EduComics

Educomics is part of the European Union Comenius education project under the Life Long Learning Programme that shows educators how "digital comics can be used in the classroom to enhance learning, engage and motivate students, and use technology in a practical and effective way." Through educator training and workshops, teachers will acquire the strategies they need to create lessons and use comics in the classroom.

To get involved today, download the Comiclab application for making Web comic books.

For further information, please contact Educomics Coordinator Dr. Symeon Retalis via http://www.educomics.org.

James Bucky Carter Saves the Day . . .

If you want a fresh, honest, and RIGHT-ON perspective about the current state of graphic novels and their relationship to the standards, please read the-always brilliant comments of Dr. James Bucky Carter, from University of Texas El Paso.

Early Reader COMIX Reader's Theatre

For those of you who work with early readers, please check out this new link from Toon Books. Based on their early reader comic Luke on the Loose, a New York teacher and her students perform a comix reader's theatre!!!

Review: Incognegro by Mat Johnson

Check out author Carol Baldwin's review of graphic novel mystery Incognegro (DC Comics) by Mat Johnson.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid returns

Jeff Kinney's much anticipated fourth installment of this popular graphic novel, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days, hit stores October 12. Click here to watch a video of Kinney discussing the new book.

For more on the Wimpy series and why its humor and format appeals to boys, girls, kids, and adults, check out another interview with Kinney.

First digital comic on iTunes

Singer/actor Tyrese Gibson, known for his role in the blockbuster movie Transformers, has partnered with Apple to create the first digital comic, which is available on iTunes. The third installment in the Mayhem series was the first interactive, digital issue, complete with sound effects, page-turning technology, and voiceovers (including Gibson as the lead vengeance- and justice-seeking title character).

The creator might surprise people, but we all know Hollywood has grown to love comic books. Just look at the popularity of motion-picture remakes of classic comics like Iron Man, Spider-Man, and Wolverine -- not to mention last month's acquisition of Marvel Entertainment (including its 5,000 comic characters) by Disney. And while the digital platform is certainly nontraditional, it's no surprise either. We live in a digital age where technology rules, accessibility is key, and new literacies are being embraced.

Borders Educator Appreciation Week

Borders Educator Appreciation Week runs September 29-October 7. Current and retired educators save 30% off the list price o purchases for personal or classroom use. Now you can buy all the graphic novels you want! Just bring proof of your educator status.

Some other Educator Appreciation Week events/specials:

• Teacher Town Hall Meeting with networking, refreshments, and giveaways: Tuesday, September 29 at 7 p.m.
• Where the Wild Things Are Wild Rumpus Teacher Celebration with activities, crafts, giveaways, and more for the whole family: Friday, October 2 at 6 p.m.
  
• Borders Classroom Discount Card: Educators receive 25% off purchases for their classroom every day!
  

-who can save: Individual teachers, from preschool through high school, as well as school librarians and homeschool educators.
-how you benefit: Save 25% off the list price of books and music CDs and 10% off the list price of DVDs for professional use.
-how to get a card: Applications are available at all Borders stores, and signing up is completely free. You'll need to show proof of your educator status when you submit your application. Homeschool educators will need to document certification in states that require certification.