to be involved in learning at the same time as moving around and talking with peers. Also, I would have never thought about the benefits of using a magic trick to learn concepts of grammar. This book and its ideas will definitely hold a place on my book shelves!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Want Your Opinion
One part of my 10-day unit is having the students create their own public service announcement based on a theme from the novel we are reading, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie. To introduce this project, I wanted to show the students a variety of examples from PSAs already on television. I chose topics such as breast cancer, smoking, drinking, and bullying. I am not able to show one of the PSAa, and I wanted some opinions from others.
Furthermore, my cooperating teacher viewed my first PSA while trying to play the DVD I created. Her response was to let me know that I couldn't play it in school because the students would tell all their friends, and the principal would not be happy if he found out. So, watch the PSA and tell me what you think......Save the Boobs!
I questioned the value of it before deciding to add it to my collection. I wanted the students to view a variety of tactics used to make get a point across to an audience. I believe that the PSA was very weel done and creative. I have heard more conversations recently about breast cancer than I've ever heard. And most of those conversations begin with this PSA or some of the other similar tactics used. Check out their site. It's not about sexy women, it's about breast cancer. They are simply trying to make younger women, and sometimes men, think about a subject they don't realize can happen at their age, or gender.
I don't understand the objection to using it with seniors.
Furthermore, my cooperating teacher viewed my first PSA while trying to play the DVD I created. Her response was to let me know that I couldn't play it in school because the students would tell all their friends, and the principal would not be happy if he found out. So, watch the PSA and tell me what you think......Save the Boobs!
I questioned the value of it before deciding to add it to my collection. I wanted the students to view a variety of tactics used to make get a point across to an audience. I believe that the PSA was very weel done and creative. I have heard more conversations recently about breast cancer than I've ever heard. And most of those conversations begin with this PSA or some of the other similar tactics used. Check out their site. It's not about sexy women, it's about breast cancer. They are simply trying to make younger women, and sometimes men, think about a subject they don't realize can happen at their age, or gender.
I don't understand the objection to using it with seniors.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Star Girl
I recently went to Borders on a shopping spree. I bought a few different books and this is my review:
Stargirl
This was a really great book. Even though it is for teens and young adults, I wanted to read the book from start to finish without any interruptions. I wanted to figure out who and what Stargirl was other than the enigma she seemed to be. I think it is a great book to use in high school. My first year coaching has shown me how teenagers band together based on who is who and who is wearing what and who is doing this or that. This one girl represents a part of being human that a lot of people lack today: kindness. I recommend this book to adults and teens!
I'm now working on reading Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Meyers. I have heard some of the students at my high school make positive comments on the book.
Stargirl
This was a really great book. Even though it is for teens and young adults, I wanted to read the book from start to finish without any interruptions. I wanted to figure out who and what Stargirl was other than the enigma she seemed to be. I think it is a great book to use in high school. My first year coaching has shown me how teenagers band together based on who is who and who is wearing what and who is doing this or that. This one girl represents a part of being human that a lot of people lack today: kindness. I recommend this book to adults and teens!
I'm now working on reading Fallen Angels by Walter Dean Meyers. I have heard some of the students at my high school make positive comments on the book.
Modern Library Writer's Workshop
The idea that writing isn't going to be perfect as soon as the writer starts putting words on paper is inspiring. I look back at some of my own writing projects and become discouraged. If the piece that I am working on isn't exactly right, I put it aside; however, my 'aside' amounts to a very long period of time. This book recommends, "...you must sit down and write. It doesn't even really matter if you feel like writing" (5). I am known for the "I'm not in the mood to write; therefore, I can't" excuse more often than not. I also tend to be very critical of what I write and not like it very much.
Furthermore, I like how the process of writing isn't very machine-like. In a school setting, writing is a strict process with specific guidelines. The Writer's Workshop explains how the story and the characters are in control, not necessarily the writer. If the elements in the story are being shaped and created in the middle or end, that is okay! The thought of letting a character tell the story before the writer does is a new concept to me. I have always felt that I needed to be in control of everything instead of trying to become the character. The Writer's Workshop says, "To create a character is to play that character's part in your mind, and acting is a good metaphor for the process" (103).
I still want to make excuses and claim that the advice is unrealistic..lol. The book discusses time as though the writer can just make more of it whenever needed. Joyce Carol claims, "I have forced myself to begin writing when I've been utterly exhausted, when I've felt my soul as thin as a playing card, when nothing has seemed worth enduring for another five minutes...and somehow the activity of writing changes everything" (5). When my soul is that flimsy and I feel like crawling into a hole, I imagine a soft blanket around me while I'm curled up in bed, hopefully having a good dream that makes me realize I want to wake up again!!!
Furthermore, I like how the process of writing isn't very machine-like. In a school setting, writing is a strict process with specific guidelines. The Writer's Workshop explains how the story and the characters are in control, not necessarily the writer. If the elements in the story are being shaped and created in the middle or end, that is okay! The thought of letting a character tell the story before the writer does is a new concept to me. I have always felt that I needed to be in control of everything instead of trying to become the character. The Writer's Workshop says, "To create a character is to play that character's part in your mind, and acting is a good metaphor for the process" (103).
I still want to make excuses and claim that the advice is unrealistic..lol. The book discusses time as though the writer can just make more of it whenever needed. Joyce Carol claims, "I have forced myself to begin writing when I've been utterly exhausted, when I've felt my soul as thin as a playing card, when nothing has seemed worth enduring for another five minutes...and somehow the activity of writing changes everything" (5). When my soul is that flimsy and I feel like crawling into a hole, I imagine a soft blanket around me while I'm curled up in bed, hopefully having a good dream that makes me realize I want to wake up again!!!
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