Why You Should Teach Your Kids to Read With Comic Books

comic strip, ducks

Why You Should Teach Your Kids to Read With Comic Books

Reading is fundamental! You should encourage your children to read all sorts of things whether it is magazines, cereal boxes, books, billboards, or comic books. Yes, even comic books! Studies have recently shown that reading comic books hold children’s attention longer than traditional books do. Corey Blake's article titled, "The benefits and risks of comic books in education" states the brain processes images sixty times faster than text". In conjunction with words, images give kids a better understanding of what they are reading and expands their vocabulary.

It has also been said that reading comic books helps children make better decisions. The Reading Teacher journal discusses how comic books and graphic novels use its characters to introduce development, cultural and personal issues, morals and ethics, and how the bad guy never wins. It also stimulates emotion and provokes an effortless response. This is significant because students will be able to connect to the text and remember details of characters.

Dr. Lynell Burmark, Ph.D. Associate at the Thornburg Center for Professional Development, affirmed, "...unless our words, concepts, ideas are hooked onto an image, they will go in one ear, sail through the brain, and go out the other ear". She notes how the brain is only able to preserve words in small fragments and images are an excellent way to remember information. Hence, teaching kids the alphabet is a way of showing them something they formerly did not have knowledge of and they will be able to make reference to the letters with pictures and their memories.

kids comic book

It is also easier to get kids to read something they will be interested in. Pick a character they appreciate and let the reading begin. You may also create your own comic books by using their favorite cartoon characters to teach them how to read small words or how to count. Get your kids involved by letting them help you create comic books about topics of their choosing. The act of writing also helps them to remember lesson plans.

Keep in mind that comic books and graphic novels may also be utilized as learning tools for adolescents and adults. "Maus" Volumes 1 & 2 was illustrated by American cartoonist, Art Spiegelman. His graphic novels depict his father's experiences as a Holocaust survivor in a series of interviews. It was also named  "the first masterpiece in comic book history" by The New Yorker.

[caption id="attachment_6748" align="aligncenter" width="490"]A page from Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History A page from Maus I: A Survivor's Tale: My Father Bleeds History[/caption]

I truly believe that learning with comic books and graphic novels are in the near future or ought to be. Comic books have the undeniable ability to engulf its readers making it so they devour single every page with curiosity and fascination. Pictures are not a cop out! It immerses us into the world that is being presented and makes it easier for an emotional response. The use of pictures also helps readers to understand the context leaving no room for misinterpretation. I encourage you to give comic book reading a try for yourself and children. See what a difference it is compared to traditional readings. You will notice how easy it is to remember factional information that was fluently portrayed through illustrations.

Time to Make Our Own  Educational Comic Books!

What You'll Need: 

2 pieces of Card Stock Paper

Pencil

Colored Pencils & Markers

Topic You'd Like to Write About

Step #1: 

abcs 1

Select a topic you would like to write about

Step #2: 

step 1 comic

Use the first sheet of cardstock paper as a cover. Fold it in half horizontally.

Step #3:

step 2 comic

Take the second sheet of paper and fold it in half as well. Then stick the second sheet of paper inside the first

Step #4: 

templates

Select a template you would like to use

Step #4: 

step 4 comic

Draw templates for pages.

Step #5:

step 5 comic

step 5.1 comic

Fill in templates by drawing in pictures and words. Make sure to color them!

Step #6: 

title comic

Don't forget to make a cover page. Jazz it up!

Step #7: 

Read on!

The Benefits of Teaching Kids to Read With Comic Books


Teaching kids to read with comic books can be an incredibly effective and enjoyable way to help them develop their literacy skills. Not only are comic books visually engaging, but they also often feature compelling storylines and relatable characters that can capture a child's imagination. By using comic books as a tool for learning, parents and educators can make the process of reading more fun and accessible for kids, ultimately fostering a love for reading that can last a lifetime. Additionally, comic books can help children improve their vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills, all while sparking their creativity and imagination.


How to Use Comic Books to Teach Kids to Read


When using comic books to teach kids to read, it's important to choose age-appropriate material that aligns with their interests and reading level. Encouraging kids to engage with the visuals and text simultaneously can help them develop important literacy skills, such as decoding and inference. Parents and educators can also use comic books as a springboard for discussions about storytelling, character development, and visual literacy, further enhancing the learning experience. By incorporating comic books into a child's reading routine, they can discover the joy of reading and develop a lifelong appreciation for literature.


Alternatives to Traditional Reading Materials


While traditional books are undoubtedly valuable, comic books offer a unique and engaging alternative for kids who may struggle with or resist reading. Graphic novels, manga, and other visual storytelling formats can provide diverse and inclusive representation, making them particularly appealing to a wide range of young readers. By embracing these alternative reading materials, parents and educators can cater to individual preferences and learning styles, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and accessible reading environment for children.


Tips for Using Comic Books to Encourage Reading


When using comic books to encourage reading, it's important to create a supportive and non-judgmental environment that allows kids to explore and enjoy the material at their own pace. Parents and educators can also consider incorporating related activities, such as drawing, writing, or role-playing, to further enrich the reading experience and encourage creative expression. Additionally, providing a variety of comic book genres and styles can help kids discover their personal preferences and expand their literary horizons, ultimately nurturing a lifelong love for reading.


The Impact of Comic Books on Literacy and Learning


Research has shown that incorporating comic books into literacy education can have a positive impact on children's reading comprehension, vocabulary development, and overall literacy skills. By leveraging the visual and textual elements of comic books, kids can enhance their ability to make inferences, analyze visual cues, and engage with complex narratives. Furthermore, the diverse range of themes and genres found in comic books can expose children to a wide array of perspectives and experiences, fostering empathy and cultural awareness through literature.


Fostering a Love for Reading Through Comic Books


Ultimately, teaching kids to read with comic books can be a powerful way to instill a love for reading and storytelling from a young age. By embracing the unique benefits of visual literacy and narrative-driven content, parents and educators can create a dynamic and inclusive reading environment that celebrates diverse voices and perspectives. Through the joy and accessibility of comic books, children can develop essential literacy skills, expand their imagination, and cultivate a lifelong passion for reading that extends far beyond the pages of any book.


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