Complete a Comic!
Promoting the Correct Use of Quotation Marks
Stage of Literacy Development:
Stage 2: Consolidation / FluencyStage 3: Literacy for Growth
Ages:
6-12
Grade Range:
2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6thFood Groups:
Primary:
Writing Conventions
Activity Description
Preparation:
-
Prepare a comic
-
Draw or find a wordless comic that includes 2 characters and 4-6 frames
- You may wish to use a comic from a newspaper or graphic novel
-
Display comic on a piece of chart paper
- You may wish to use a computer projector or Smartboard
-
Draw or find a wordless comic that includes 2 characters and 4-6 frames
-
Prepare chart
- Under the selected comic write the heading “Writing Dialogue Using Quotation Marks”
-
Gather student materials for independent tasks
-
Each student will need writing materials and 1 blank piece of paper for writing individual comics
- You may wish to photocopy a template that includes 4-6 frames
-
Each student will need writing materials and 1 blank piece of paper for writing individual comics
Implementation:
Session 1:
-
Present the selected comic and read the dialogue aloud
- Discuss when and why dialogue is used in writing
- Introduce quotation marks as the correct punctuation to use to show that someone is speaking
-
Brainstorm and record new dialogue from the selected comic using quotation markst
- Invite students to share their ideas after each frame is reread aloud
-
Model how to create a comic
- Brainstorm a topic and 2 characters for class comic
- Draw 4-6 frames and include an illustration in each frame
- Brainstorm ideas for the dialogue
- Record ideas using quotation marks
- Write dialogue in the comic using speech bubbles
- Have students create their own comic using the same format
Session 2:
-
Invite students to share their comics in pairs
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Each student should use their partner’s comic to write new dialogue using quotation marks
- For example: Lucy said, “Look over there!”
-
Each student should use their partner’s comic to write new dialogue using quotation marks
- Have students share their comics with the entire class
Adaptations For
English Language Learners/ESL:
- Provide students with visual cues showing each step involved in the activity
- Prior to the activity pre-teach the meaning of new terms including dialogue and quotation marks
LD/Reading & Writing Difficulties:
- Scribe for the student as he/she orally shares the dialogue
- Provide access to a computer software program designed for creating comics
Cultural Appropriateness & Diversity:
- Select comics that are culturally inclusive
- Allow students to make personal connections during discussions and when creating their individual comics
Differentiated Instruction:
- Allow students to choose a topic of interest when creating their individual comics
- Brainstorm and display a list of topics from which students can choose to write about
- Provide students with a variety of sentences showing the correct use of quotation marks; display the sentences for students to refer to when writing dialogue
Related References
Evidence: Ranker, J. (2007). Using comic books as read-alouds: Insights on reading instruction from an English as a second language classroom. Reading Teacher, 61, 296-305.
Activity Objective
The goal of Complete a Comic!: Promoting the Correct Use of Quotation Marks is to explore the conventions that we use in written language and provide explicit instruction and practice in when and how to correctly use quotation marks.
What You Need
Prep Time:
20 minutes
- Prepare a comic
- Prepare chart
- Gather student materials for independent task
Task Time:
2, 30 minute session
Session 1:
- Teacher presents and reads aloud a comic
Students and teacher brainstorm dialogue between characters and record quotes
- Teacher models how to create a comic
- Students create individual comic
Session 2:
- Students work in pairs to record dialogue using quotation marks
Materials Required:
Teacher:
- Chart paper
- Markers
- Comic
Students:
- Blank paper
- Writing materials
Optional:
- Smartboard
What You Do
Teacher Role:
Direct instruction:
- while presenting and reading aloud comic
Facilitator:
- while students brainstorm dialogue and quotes are recorded
Modeling:
- while creating class comic
Consultant:
- while students create comics and record dialogue using quotation marks
Student Grouping:
Whole class:
- during presentation of comic, brainstorming of dialogue and creation of class comic
Individual:
- during creation of comics
Pairs:
- when students record dialogue using quotation marks
Assessment Ideas:
- Provide students with written and oral feedback on writing dialogue and correctly using quotation marks by sharing strengths and next steps
a. Record this information on a tracking sheet and provide students with an opportunity to make revisions
Quick Tips
Activity Extensions:
- Have students create a comic based on a familiar story
- Invite students to view a wordless illustration that includes 2 characters
a. Have students create a short story that includes dialogue and quotation marks
- Provide students with sentences that include errors in punctuation and have them make corrections as a whole class, in pairs or individually
- Present the same comic to the entire class
a. Have each student write dialogue for the given comic
b. Share the dialogue and discuss how different students created different dialogue
c. Emphasize different points of view
- Select comics and graphic novels as a class read aloud
- Provide comics and graphic texts to students to read during guided reading sessions and conferences
- Create a "Comic of the Week" board by displaying a wordless comic and having students write and post dialogue for the selected comic
a. Invite students to vote on their favorite dialogue
Additional Comments:
- Using comics to teach quotation marks and dialogue is a fun and engaging activity, particularly when using comics that include age-appropriate humour.
- The Internet offers many programs for students to create their own comics. Integrating technology into your literacy program fosters a motivation for literacy, is very engaging and offers a meaningful alternative to pencil and paper tasks.
- Review dialogue and the correct use of quotation marks on a regular basis throughout the school year.
Other Adaptations/Modifications:
- During whole class instruction, provide proximity seating for students who may require cues to refocus
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