Generations of kids have been fascinated by comic books, and it’s time to give credit where credit is due. Comic books can be used as educational tools. The brightly coloured artwork appeals to even reluctant readers. The action-packed plots keep kids engaged. We all know that the best way to encourage literacy is by fostering a love of books- and if the books that do the trick are of the cartoon variety, who are we to complain? Children’s comic books as educational tools are finally coming into vogue in the parenting world.
Comic Books Can Be Educational Tools
Research has proven that comic books can be a valuable learning tool. In fact, not only can they launch a lifetime of reading, but they can also be effective in teaching other subjects. For example, an interesting study showed that when older students used a science comic book to study, they learned more. We might have grown up with worksheets and textbooks, but as we know, pages and pages of words can be off-putting. Adding a few pictures and speech bubbles can make learning fun (or at least a little more appetizing). Luckily, there are many educational comic books available. Want to give your kids a jumpstart on anything from science to Shakespeare? A few comic books tucked inside a backpack or under a pillow might be the ticket. Check out some samples of comic books that can be used as educational tools to get you started here, and here.
Comic Books Make Learning Fun For Kids
The vast majority of comic books and graphic novels aren’t as obviously educational, but that doesn’t mean they have nothing to teach. Think back to your own childhood- were you an Archie fan? The Archie franchise has been printing comic books since the 1940s, and since the beginning has made it a priority to demonstrate family values like hard work, honesty, and tolerance. While some characters display negative traits like selfishness or spite, they usually suffer consequences for their actions. The franchise even makes a point of promoting an awareness of the environment, and discourages substance abuse of any kind. Many people consider Archie and his friends to be good role models.
Note: As with any kind of media, it’s important for every parent to remain aware of comic book content. It’ll come as no news that many comic books include violence, and even Archie comics involve issues such as divorce or disabilities which parents may want to discuss with their children.
However, as long as parents monitor subject matter, comic books have enormous potential for education. They can foster a love of reading, they can teach traditional subjects in a new and fun way, and they can even pass on positive values and habits.
Conclusion
The days of dismissing comic books as “a waste of time” are long gone. In this blogger’s humble opinion, comic books are much more than a nostalgic reminder of the past- they’re the wave of the future.
Looking for more ideas on how to get your kids reading? Check out this article.
Have an opinion on the educational value of comic books? Want to share your kids’ favorite comic books, or a few from your own childhood? Let us know if you agree that comic books can be used as educational tools in the comment section below!
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