"Manga Magic: Bridging Cultures Creatively!"

Design for Mastery Kit

NEW

High School Grade Project 8 weeks

"Manga Magic: Bridging Cultures Creatively!"

武田健太郎

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.6

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9-10.7

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.7

Academic Mindset

Content Expertise

+ 3 more

1-pager

Purpose

This learning experience immerses students in a cross-cultural exploration of manga and zines, enhancing language skills and cultural understanding through creative expression. Students will craft bilingual manga that seamlessly integrates Japanese and English narratives, cultivating a nuanced appreciation for diverse literary traditions. Through collaboration with community partners and authentic feedback, students will refine their work, honing their ability to communicate effectively across cultures and express themselves globally.

Learning goals

Students will explore the structural and cultural nuances of Japanese and English manga, gaining insights into effective cross-cultural communication. They will enhance their creative skills by producing bilingual manga that appeals to a global audience. Through collaborative critique and iterative revisions, students will deepen their understanding of cultural expression and refine their ability to convey their learning experiences effectively.

Standards

[Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.6 - Analyze a particular point of view or cultural experience reflected in a work of literature from outside the United States, drawing on a wide reading of world literature.
[Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.WHST.9-10.7 - Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
[Common Core] CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.9-10.7 - Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question (including a self-generated question) or solve a problem; narrow or broaden the inquiry when appropriate; synthesize multiple sources on the subject, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.

Competencies

Academic Mindset - Students establish a sense of place, identity, and belonging to increase self-efficacy while engaging in critical reflection and action.
Content Expertise - Students develop key competencies, skills, and dispositions with ample opportunities to apply knowledge and engage in work that matters to them.
Collaboration - Students co-design projects with peers, exercise shared-decision making, strengthen relational agency, resolve conflict, and assume leadership roles.
Express Ideas - Define audience, purpose, and format (EXI.1)
Express Ideas - Finalize and share my product or performance (EXI.4)

Products

Students will create a bilingual zine featuring their original manga, accompanied by an explanatory afterword that highlights cultural insights and reflections. Throughout the project, students will compile a portfolio documenting their creative process, including concept sketches, drafts, revisions, and reflections. The final zine will be showcased in a 'Manga & Zine Festival' at the school and shared online with international peers, providing an authentic platform for feedback and engagement. Additionally, students will develop a bilingual manga exploring cultural themes, which will be presented at the festival, emphasizing storytelling differences between Japanese and English.

Launch

To kick off the "Manga Across Cultures" project, students will participate in an immersive manga reading session where they explore both Japanese manga and English comics. This hands-on experience will highlight differences in reading direction, panel flow, and cultural expressions. Following the reading, students will engage in a guided discussion to reflect on their observations and connect them to the project's driving question. This activity sets the stage for deeper exploration and creative expression throughout the project.

Exhibition

Students will showcase their bilingual manga and zine creations at a school-hosted 'Manga & Zine Festival,' where they will set up booths to present their work and engage with visitors. The festival will feature panel discussions on cultural expression in manga, allowing students to share insights and receive feedback from peers and community partners. Additionally, the zines will be displayed at a local library exhibition, inviting feedback from library patrons and staff familiar with diverse literary formats. Online sharing with international peers and community partners via a QR code will further broaden engagement and discussion.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3
Activities	Project Introduction - Begin with a brief overview of the 'Manga Across Cultures' project and introduce the driving question. (10 min) Discussion and Reflection - Facilitate a discussion on students' observations: 'Which one is easier to read?' and 'Why might the direction differ?' Encourage students to reflect on their initial thoughts and document their reflections. (20 min)	Exploring Text Structures - Analyze examples of Japanese and English text structures, focusing on speech bubbles, panel flow, and cultural expressions. (20 min) Cultural Panel Flow - Discuss how cultural considerations influence panel flow and reader guidance in manga. Students sketch a simple comic strip applying these concepts. (20 min) Introduction to Bilingual Manga - Introduce the concept of creating bilingual manga, highlighting the importance of cross-cultural understanding. (10 min)	Understanding Sound Effects in Manga - Examine the role of sound effects in manga, comparing Japanese and English expressions. Students create a list of sound effects they might use in their projects. (15 min) Group Brainstorming Session - In small groups, brainstorm ideas for their manga project, focusing on themes that will resonate with both Japanese and English readers. (20 min) Feedback and Sharing - Groups share their brainstorming results, receiving feedback from peers and refining their concepts for the upcoming creation phase. (15 min)
Deliverables	1. Written reflection on the differences between Japanese manga and English comics. 2. Initial project ideas for the bilingual manga/zine documented by each pair. 3. Research findings on cultural differences in text structures and panel flow. 4. Feedback and insights from the workshop with Kenta Yuzuriha.
Preparation	1. Collect copies of Japanese manga and English comics for the reading session. 2. Prepare discussion prompts and questions for the comparison activity. 3. Create a digital or physical poster displaying the driving question. 4. Gather resources on cultural differences in manga and comics for the mini-research session. 5. Coordinate with Kenta Yuzuriha for the workshop, including materials and setup. 6. Set up a shared collaborative space (physical or digital) for brainstorming sessions. 7. Ensure availability of art supplies for students to sketch ideas during brainstorming.

