K-12: Teaching with Comic Books

I was and still am a "comic book" geek It was most likely my transition from Big Little Books as a tot and seeing the vibrant visuals with the smell of newsprint pulp. It seemed like the best way to read and it made absorbing the material very easy. C'mon....admit, you may be one of these "geeks" too.

What I really like about comics is they're quick, they hit on contemporary topics that all can relate to and they're quick. What they don't do for formal learning is set up a structure but alas, you can do so with Richard Jenkin's,"Comics in Your Curriculum." According to Jenkins, this book "teaches them how to teach their students how to make comics, and there’s lesson plans for how integrate comics into all the different curriculums, such as math, social studies, science and language arts."

As a bonus, the book and methodology are connected to national education standards. The book can be purchased for $18.95 through the following URL: http://www.piecesoflearning.com

Stay tuned for a plan on how you may incorporate comics into your curriculum.

YIL,

Dave

The Welcome Post!

Hello fellow learners!


Welcome to Cognitive Velocity, a rest stop for hungry minds, learning afficianados, the curious and so on. I'm Dr. Dave Glenz, your moderator and friend in learning. But please call me Dave. This blog has been created to engage readers on what is new, what is hot, what works, and what doesn't. Entries will be added that provide insight to all genres, whether you are in K-12, College/University, Professional/Corporate, or even leisure setting. Learning is absolute, despite your age or whatever/whenever walk of life you come from.


You may be asking, "So how will this page be different from many others that share insights in learning?" The goal is for you to come away with an experience you can apply directly to your work setting. What I strive to keep away from is "vaporware" or theoretical applications that sound interesting but end up being more or less utopian. I will also make it my goal to not just discuss topics but rather teach on the benefits of each since that is our function as teachers. The structure will be the following:

• Topical Purpose: Why is this information relevant and to whom.
  Goals/Objectives: What will you be able to do upon learning this topic?
  What's In It For You?: How will the content impact your life?
• Content: Presented in a logical and easy to follow format
• Summary: Provides a recap of what occured

I'll follow on each topic the following week to recap for those people that may have applied the information. This will not only reinforce the discussion but validate the learning that has taken place. I hope you'll find this format welcoming, after all, it's being designed by a learner for learners.

Yours In Learning (YIL),


Dave