TeachthruTech

I ran across Make Beliefs Comix in my Twitter feed a couple weeks ago and downloaded it to give it a try.  It is a free app for the iPad but can also be done online at http://www.makebeliefscomix.com/.  It looks like a fun way for students to start a story, write poetry or limericks, or show what they know.

Creating is quite easy.  Follow the steps below:

1. Name your comix and fill in the Author’s name.
2. Select the panel you want to work in.  You can choose from 2-4 panels for your comix.  As you finish one panel click to move to another.  You can always return to a previous panel if more editing is needed.
3. Use the section under the panels to select your characters, props, backgrounds, and thought or talk bubbles.  This is also where you can change the number of panels in your comix.  Objects and scenes will appear in the selection window.  You can use the arrows underneath it to scroll through your options.  Click on the preview to add it to your panel.
4. The toolbar on the left is where you can edit your characters and props within the panel. Move each prop, change it size, bring a prop to the front, flip the direction of the prop, and delete.  Once you make your selection from the toolbar is stays on that selection until you select a different option.
5. Selecting Next will get you to the window where you can choose to save the comix to your camera roll or email it.  You can also access this option from the toolbar.

A word of caution for you.  You are not able to save a project part way through and start another one.  You must complete one project before another can be started.  If you choose to start a new project your previous work will be lost.

I think this would be a great tool for a writing station to let your students be creative.  Below is an example of my first Make Beliefs Comix.