This is the first post in a series about Comic Cons.
You may have heard of Comic Con and have seen online that some libraries put one on. You may be wondering why schools should host Comic Cons, where to get started, and what exactly is a Comic Con?
A Comic Con is a comic book convention, Comic Con for short.
The first Comic Con was held in San Diego, CA back in 1970. It was first created as a way to pay homage to comic books and science fiction / fantasy books, shows, and movies. It has since grown into a four day event that now includes manga, horror, gaming, and more that is evident in today’s pop culture.
During the San Diego Comic Con, there are panels where authors, actors, and TV and film creatives engage in Q&A around their craft. There are workshops, exhibitors, and award ceremonies. There are fans dressed as their favorite characters (cosplay). There are previews of upcoming shows, films, games, and books. And there is more.
I have never attended a Comic Con. I have only heard about them through TV and friends. Comic Cons have grown so much in popularity that they are now held all over the country. Even my little state of CT has a Comic Con every year.
I cannot think of a school that doesn’t have a field day. As a child, I loathed field day. It was a yearly reminder of my inadequate athletic skills, lack of coordination, and reaffirmed for my classmates that I should absolutely be picked for last any PE or recess game. It was never a fun day for me. Even as a beginning teacher I just could not get into field day.
As a Library Media Specialist I began to question why field day had to be the only school wide event. (HINT: it doesn’t.) I then began to wonder what else we could give our students to look forward to, instead of having to wait an entire school year for field day to come.
I tossed around the ideas of a MakerFaire, and decided against it because one of our AWESOME 5th grade teachers supports Invention Convention. I considered a hackathon, but could not quite escape the negative opinion of the term hack may land in people’s minds. I landed on a school wide Comic Con, and my reasons for hosting it were quite clear.
I love reading. Most of my 500 students love reading. My staff and colleagues love reading. Even one of our school security guards at the time could be seen reading a book during his down time. I wanted to celebrate that love for reading, and our favorite characters.
After all, Comic Cons were first created because of a love for literature. The originators loved comic books and wanted a place where others like them could get together to celebrate that affection. When I first became an educator, the Harry Potter series hit the scene. It generated an interest in reading and books like none that I had previously seen. Comic Cons are a great way for staff and students to showcase their favorite books and characters.
Most comic books have an element of science fiction and fantasy. The most circulated books and series in my school library embrace those genres. Diary of a Wimpy Kid. Last Kids on Earth. Magic Treehouse. Upside Down Magic. Percy Jackson. The Unwanteds.
When I say embrace sci-fi, what I really mean is to embrace the science in sci-fi. Comic Cons are a great opportunity to uncover the science behind our most beloved books. Magnetism, electricity, force and motion, and robotics.
We also cannot forget that favorite overarching curriculum standard around problem solving. It is present in the ISTE, Computer Science, and CCSS standards. It is a highly requested skill by employers as well. Besides, what superhero, or any YA character does not know how to solve their own problems? NONE! (It is actually part of the formula.)
Dressing up is one way to invite creativity. It is great fun to see what everyone comes dressed as on Comic Con. I have to say that my colleagues do not disappoint. Neither do the kids!!!
Beyond dressing up, Comic Con is also an opportunity for students to make. They can build with LEGOs, craft, color, build with circuitry, and more.
Many dismiss comic books, graphic novels, science fiction, and fantasy. If you have had the opportunity to read about any of these, you know they should not be frowned upon.
Graphic novels and comic books require a great deal of critical thinking, inferring, and attention to detail. I always love telling people about reading the gutter!
Science fiction and fantasy readers have been shown to improve writing and reading comprehension. They have a strong grasp of figurative language, suspending disbelief, holding onto multiple story lines, and can follow flash forwards and flashbacks. This takes a great deal of imagination and comprehension!
But more than that, Comic Cons have a little bit of everything for everyone. If you are an avid reader, there is time to read. If you are artistic, there are art activities. If you are physical, there are activities that require movement. If you like computer science, there are tech based activities. If you are inquisitive, there are activities that invite you to solve clues.
It really is. The kids absolutely LOVE it!
You may have noticed…Comic Con is a great way to highlight the library program! Where field day is an opportunity for students engage in different types of physical activities, Comic Con is an opportunity to engage in all of the activities students participate in when in the library media center. Reading. Makerspaces. Coding. Breakouts.
Full disclosure. I have always been into putting on events. As a classroom teacher, my students and I hosted culture fairs, poetry slams, film screenings, tech fairs, and plays. Even as a student teacher, I convinced my cooperating teacher to put on a Greek Olympics. I used these events to manage focus and excitement, as a distraction from holidays or vacations, and to provide purpose for leaning.
