When the Anime Club at PA Distance Learning Charter School was in need of a staff mentor, Secondary English Teacher Mrs. Lauren Donofrio stepped in to learn more about this unique art form. 

The club was organized as a way for students to meet others with collective interests.

For those unfamiliar with anime and manga, one member, Trip, explained, “Both are a type of Japanese series that evoke emotion and, if they’re done right, can be a method of teaching and show someone what choices to make.”

While anime commonly consists of TV shows or movies, manga are comic books or graphic novels. 

Club members attend an in-person meetup at an anime-themed restaurant

A typical Anime Club meeting begins with students voting on the story they want to analyze for the following week before sharing what they have read or watched recently. Mrs. Donofrio also presents clips from specific scenes to generate group discussions.

When asked what kind of anime she would recommend to someone who has never watched it, club member Michelle answered, “Probably My Hero Academia or Fullmetal Alchemist. They’re both a great place to start!”

“There are a lot of Kahoot games with trivia about each anime or manga. We have tons of fun and great discussions during our meetings,” Mrs. Donofrio explained.

Members are especially anticipating the upcoming Club Showcase, a virtual event where participants will write reviews and make slides of their “Top 16” anime before putting everything into a shared Google Site. Students are also in the process of designing a Club Showcase website.

As the group continues to grow, members are excited to make more friends and connect over their shared passion.

“Anime is a comfort place. There is something for everyone, regardless of age or genre,” said Michelle. 

Interested in joining? Reach out to lauren.donofrio@padistance.org for more information on how to get involved.