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= ShaZam! Creating Engagingly H.O.T. Comics and Graphic Novels =

Take a fun-packed walk through the land of comics and graphic novels as learning tools! Every medium has a grammar and a fluency that can be practiced and mastered through purposeful processes and reflection. Discover how graphic novels can be used to increase basic literacies as well as communicate in-depth understandings across content areas for all ages through the artful use of text and images. Participants will experience designing rigorous, standards-based tasks, principles of great graphic novels, and exploring hands-on use of comic-making software. Assessment tools for student work provided.

//Comics is the umbrella term that covers all "sequential art" - or stories told in pictures. Manga, graphic novels, Sunday comics are some of the comic styles. Manga is Japanese comics, which is one style. Graphic novels are book-length comics unfolding more plot and character development. All comic-making uses an art form based on the grammar and fluency of visual storytelling.//  **Explore TYPES of Communication for Comic-Making**
 * Short Stories
 * Myths and Legends
 * DocuDramas
 * Documentaries
 * Describe and Conclude
 * Public Service Announcements

Learning Objectives
Graphic Novel projects can use many different comic-making tools while still meeting the purpose of visual communication reflecting rigor and relevance. This topic can be delivered as a session for awareness; as a one (1) day workshop for understanding; or be extended 2-3 days for hands-on crafting your content into graphic novels while learning processes, digital tools and assessment. An Artist-in-Residence Program is also available.


 * 1) //What is the origin and history of comics in education?//
 * 2) //How have they been received by our culture?//
 * 3) //What myths have clouded the high-value of comic-making for literacy?//
 * 4) //What are the skills developed with comic-making / graphic novels?//
 * 5) //How can visual literacy and visual storytelling be mastered via comics and graphic novels?//
 * 6) //What are key principles of grammar and fluency for developing graphic novels?//
 * 7) //What content-building steps would guide students to develop rigor in their narratives?//
 * 8) //What media-making steps would guide students to create effective craftsmanship?//