Reactions from Richard Byrne’s Blog Site

One set of resources that I found interesting and would love to try with my students from Richard Byrne’s blog site were the comic strip resources. I clicked on his favorite websites link, then on number four, which states, 10 ways to create comics online.  I really liked how he introduced how creating comic strips can help students write.  He said that creating cartoon and comic strips is a good way to get reluctant writers writing.  He also stated that you could work through the elements of fiction in a fun way that can be familiar to them.  There were many different programs you could choose from.  A few were, Witty Comics – provides a simple platform to create two character dialogues, The Super Hero Squad Show which invites kids to create their own hero comic strips and comic books or PikiKids where students can upload images then edit the images or add text bubbles and titles. 

            I have a handful of students in my classroom that I seem to have to fight with everyday to write.  They have a very hard time thinking of things to write about or getting their thoughts on paper.  I can’t wait to try this, and see how much of a difference it will make.  I really think it will help them be more interested and excited about writing and will also build their confidence. 

            I teach first and second grade, so if I created a blog specifically for my classroom, it would be more for the parents and families of my students.  This could be something they sit down and look at together and watch videos or projects I have posted or even visit a website and play a game for homework.  I think parents would really enjoy something like this and it would be a great change from a nightly writing or math page.