Draw to Learn: Engaging English Learners Through Comic Creation

Shelly Sanchez Terrell
Presenter
60
mins
Course length
Multi Device
Access from mobile or laptop
An adult and a child sitting at a table, working together on homework with notebooks and a smartphone nearby.
A sequence of black and white geometric shapes alternating between quarter circles and half circles arranged in a horizontal line.

Description

Looking for ways to help English Learners build vocabulary and express ideas in a creative, low-pressure format? Want a project that supports comprehension while keeping students highly engaged? Comics provide a visual, structured way for students to explore language, summarize information, and connect ideas through images and text. When paired with intentional scaffolds, comic projects help English Learners organize thinking, build vocabulary, and communicate understanding confidently. In this course, Shelly Terrell shows you how to use free, education-friendly comic creation tools along with supports and templates that guide students through the process. You will walk away with ready-to-use resources and a clear plan to implement a comic-based project immediately.This is course two of six in the series titled "Literacy Projects for Adolescent English Learners."

Objectives

Identify comic creation tools appropriate for adolescent English Learners in grades 4 to 12.Explain how comics support language development, vocabulary growth, and comprehension.Apply scaffolds and supports to guide students through a comic-based project.Analyze student needs to determine appropriate supports for comprehension and expression.Evaluate comic tools and student work for clarity, accessibility, and effectiveness.Create a content-specific comic project that integrates language development and academic content.

Key Take Aways

Use comic creation to build vocabulary, comprehension, and student expression.Implement scaffolds that support English Learners in organizing and summarizing information.Select user-friendly tools that promote creativity and accessibility.Design engaging projects that integrate language development with content learning.

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Meet

Shelly Sanchez Terrell

Shelly Sanchez Terrell is an award-winning digital innovator, author, and STEM teacher who has trained educators in over 20 countries. Her accolades include Woman of the Year by NAPW, a Bammy Award, and recognition as the founder of #Edchat and a leader in teacher-driven professional development.
Specializes In:
Digital Innovator and STEM Educator

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A teacher with curly hair and glasses shows a glowing light bulb to a group of smiling children gathered around a table.