Kids Making Comics: Why It's Worth Encouraging
Kids making comics practise drawing, writing, sequencing and humor all at once. Learn why comics are worth encouraging and how to get kids started.
Comics are one of the best creative activities for kids because they combine drawing, storytelling, writing, sequencing and humor in one project. Even reluctant writers will happily write speech bubbles, and comic strips teach kids to plan a beginning, middle and end.
If your child fills notebooks with comics, celebrate it. Comics are not a lesser form of writing or art; they are a demanding mix of both. Many teachers now use comics to motivate kids who struggle with traditional writing.
What kids learn from making comics
- Sequencing. Panels must go in order.
- Storytelling. Each comic needs a setup and a payoff.
- Writing. Dialogue, captions and sound effects.
- Drawing. Characters must look the same from panel to panel.
- Expression. Faces need to show feelings clearly.
- Humor. Timing a joke is a real skill.
Start with faces
Comics live or die on facial expressions. A character needs to look surprised, angry or delighted for the joke to land. How to Draw: Goofy Faces is full of funny expressions kids can use in their comics. Learn a few faces, then put them in a story.
A simple three-panel comic
1. Setup. Introduce a character and a situation. ("Bob wants a sandwich.")
2. Problem. Something goes wrong. ("The sandwich runs away!")
3. Payoff. A funny ending. ("Bob is now best friends with the sandwich.")
Comic tools
- Paper folded into three or four boxes
- A pencil for sketching, a pen for final lines
- Speech bubbles and thought bubbles
- Sound effects (BOOM! SPLAT!)
Comic prompts
- A cat who wants to be a dog
- The day the teacher turned into a frog
- A robot learning to dance
- An alien's first day at school
Encourage, don't edit
Let kids' comics be messy and silly. Do not correct spelling in the speech bubbles unless they ask. The point is to tell a story. For related ideas, see inventing characters and picture books.
Questions parents ask
Are comics good for kids' learning?
Yes. Making comics combines drawing, writing, sequencing and storytelling, and it often motivates reluctant writers.
How do I help my child make a comic?
Start with a three-panel structure: setup, problem, funny ending. Fold paper into boxes and add speech bubbles.
What age can kids start making comics?
Children as young as 5 can make simple picture comics. By 7 or 8, many add speech bubbles and longer stories.
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