ToonDoo Lesson

Early-Intermediate ELL

Unit: "What's wrong?" / "Probably . . ."

Lesson Objectives:

• Students will practice target language pattern: “What’s wrong with X?” / “She’s probably X.”
• Students will practice using context to infer appropriate language
• Students will practice language creativity

Instructional Aids/Materials:

• Computers (Enough for the instructor and each student)
• Computer projector
• Premade ToonDoo comics

Time:

• One 50-minute lesson

Lesson Outline:

• Review: Begin lesson with a review of recently learned target language. For this lesson, the language will consist of the pattern “What’s wrong with X?” “[He’s] probably X.” (Example: “What’s wrong with Alex?” “He’s probably sick.” / “What’s wrong with the dog?” “It’s probably hungry.”) Note that this lesson could be adapted to multiple language patterns; this is only intended as one example.
• Introduction: Using a computer screen projector, introduce students to one premade ToonDoo comic exhibiting the target language. Sample cartoon:

• Practice: Practice applying target language to a comic together as a large group; project pre-made comic with blank word bubbles and ask students what language would be appropriate to fill in based on the context. Sample cartoon:

(Appropriate target language: “What’s wrong with Beary?” “He’s probably scared.”)

• Walk students through the beginning process of registering ToonDoo accounts:
  1. Go to http://www.toondoo.com
  2. Click on the “Sign Up for Free” button and register a new account.
  3. Under the “Toons” heading, select “Create Toon.”
  4. Select a layout and begin to select characters, backgrounds, etc. (Allow students to experiment with this step for some time, until they become comfortable with the format.)
  5. Use tools to manipulate characters (rotate, shrink/enlarge, adjust emotion, etc.).
  6. Insert dialogue by selecting word bubbles from the “Texts” heading.
  7. Save completed comic strip by clicking on the “Main Menu” heading and selecting “Save.” Title the comic, uncheck “Let others redoo,” and publish.
• Once students are comfortable with the ToonDoo creation process, instruct them to independently create a new comic strip modeling the target language. Provide a list of context and vocabulary possibilities, if necessary.
  • Context possibilities: At a scary movie, at a restaurant, on a rollercoaster, at the beach, watching a drama, in bed, etc.
  • Vocabulary possibilities: Hungry, cold, scared, sick, worried, angry, sad, hot, thirsty, tired, etc.

Homework Assignment:

• Ask students to create a comic at home using ToonDoo and the target language pattern.

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