For the longest time, comics were considered only to offer entertainment value to the readers. Most parents and some instructors will argue that they are merely an art-enriching activity that is fun for the young ones. We can, perhaps, all relate to one of our parents tricking us into eating vegetables with the promise of getting a comic.
In the academic sphere, comics also happen to be massively underrated. Most experts do not consider comics “real” works of literature. The stories and superheroes are deemed to be too superficial for academic analysis. However, a more in-depth look would suggest otherwise. Comics can be an excellent tool for teaching.
- They build the foundation for understanding the complex texts required in class. Literature in comics is quite simple and clear, which is ideal for a preliminary reading. Leaners can, therefore, build on this skill as they advance in their education.
- Through derivative fiction or allusion to classics, comics facilitate a learner’s ability to analyze the classic works of literature. Some comics will contain examples and analogies from other works, which can extend to the analysis of classics.
- They are an ideal substitute for canonical works of literature that are not accessible easily. In most cases, they will carry similar messages and conventions to the canonical literature.
- They are immensely captivating since they have relatable to personal interests and identities. This motivates the students to read more intently, which is vital for reading comprehension.
It follows then that students ought to be encouraged to read comics more. There is arguably more than meets the eye. This article looks to highlight the significant benefits of having comics in the classroom.
Reading
For young students, comics are an ideal platform to begin to read or acquire a new language. They are mainly narratives that resonate with most readers. A young learner will quite likely relate to one of the characters in the comics, which encourages them to keep reading.
The language in comics is usually unsophisticated, just as it on professional write my paper for me websites. Hence, the reader can flow from the beginning to the end with relative ease. More so, they can also follow through the plot, setting, and character sequences without any need to decode any complicated words. Images in the comics are also useful in providing substantial contextual relevance of the text. Not to mention that the use of images, as opposed to plenty of text, makes them more manageable to read. Comics, consequently, become authentic opportunities to learn a language.
As mentioned above, comics make a significant contribution to the student’s reading comprehension. First and foremost, since the student picks out their comics, investment in reading almost comes naturally. The more they understand, the more they are exposed to a wide array of words. This translates to better acquisition of relevant vocabulary and regular use of reading strategies. All three factors build scaffolding for proper reading comprehension.
Comics also offer meaningful allegories to the students. As the reader develops their reading comprehension beyond the surface-level understanding, they are exposed to various forms of symbolism. In most cases, these allegories will provide undertone social critiques. Thus, they can develop a more profound look at the world. This broadened perspective also offers the opportunity to explore the broader insights into human capabilities and culpabilities.
Comics are also ideal for students who are looking to pick up a reading habit. As long as the narrative is compelling, most readers will be motivated to read through its entirety, despite any obstacle that may stand in the way.
Writing
For most people, reading comes more straightforward than writing. It can be argued that text becomes an autonomous mental process once a certain level of mastery of a language is achieved. On the other hand, writing is a cognitive process that may require more conscious input. The problem for most people lies in the articulation of thoughts coherently. We have all had an experience where we have an idea in our heads but can hardly express it verbally. Through comics, students can learn to support their opinions in writing with images.
Comics engage the readers in creative and upper-level processes of thinking. Hence, students have various perspectives on the world. This facilitates their ability to make visual-verbal connections, which are essential in writing. If the student can imagine a narrative, they can always develop it. The acquires skill of sequencing will then allow them to write out their ideas comprehensibly.
Comics offer more than what general opinion would suggest. It is due time that these texts found their way into the classroom, for both educational and entertainment purposes.
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