Teaching Inferencing Through Comics 2

I am happy to report that there has been a demand for my comics because they help you with inferencing! So put on your thinking caps!

PowerPoint Suggestions: Over the years, I have found that one of the most effective ways to strengthen inference skills is through the use of comics. Garfield is my character of choice for several reasons. First, I absolutely adore him! Second, his comics lend themselves to inferencing on an elementary level. Although, I have had to spend countless hours searching through his archives to find ones that are age appropriate. As with any comic, some are more difficult than others to decipher. But, more importantly, he is a character that the students actually begin to build a relationship with. They fall in love with his deadpan expressions and sarcastic attitude. They actually begin to understand that under his rough sardonic exterior lies a heart of gold. Many of the students begin to bring his comics to school and/or download Garfield Daily Apps on their IPhones or IPads. If the demand is there, I will begin to make a series of Garfield PowerPoint's to target inference skills. Gina Rochell PowerPoint Suggestions: Because this is the first time that some students may be exposed to Garfield comics, they may have some difficulty identifying the underlying humor. Read the comic aloud. Some kids may not be in the habit of reading comics frame by frame. The questions are suggestions/samples. There are numerous other possibilities. Enjoy! Please let me know if you find these helpful, and I will design additional presentations.

Sample Discussion Questions: Why does Garfield refer to his “bed” as a time travel machine? What is happening in frame 2? What does this mean? –Time is elapsing. Did Garfield really time travel? What actually happened in this comic? Do you think Garfield really thinks he time traveled, or do you think he is just teasing? Why?

Sample Discussion Questions: Look at Garfield’s face in frame 1. What does his facial expression tell his audience? Why is Garfield smiling in frame 2? Why is Jon asking Garfield where his pants are? Garfield made a plan, and it worked! What was his plan?

Sample Discussion Questions: In frame 3, Garfield is thinking, “Ah, a volunteer!” Why is his thought incorrect? What is happening in frame 2? What does this comic tell you about Jon and Garfield’s relationship? The word, “bully,” comes to mind after reading this comic. Why?

Odie Sample Discussion Questions: Who or what might Odie be? What does Garfield think that dogs are not good at? Why does Garfield come to this conclusion?

Sample Discussion Questions: Why is there two signs in this comic? Look at frame 2. Does Garfield think the two signs are genuinely funny? How can you tell? In this comic, the signs are “thinking.” Why is that odd? Would you find it funny if you were standing on a cliff and saw these signs? Why or why not?

The End!