One project in my literacy infused art curriculum at the Patrick J. Kennedy School was the creation of comic strip art. Students in grades Four and Five were taught about the comic strip industry and its art and then made their own comic strips with the theme of school. We reviewed classic comic strips such as Calvin and Hobbes and Snoopy. Students also viewed various anime, cartoon and child how-to drawing books for inspiration. Through this assignment students were taught various drawing skills and encouraged to develop their own drawing styles. I was impressed with the creativity and simplicity of their school-themed comic strip stories. I was also impressed with how each comic strip subtly hints at sociological themes.
*Click on thumbnail of comic strip below to view larger*
MASS Visual Arts Standards
PreK-12 STANDARD 2: Elements and Principles of Design:
2.2 For line, explore the use of line in 2D and 3D works. Identify a wide variety of types of lines in the environment and in artwork.
2.3 For texture, explore the use of textures in 2D and 3D works
2.4 For shape and form, explore the use of shapes and forms in 2D and 3D works.
2.5 For pattern and symmetry, explore the use of patterns and symmetrical shapes in 2D and 3D works.
2.6 For space and composition, explore composition by creating artwork with a center of interest, repetition, and/or balance.
PreK–12 STANDARD 3: Observation, Abstraction, Invention, and Expression
3.3 Create 2D and 3D artwork from memory or imagination to tell a story or embody an idea or fantasy.
PreK–12 STANDARD 7: Roles of Artists in Communities
7.1 Investigate how artists create their work; read about, view films about, or interview artists.
*Click on thumbnail of comic strip below to view larger*
MASS Visual Arts Standards
PreK-12 STANDARD 2: Elements and Principles of Design:
2.2 For line, explore the use of line in 2D and 3D works. Identify a wide variety of types of lines in the environment and in artwork.
2.3 For texture, explore the use of textures in 2D and 3D works
2.4 For shape and form, explore the use of shapes and forms in 2D and 3D works.
2.5 For pattern and symmetry, explore the use of patterns and symmetrical shapes in 2D and 3D works.
2.6 For space and composition, explore composition by creating artwork with a center of interest, repetition, and/or balance.
PreK–12 STANDARD 3: Observation, Abstraction, Invention, and Expression
3.3 Create 2D and 3D artwork from memory or imagination to tell a story or embody an idea or fantasy.
PreK–12 STANDARD 7: Roles of Artists in Communities
7.1 Investigate how artists create their work; read about, view films about, or interview artists.