Free online comic makers are great for encouraging creative writing and there are quite a few of them available, if you do not already have any comic maker programs, or apps, installed on the school’s devices.
MakeBeliefsComix.com is a free comic strip creator which is easy enough and quite suitable for children to use. Users can choose from twenty-five characters to fill a two, three, or four-panel comic strip. Children can use talk balloons, thought bubbles, objects, words or any of the colours provided to create their comic.
There is a section called How we use Makebeliefscomix in the classroom and at home – it is an ideas exchange area with many of the ideas, shared by teachers, about how the resource could be used within the classroom.
Last but not least, this site offers over 700 free printables on all sorts of topics which, again, could be useful to inspire creative writing.
Storyboard That is another very useful site for comic strip making in the classroom:
“Students create their own comic to show they understand a process or concept:
- Reinforce reading comprehension
- Enhance understanding of complex literary topics like conflict and irony
- Address differentiated learning types
- Develop creative writing skills
- Reinforce understanding through the retelling of a historical event” (Storyboard That)
Storyboard That is free to start with but not sure for how long!
Canva has a free online comic maker too. It is another drag and drop editor that is easy to use and can be very effective. It is free but you have to sign up with Google or Facebook to use it.
“Use Canva to weave images, text, and emotion together to bring your coolest ideas to life. While it might sound daunting, it really doesn’t need to be. Canva’s comic strips maker is so simple to use that you don’t even need to be a professional cartoonist, artist or designer to create something magical. Whether you’re creating a comic strip for a kid in your life, your parents, or because you think you could be the next big graphic novelist, Canva can help you to create a work of art to be proud of.” (Canva)
It has to be said, that absolutely free online comic makers are few and far between. Most of them seem to be freemium – starting free and then charge, and charging even more for education use! Therefore, using any apps that you may already have could be a much better prospect.