by Hazel Buys
Imagine! Comics were all but outlawed in the classroom after World War II, but today, they have clearly gone mainstream.
Imagine! Comics were all but outlawed in the classroom after World War II, but today, they have clearly gone mainstream.
Indeed, comics are explicitly recommended for use in the classroom
if the content supports the state and national curriculum standards. Responding to this opportunity, Josh
Elder has put together an anthology of comic-book style stories, Reading with Pictures, billed as “Comics that make kids smarter.”
Comic book style short
stories address topics in a variety of subject areas such as Social Studies, Math,
Language Arts and Science, preceded by a useful section at the front, “How to
Read a Comic.”
The comic book format means the visuals change with the author
so the reader is treated to a sampling of some of the best comic book art being
produced today.
Some of the topics are straightforward (how to read Roman
numerals) while others are abstract (probability theory). The biography of
George Washington brings out little known facts (he required his valet to wear
a turban) while embedding his journey to becoming the first President of the
United States in the culture and mores of the times, making it easier for a
young person to relate to him. The Language Arts section includes a story about
the invention of the printing press, an accomplishment of the day that rivals
the development of any modern computer technology. The variety of story-telling
styles matches the wide range of illustration styles.
Is this an expanding
opportunity for fiction or non-fiction author-illustrators? You bet. Josh Elder’s company,
Reading With Pictures, is counting on it. Learn more at
www.readingwithpictures.org.
Love this idea--I think it's a great way to learn that can reach all kids! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete