What's included
Class Experience
In this course we will utilize character construction, plot design, and setting elements to create a new and unique comic book. While we tend to speak about our characters in terms of "heroes" and "villains," all types of comic creators are welcome! This is a flexible schedule course and there are no live meetings. Each week the teacher will post a recorded lesson to the classroom. Learners will participate by completing the weekly assignment, submitting it to the classroom, and commenting on others' work. Directions for this process will be listed in the Outschool classroom upon enrollment. Lesson 1 - Intro and Brainstorming: Learners need to have only a basic understanding of how comic books and superheroes work. We will discuss common story elements and character traits found in popular comic books. Learners brainstorm and free write for their weekly assignments. Learners will then share their weekly assignments in the classroom and provide constructive feedback on others' work. Lesson 2 - Constructing the Hero and the Villain: Using the included printables, learners will design the hero and villain of their stories. We will have a mini-lesson covering popular character traits and how we should describe our characters in our writing. Learners will also be asked to artistically represent their characters using a portrait sheet. Learners will then share their weekly assignments in the classroom and provide constructive feedback on others' work. Lesson 3 - What's the Problem? We will discuss common problems that heroes face in comic book plot lines. Then we will design a problem (with solution!) of our own characters using the included printable. Learners will then share their weekly assignments in the classroom and provide constructive feedback on others' work. Lesson 4 - Share Your Story Learners will complete their own unique comic books and share them with the class! Learners are encouraged to ask questions of others and provide constructive feedback on finished projects.
Learning Goals
Learners will work through the creative writing process while creating their own unique comic books. We will discuss the importance of setting, character design, and how to construct an effective problem and solution.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
As this is a comic book class, it is likely that some learners may write about weapons or others getting hurt. We will discuss the parameters for keeping content "classroom appropriate" and how to avoid uncomfortable situations.
Supply List
Learners will need the provided printable packet, paper, pencil, and coloring supplies needed to complete the final comic book assignment.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree from Bowling Green State University
Hello everyone! My name is Sarah and I am a formerly licensed Language Arts teacher based in Ohio who has completed graduate level work in reading intervention. I received my degree from Bowling Green State University with a major in Liberal Studies - focus on English. I am also the mother of three lovely kids who keep me on my toes! I taught for several years in the public school system, but left because I longed for the flexibility and fluidity of true learning. I believe that children should be allowed to express themselves openly while they learn and I love nothing more than an active conversation with my students!
My family is "educationally eclectic." My two older children have attended private and public schools, while my youngest are currently educated at home with me. I appreciate the value and necessity of a myriad of educational approaches and teaching styles.
I teach all areas of Language Arts (Reading, Writing, Speech, Journalism, and Theater) in addition to courses in the Visual Arts. I also have several years of experience working with neurodiverse learners, focusing on access to education. I look forward to meeting all of you very soon!
I am currently unable to respond directly to schedule requests due to the sheer number of them and the finite number of hours in a day. However, I do look at requests when working on my schedule and I try to accommodate as many of them as possible.
*All class times are approximate. Class length varies based on student ability and number of enrolled learners. Classes are designed so that they will not run longer than the time allotted.*
*Late/Missed Class Policy* All courses will begin on time as long as one learner is in the classroom. In the event that no students are in the classroom at the assigned class time, the teacher will leave a message on the discussion board and exit after 10 min. Class recordings are available upon request.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$13
weekly or $50 for 4 weeks4 weeks
Completed by 1 learner
No live video meetings
Ages: 8-13