Week 2	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6
Activities	Comparing Manga Structures - Students will examine and compare the structural elements of Japanese manga and English comics, focusing on panel flow and reading direction. (20 min) Group Discussion on Cultural Expression - Facilitate a discussion on cultural differences in manga expression, allowing students to share insights from their reading experiences. (30 min)	Exploring Dialogue Techniques - Analyze various dialogue techniques used in manga and comics, identifying effective ways to convey character emotions and cultural nuances. (25 min) Drafting Initial Manga Concepts - Students will brainstorm and sketch initial concepts for their bilingual manga, considering how cultural elements can be integrated into their storytelling. (25 min)	Panel Design Workshop - Students will learn about panel design and layout, experimenting with different styles to guide the reader's eye through their manga. (30 min) Peer Feedback Session - Share initial manga concepts with peers for feedback, focusing on clarity, cultural expression, and storytelling techniques. (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Research summary on cultural storytelling techniques in selected global comics/manga. 2. Completed panel layout design for student's manga. 3. Drafted bilingual dialogue scripts for manga project.
Preparation	1. Gather examples of manga and comics from various cultures for research. 2. Prepare materials for panel design workshop, including paper, pencils, and templates. 3. Provide bilingual dictionaries and translation tools for drafting dialogue. 4. Set up online resources and databases for students to research cultural storytelling techniques.

Week 3	Day 7	Day 8	Day 9
Activities	Cultural Research Session - Students will research cultural themes and storytelling techniques in Japanese and English manga. They will gather various sources and take notes on key differences and similarities. (20 min) Character Development Workshop - Focus on creating engaging characters that resonate across cultures. Students will sketch initial character designs and write brief backgrounds, considering cultural nuances. (30 min)	Storyboarding Techniques - Learn about effective storyboarding practices in manga, emphasizing visual storytelling and cultural expression. Students will create a rough storyboard for their manga project. (25 min) Collaborative Storytelling - In pairs, students will combine their character ideas and storyboard concepts to develop a cohesive narrative that reflects cross-cultural themes. (25 min)	Dialogue Refinement Session - Review and refine dialogue in students' manga, ensuring natural English expressions and cultural sensitivity. ALT will provide feedback and suggestions. (20 min) Peer Critique and Reflection - Students will present their progress to peers, receive constructive feedback, and document reflections on how cultural understanding informs their creative process. (30 min)
Deliverables	1. A research summary where each student outlines key differences in storytelling between Japanese and English manga. 2. A completed storyboard draft that includes a bilingual storyline with appropriate panel layout and dialogue. 3. Peer feedback notes from the review session, highlighting areas for improvement in cultural expression and language use. 4. Revised storyboard incorporating feedback from peers and ALT.
Preparation	1. Gather examples of Japanese and English manga for students to analyze. 2. Prepare materials for the storyboard workshop, including storyboard templates, markers, and reference guides on manga storytelling techniques. 3. Coordinate with the ALT to schedule a feedback session focused on cultural nuances and language expression. 4. Set up a digital platform for students to share their drafts and receive peer feedback securely. 5. Ensure access to resources like language dictionaries and cultural guides to support students in their bilingual writing.

