When learning a new math concept, it can be challenging for students to connect the lesson with something they know or already understand. Sometimes it can help to take the concept out of the world of solving arithmetic problems and put it into a new setting.
Short comic strips of one to four panes can be useful for explaining a new concept to students. Putting a humorous spin on a new idea, like showing the value of pie carved into pumpkins, can help students remember the concept. They can also be created by students to help them understand something new. The effort they put into finding a creative or funny way to explain the material helps make mental connections that will make it easier for them to remember it later.
Preparing for the Cartoon Activity
Before introducing the activity, introduce the concept. This should include not only the age appropriate vocabulary but also details and examples.
Next, have students brainstorm what the vocabulary words or math concepts mean. Split students into small groups of three or four and give them a few minutes to come up with as many words or phrases that come to mind. This can be encouraged further by having groups share their funniest or silliest ideas. Make sure students understand to write down everything and not just what they think is the best since the best ideas sometimes come from the strangest places.
At this point students should have some ideas about what to create. The actual writing and drawing of the cartoon can be started in class and, if extra time is needed, finished later or as homework. Be ready to display the results on the classroom bulletin board or make copies for students to keep in their notes.
Guidelines for Students Creating Math Comic Strips
They may work on the comic or cartoon individually or in pairs. Students should be encouraged to be creative and look for ways to turn the concept into a joke or pun. The humor helps them to remember not only the concept they are assigned but also those described by their classmates.
The brainstorming activity should help students come up with ideas for their comic strip. Some students may still have trouble deciding what to do, so be prepared with some extra or more specific examples.
Creating a comic strip or one panel cartoon to explain a concept requires students to think about math in a different way. Whether the result is a direct restatement of a definition or a cleverly designed pun, the student will make mental connections to the material in a unique way which will reinforce their understanding.
Related articles: Using Humor as a Learning Tool, Creating Lessons Using Different Learning Styles
 |
