Comics, Classrooms, and Captain America: Teaching Through Fandom with Mark Domeier Podcast By cover art

Comics, Classrooms, and Captain America: Teaching Through Fandom with Mark Domeier

Comics, Classrooms, and Captain America: Teaching Through Fandom with Mark Domeier

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 In this episode of Geek Freaks Interviews, Frank is joined by Mark Domeier, a passionate middle school English teacher from Minnesota who uses comic books and pop culture to bring reading and writing to life for his students. With a collection of over 14,000 comics, Mark shares how he leverages his love for superheroes and stories like Star Wars, The Outsiders, and even The Mandalorian to make literature relevant and fun. We explore how comic books support reading comprehension, creativity, and engagement, and how fandom can help students find their voice in writing. Whether you're an educator, comic lover, or lifelong geek, this episode is full of inspiration.Timestamps and Topics:00:00 – Intro and welcome00:22 – Mark’s comic collection and using comics in education01:08 – Visual storytelling and reading comprehension02:53 – Mark’s first comic subscription and lifelong love of Spider-Man04:22 – From Marvel to DC: Expanding fandom05:59 – What inspired Mark to become a teacher07:07 – Encouraging reading through comics and creative assignments08:01 – Teaching with Star Wars in the classroom09:57 – Using essays to analyze Star Wars and develop critical thinking11:29 – Comics in lessons: Drawing stories, analyzing narratives13:17 – Creative final projects: Comic books, screenplays, and songs16:08 – Fighting for creativity in the age of AI18:23 – Middle school creativity vs. deeper literary structures21:08 – MCU, Mandalorian, and how current media inspires students23:37 – From the classroom to pop culture essays and fandom discussion25:01 – Connecting WWII and Star Wars in teaching Anne Frank26:32 – Fandoms showing students what makes a good person29:07 – Using sports fandom in class to build engagement30:55 – Funko Pops, Stephen King, and knowing your students33:02 – Meeting students where they are and guiding them forward35:40 – Advice for teachers using fandom in education38:29 – Closing thoughts and gratitudeKey Takeaways:Comics can help students visualize and understand stories, boosting comprehension and engagement.Students are more likely to connect with material when they see their interests and strengths reflected in it.Pop culture like Star Wars and the MCU can be tools for teaching analysis, persuasive writing, and historical parallels.Offering students options in how they express learning—whether through art, comics, or music—promotes creativity.Teachers must adapt to their students’ learning styles and passions, especially in a world increasingly impacted by AI.Fandom isn’t just entertainment—it’s a pathway to deeper learning and connection.Memorable Quotes:“If you read 20 or 25 comic books, that’s the same as reading a novel.”“Every student should read The Outsiders. I’ve taught it almost every year of my career.”“I’m just going to go out kicking and screaming, fighting to make kids be creative.”“I remember being a kid and wishing that I could be bitten by a radioactive spider.”Call to Action:If you loved this episode, subscribe to Geek Freaks Interviews on your favorite podcast app. Leave us a review, share the episode with your fellow educators and comic fans, and tag us with your thoughts using #GeekFreaksPod!Links and Resources:🌐 GeekFreaksPodcast.com — Source for all our news and episodesFollow Us:📱 Facebook: facebook.com/thegeekfreakspodcast📸 Instagram: @geekfreakspodcast🐦 Twitter: @geekfreakspod💬 Threads: @geekfreakspodcast🎧 Patreon: patreon.com/GeekFreakspodcastListener Questions:Have a question for Mark or thoughts on using comics in the classroom? Send them our way and we might include them in a future episode!Apple Podcast Tags:comics, education, Star Wars, Marvel, teaching strategies, pop culture in school, middle school reading, student creativity, graphic novels in education, Geek Freaks Interviews
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