Activity Overview
Stories are a great way for students to connect to history and remind them that it was once the present. In this activity, students will write a story about the lives of early humans. Their narrative comics should include information they have learned, such as environment, art, diet, and more to illustrate the daily life of early humans and how they navigated and survived in a harsh world.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Write and illustrate a story about the lives of early humans!
Student Instructions:
- Choose an early human such as Neanderthals or Early Modern Humans.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Create a 3-6 cell storyboard with descriptions and illustrations showing the sequence of major events in their daily lives.
Requirements: Include information about the early humans way of life: food, shelter, clothing, and any other details you have learned.
Lesson Plan Reference
Activity Overview
Stories are a great way for students to connect to history and remind them that it was once the present. In this activity, students will write a story about the lives of early humans. Their narrative comics should include information they have learned, such as environment, art, diet, and more to illustrate the daily life of early humans and how they navigated and survived in a harsh world.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Due Date:
Objective: Write and illustrate a story about the lives of early humans!
Student Instructions:
- Choose an early human such as Neanderthals or Early Modern Humans.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Create a 3-6 cell storyboard with descriptions and illustrations showing the sequence of major events in their daily lives.
Requirements: Include information about the early humans way of life: food, shelter, clothing, and any other details you have learned.
Lesson Plan Reference
How Tos about Early Humans Narrative Comic
Organize research notes for an early humans comic
Gather and sort facts about early humans into categories like food, shelter, and clothing to streamline your students’ creative process. This helps them quickly reference important details as they build their narrative comics.
Guide students to brainstorm comic story ideas
Lead a short brainstorming session where students list possible scenes or challenges faced by early humans. Encourage creativity and make sure ideas connect to the key topics they’ve studied, such as survival and daily life.
Model how to plan a comic storyboard
Demonstrate how to sketch a simple 3–6 cell storyboard on the board, showing sequence and major events. Explain how each cell should focus on one key moment or detail to keep the story clear and engaging.
Support students during illustration and writing
Circulate as students work, offering feedback on their drawings and story descriptions. Prompt them to include specific vocabulary and details from their research to make their comics informative and accurate.
Facilitate a comic share-out and reflection
Invite students to share their narrative comics with classmates, either in small groups or as a gallery walk. Encourage them to reflect on what they learned about early humans and storytelling through this creative process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Early Humans Narrative Comic
What is an early humans narrative comic activity?
An early humans narrative comic activity is a lesson where students create illustrated stories that show the daily life, challenges, and environment of early humans like Neanderthals or Early Modern Humans. This helps students engage with history in a creative, memorable way.
How do I guide students to write a story about early humans?
To guide students, ask them to choose an early human group, brainstorm facts about their lives (food, shelter, clothing, art), and then turn these into a comic storyboard with 3-6 illustrated scenes and short descriptions showing key events in daily life.
What should be included in a storyboard about early human life?
A strong storyboard should include details about food, shelter, clothing, environment, art, and survival strategies. Each scene should show a different aspect of daily life, using both illustrations and brief captions to tell the story.
Why are narrative comics effective for teaching history to middle schoolers?
Narrative comics help middle schoolers connect emotionally with historical figures, making abstract facts more relatable and memorable. Visual storytelling also supports diverse learners and boosts engagement.
What are some tips for making early human comics engaging and educational?
Encourage students to use vivid illustrations, include accurate historical details, and show the problem-solving skills of early humans. Adding dialogue or thought bubbles can make the comic more engaging and help students demonstrate understanding.
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