만화 만들기 레벨 1(7-9세): 주간 워크숍

In this ongoing class, learners explore the basics of creating comics.  They will use ideas from their imagination, inspiration from favorite comics/graphic novels or events in their own lives to create comics of their own.

I start every class by sharing the beginning of a homemade comic. I use this to introduce the weekly topic and share practical tips to put it into practice.  Then learners share their story ideas and I help brainstorm ideas with the newest comic creators. For the rest of the class, everyone works on their own comics. As learners work independently, I am available for support and encouragement as needed.  We finish with an opportunity to share (but sharing is always optional in my classes). The goal is not to complete a finished product by the end of the class, but for children to get started on this process together, and to ignite an interest in creating comics at home.   

At the end of every week, I follow up with a classroom post. It includes a brief overview of the topic discussed in class along with an optional activity for learners to continue exploring the topic at home and to make connections with the comics they read.

New learners are welcome to join anytime! No previous experience is required.

Weekly Topics:
Week of March 3rd: Panels & story sequence
Week of March 10th: Speech Bubbles
Week of March 17th: What is the character feeling?
Week of March 24th: Thought bubbles * No Thursday class *
Week of March 31st: Finding ideas/inspiration (Thursday class: Thought Bubbles)
Week of April 7th: Creating new characters 
** No classes week of April 14th **
Week of April 21st: Sound effects
Week of April 28th: Story setting
Week of May 5th: Movement lines to show action
Week of May 12th: Including captions
Week of May 19th: Characters in action
Week of May 26th: Problems/Solutions * No Monday class *
** This class is offered year-round additional dates/topics will be added **

I rotate through 12 main topics.  New learners can join at any time and continue for as many weeks as they like. I adjust the examples and discussion to meet the needs of the learners currently enrolled in the class.  Students are welcome to continue with the class for more than 12 weeks or they can transition into the Level 2 Creating Comics class whenever they are ready. 

This class is designed for children with a range of literacy skills and is dyslexic & dysgraphic friendly. Both enthusiastic and reluctant writers are welcome. I strive to provide an inclusive learning environment and celebrate all levels of literacy development. 

Not sure if this is the right comics class for your learner? I offer several comic classes, here is a brief overview along with class links to make sure you find the best fit for your learner.  

Comic Strip Stories: Ages 5-7: Weekly Workshop
A class for the youngest comic creators - beginning to turn drawings into very short comic strip-style stories. No prior experience is necessary.  30 minutes long.

Creating Comics Level 1 Ages 7-9: Weekly Workshop
Learners who are just getting started with creating comics or those who would benefit from a review of the basics.  Also a great class for learners who understand the basics, but need a little extra support/encouragement as they work on their comics. No prior experience is necessary, but it is helpful if the child enjoys looking at or reading comics or graphic novels. 40 minutes long.
-- THIS CLASS -- 

Creating Comics Level 2 Ages 7-10: Weekly Workshop
For learners who have already mastered the basics of creating comics and want to be part of a community of young comic creators as they continue to build new skills.  This class works well for learners who can start a comic independently, enjoy sharing their ideas or like seeing examples of comics made by other students their age. 40 minutes long.

Still not sure, feel free to send me a message to ask questions about any of my comic classes.