Bringing Pictures To Life – Teaching With Graphic Novels ─ Teach

Archives

Bringing Pictures To Life – Teaching With Graphic Novels

Teach: (2017) by Meagan Gillmore

Beverley Brenna knows what children like to read. She has written award-winning children’s books. She teaches prospective English teachers in the University of Saskatchewan’s education program. Before that, she was a classroom teacher—a reading specialist for several years. But she’s “regretful” she couldn’t offer her students a valuable tool: graphic novels.

“It’s hard to admit that maybe I missed out on a good resource,” says Brenna, who has researched how elementary students respond to graphic novels. She now teaches her students how to use them with their classes. Brenna calls them a “dark horse” that more educators are welcoming. They’re not just for literature, either. The graphic novel form is used to teach subjects ranging from science to history to world religions and current events.

But some teachers may not be convinced they’re a sure bet. They may have never read them. Or they may misunderstand the content. “I think graphic novels have a bad name, and I mean that literally,” says Brenna. The word “graphic” may cause some to assume the books are filled with violence or dark subject matter. This may be because graphic novels are sometimes confused with comic books, which often have darker themes. Other teachers doubt their literary value despite the awards many win. Brenna admits she was reluctant to use them. She’s not alone.

═════════►

Graphic novels are often viewed solely as tools to engage reluctant readers or help students learn English. This makes sense. The pictures make it easier for students to interpret a story, says Brenna. Pictures replace passages that describe the setting and characters. Readers see characters pace across a frame in frustration. The movements provide insight into characters’ emotions, an especially beneficial tool when reading a Shakespearean soliloquy. This can help them better analyze these passages in written essays.

Graphic novels have fewer words, and the text is written in smaller chunks. This makes it easier for students who might struggle with tracking or following large sections of words to pay attention. Removing barriers in reading is important for students who are learning English. Graphic novel adaptations of classic novels or plays may make it easier for them to understand what their English-fluent classmates are reading. This builds their confidence and helps them read more advanced material.

═════════►

The more students like reading, she says, the more they’ll read.  READ MORE ➤➤

Automatic Readability Checker

Based on 7 readability formulas:

Grade Level: 8

Reading Level: standard / average.

Reader's Age: 12-14 yrs. old

(Seventh and Eighth graders)