Week 4	Day 10	Day 11	Day 12
Activities	Cultural Nuances in Manga - Students will delve deeper into the cultural nuances in manga by analyzing specific panels from well-known works and discussing how cultural elements influence storytelling. (20 min) Exploring Visual Metaphors - Introduce the concept of visual metaphors in manga and how they can convey complex cultural themes. Students will identify and discuss examples from different manga. (30 min)	Bilingual Narrative Development - Students will begin drafting the narrative for their bilingual manga, focusing on integrating both English and Japanese cultural elements effectively. (25 min) Character Interaction Workshop - Develop character interactions that highlight cultural contrasts and similarities. Students will script dialogues that showcase these interactions. (25 min)	Drafting Visual Panels - Students will draft visual panels for their manga, incorporating feedback from previous sessions to enhance cultural expression and storytelling clarity. (30 min) Collaborative Feedback Session - In groups, students will share their panel drafts with peers for constructive feedback, focusing on cultural expression and narrative flow. (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed storyboards for bilingual manga, showcasing the integration of cultural elements and narrative techniques. 2. Documentation of peer feedback and revisions made to improve cultural representation and narrative clarity. 3. Reflection entries on insights gained from community partner meetings, detailing how feedback influenced their manga concepts. 4. A refined concept proposal for bilingual manga, ready for further development and illustration.
Preparation	1. Gather examples of manga and zines that showcase cultural themes and diverse storytelling techniques. 2. Prepare materials for storyboard creation, including sketching paper, markers, and digital tools. 3. Arrange a virtual meeting platform for interaction with community partners. 4. Create a feedback rubric to guide peer review sessions, focusing on cultural representation and narrative clarity. 5. Coordinate schedules with community partners to ensure their availability for virtual meetings.

Week 5	Day 13	Day 14	Day 15
Activities	Advanced Storyboarding Techniques - Refine storyboards by incorporating feedback from previous sessions and enhancing visual storytelling elements. Focus on the integration of cultural aspects in the narrative. (30 min) Cultural Dialogue Enhancement - Refine dialogue with a focus on natural language expression and cultural sensitivity. Collaborate with peers to ensure clarity and effectiveness in conveying cultural themes. (20 min)	Finalizing Character Designs - Students will finalize character designs, ensuring they reflect cultural nuances and are visually engaging. Incorporate feedback from peers and ALT. (25 min) Incorporating Sound Effects - Review and apply sound effects to enhance storytelling and cultural expression. Students will experiment with different techniques to communicate emotions and actions effectively. (25 min)	Visual Panel Composition - Focus on the layout and composition of visual panels. Students will adjust panel designs to improve narrative flow and cultural expression, utilizing peer feedback. (30 min) Peer Critique Session - Conduct a peer critique session where students present their refined manga drafts. Gather constructive feedback focusing on cultural accuracy, narrative coherence, and visual impact. (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Revised manga drafts incorporating peer and ALT feedback. 2. Reflective journal entries detailing the revision process and insights gained. 3. Questions and notes from the session with Kenta Yuzuriha. 4. Updated portfolio entries showing progress from initial drafts to revised versions.
Preparation	1. Arrange peer review pairs and distribute guidelines for constructive feedback. 2. Coordinate with the ALT to plan the workshop agenda and prepare example sentences for revision. 3. Schedule a virtual meeting with Kenta Yuzuriha and ensure the necessary technology is in place for a smooth session. 4. Compile a checklist for students to track revisions and ensure all feedback is addressed. 5. Provide journal templates for students to organize their reflections on the process.

Week 6	Day 16	Day 17	Day 18
Activities	Final Draft Development - Students will finalize their manga drafts, integrating feedback from previous sessions and focusing on narrative coherence and cultural expression. (30 min) Peer Review and Reflection - Conduct a peer review session where students exchange manga drafts and provide constructive feedback. Students will reflect on the feedback received and plan revisions. (20 min)	Incorporating Visual Enhancements - Students will enhance their manga with visual elements such as shading, textures, and cultural motifs to enrich storytelling. (25 min) Cultural Dialogue Refinement - Collaborate in pairs to refine dialogue, ensuring it reflects natural expression and cultural sensitivity. Focus on the nuances of bilingual communication. (25 min)	Final Revisions and Compilation - Students will make final revisions to their manga and compile the pages into a cohesive zine format, preparing for exhibition and reflection. (30 min) Zine Presentation Preparation - Plan and prepare for the upcoming 'Manga & Zine Festival' where students will present their work. Discuss presentation techniques and create visual aids or displays. (20 min)
Deliverables	1. Completed and revised manga storyboards ready for final drafting. 2. Peer review feedback forms filled out with constructive critiques. 3. Initial drafts of the final manga pages integrating bilingual text. 4. Collaboratively designed zine layout, ready for final assembly.
Preparation	1. Prepare feedback forms for peer review sessions to guide students in providing specific, actionable feedback. 2. Arrange a virtual or in-person session with manga artist Kenta Yuzuriha for a storytelling workshop. 3. Ensure access to digital drawing tools or art supplies for students to draft and finalize their manga pages. 4. Provide templates for zine layout design to support students in organizing and visualizing the final product. 5. Compile a list of cultural elements and expressions from previous weeks' work to assist students in refining their content.

