Group Storyboard Creation

Purpose:
Students collaborate to plan and illustrate a four-panel comic, focusing on clear narrative sequencing, character expression, and visual storytelling.

Materials:

• Panel Layout Template
• Pencils and Erasers
• Colored Pencils or Markers

Time: 20 minutes total

Instructions

1. Brainstorm Story (5 minutes)

   • In your group of 3–4, discuss and decide on:
     • Setting (Where does the story happen?)
     
     • Characters (Who is in the story?)
     
     • Conflict (What challenge arises?)
     
     • Resolution (How does it end?)
     
   • Jot key ideas in the margins of your Panel Layout Template.

2. Thumbnail Sketches (5 minutes)

   • Draw quick, light pencil thumbnails for each of the four panels in the template.
     
   • Focus on one main action or emotion per panel. Keep shapes simple and clear.
   • Teacher Checkpoint (at 10-minute mark): Ensure every group has sketched all four thumbnails before moving on.

3. Final Panel Drawing (7 minutes)

   • On each panel of the template:
     • Sketch refined outlines of characters and backgrounds.
     • Define panel borders and gutters clearly.
   • Add basic details—clothing, props, environment—without coloring yet.

4. Add Text & Visual Effects (3 minutes)

   • Insert speech bubbles, thought bubbles, or narration captions where needed.
     
   • Include onomatopoeia (e.g., “Crash!”, “Zap!”) and simple motion lines to emphasize action.
   • Check that text placement does not obscure important artwork.

5. Peer Feedback & Refinement (Remaining Time)

   • Within your group, share your nearly finished panels.
     
   • Note one strength (e.g., clear expression, strong sequence) and one area to improve (e.g., text legibility, background detail).
     
   • Make quick adjustments based on feedback—erase and redraw if needed, or add color touches.

Next Up: Get ready to present your completed panels in the Story Share Circle!

Panel Layout Template

Group Members: _________________________________________________

Story Title: _________________________________________________

Panel 1 (Top-Left)

Panel 2 (Top-Right)

Panel 3 (Bottom-Left)

Panel 4 (Bottom-Right)

Planning Notes & Thumbnails

Use this space to sketch quick thumbnail ideas or jot key story details before drawing your final panels.

Story Share Circle

Purpose:
Bring together all groups to share their four-panel storyboards, celebrate creativity, and practice giving and receiving structured feedback.

Time: 8 minutes total (~1 minute per group)

Setup:

• Have groups form a circle or semicircle so everyone can see each storyboard.
• Each group holds their Panel Layout Template with illustrated panels.

Guidelines & Steps

1. Group Presentation (30–45 seconds)

   • One spokesperson per group shows their four panels in order.
   • Briefly state your story title and setting.

2. Positive Feedback (15 seconds)

   • Listeners share one positive comment about the storyboard. For example:
     • “I loved how you showed the surprise moment in Panel 2!”
     • “Your character’s expression in Panel 3 was very clear.”

3. One Question (15 seconds)

   • Listeners ask one question to the presenting group. For example:
     • “What made you pick that ending?”
     • “How did you decide on the conflict?”

4. Rotate Around the Circle

   • Move clockwise so each group presents in turn.
   • Keep an eye on the timer—aim for about one minute per group.

Norms & Tips

• Listening Norms:

• No interruptions when a group is presenting.
• Maintain eye contact and focus on the presenter’s panels.

• Feedback Norms:

• Be specific and sincere.
• Use “I” statements (“I noticed…”, “I wonder…”) to keep feedback constructive.

• Timekeeper Role:

• Teacher or designated student gives a 10-second warning to help keep presentations on schedule.

Next: After all groups have shared, reflect on one thing you learned from a peer’s storyboard and jot it down on your worksheet.