Week 7	Day 19	Day 20	Day 21
Activities	Final Feedback Integration - Students will integrate feedback from peers and community partners into their zine, focusing on enhancing narrative clarity and cultural expression. (30 min) Zine Formatting and Design - Students will finalize the formatting and design of their zine, ensuring it is visually appealing and ready for exhibition. (20 min)	Presentation Skills Workshop - Students will practice presentation skills, focusing on effectively communicating their project's cultural themes and learning journey. (25 min) Exhibition Setup - Prepare visual aids and displays for the upcoming 'Manga & Zine Festival', ensuring each student's work is showcased prominently. (25 min)	Reflective Writing Session - Students will write reflections for their zine's afterword, encapsulating their learning experiences and cultural insights. (20 min) Peer Review of Reflections - Exchange reflections with peers for constructive feedback, ensuring clarity and depth of cultural understanding. (30 min)
Deliverables	1. Complete the final draft of the bilingual manga with integrated feedback. 2. Prepare and finalize the explanatory afterword reflecting cultural insights and project reflections. 3. Compile the final zine, including the manga and afterword, ready for printing and digital sharing. 4. Submit a portfolio documenting the creative process, including concept sketches, drafts, revisions, and reflections. 5. Contribute to a class discussion and reflection session on the most impactful cultural insights gained. 6. Finalize plans for the 'Manga & Zine Festival' presentation layout and responsibilities.
Preparation	1. Gather art supplies for final touches on manga and zine (markers, colored pencils, etc.). 2. Ensure access to digital tools for any necessary final digital edits or formatting. 3. Organize a schedule for students to receive final feedback from the ALT and community partners. 4. Prepare reflection prompts and templates for students to use in their afterword contributions. 5. Coordinate with the school's IT department to set up an online platform for sharing the zines. 6. Arrange for printing resources or partnerships for the final zine production.

Week 8	Day 22	Day 23	Day 24
Activities	Final Revisions and Proofreading - Students will conduct a final review of their zine, focusing on proofreading for language accuracy and cultural expression. (20 min) Feedback Integration and Reflection - Integrate any last feedback received and reflect on the learning journey, documenting insights in their portfolio. (30 min)	Exhibition Setup and Dry Run - Set up the exhibition space for the 'Manga & Zine Festival' and conduct a dry run of presentations to ensure readiness. (25 min) Presentation Skills Finalization - Students will fine-tune their presentation skills, practicing effective communication of their work and cultural insights. (25 min)	Manga & Zine Festival Exhibition - Host the 'Manga & Zine Festival' where students present their work, engage with visitors, and participate in panel discussions on cultural expression. (50 min)
Deliverables	1. Finalized bilingual zine showcasing students' manga and explanatory afterwords. 2. Completed portfolio documenting the creative process, including concept sketches, drafts, revisions, and reflections. 3. Presentation of work at the 'Manga & Zine Festival' with active participation in panel discussions. 4. Reflection piece integrated into the zine's afterword, detailing cultural insights and personal learning experiences. 5. Sharing of zines online and gathering feedback from international peers and community partners.
Preparation	1. Organize the 'Manga & Zine Festival' setup, including booths, signage, and presentation areas. 2. Ensure all zine copies are printed and compiled for distribution during the festival. 3. Coordinate with community partners and guests for festival participation and feedback sessions. 4. Prepare QR codes linking to online zine platforms for broader sharing. 5. Set up technology for online sharing and feedback, including video call equipment if needed.