"Readers in the 21st century need to be able to analyze what they read and understand the motive of the author and the accuracy of the reading. They need to see themselves as active users, not merely vessels to be filled. Graphic novels offer a forum for these essential discussions."
-- Nancy Frey, Using Graphic Novels, Anime, and the Internet in anUrban High School
-- Nancy Frey, Using Graphic Novels, Anime, and the Internet in anUrban High School
Ways Graphic Novels Promote Literacy in the Classroom
Motivation
Graphic novels attract and motivate kids to read. School librarians and educators have reported success getting students to read with graphic novels, citing particularly their popularity with reluctant readers, especially boys. Furthermore, graphic novels consist of rich, complex plots and narrative structures that can be satisfying to advance readers. Actually, if used correctly graphic novels are flexible enough that some of the same titles can be appealing to both reluctant and advanced readers. Graphic novels can provide students of all abilities with a diverse set of reading material. |
Graphic novels can engage students in the pre-reading stage and can serve as a connection through reading and assessment. Graphic novels may be used to teach literary terms as well. Students may discover that they may actually need to know such terms for reasons other than analyzing poetry in say... english 100. |
Foster Acquisition of
Critical Reading Skills "We like to use graphic novels to teach comprehension skills, especially inferencing, Struggling readers have often been told for years that inferencing is about "reading between the lines" -- an explanation that often creates more confusion for the reader. After all, if you're having trouble reading what's on the line, when do you ever get to "read between?" -Nancy Frey Teaching Literacy Skills and
Visual Literacy Graphic Novels reinforce the left to right sequence of reading. Although it is not a linear way of reading, a student who reads a graphic novel must focus on where they are reading and the directionality of the book. The images presented throughout the novel give the reader a deeper interpretation and comprehension of the novel as a whole as well. Graphic Novels can be used as a
Supplementary Text Using graphic novels as supplementary material, especially in a social studies class can truly bring the events and dates to life for a student. The understanding of a time and place in history can unfold for students who may not be able to comprehend a textbook as easily. This visual makes the event much more real for the student. Research has also shown that our brains process and store visual information faster and more efficiently than verbal information. Pairing graphic novels with traditional prose is an excellent way to promote verbal skills and memory. |
A Unique Art Form Novels speak to us usually in a linear written narrative; picture books tell a story with accompanied text and illustrations; film does so with moving images and dialogue and poetry communicates on other levels that no other storytelling can. Graphic novels on the other hand combine all of these elements in a unique way. They are like prose-written printed format film- tell a story through dialogue and visual images- give the impression of movement. |
Graphic Novels may help
ENL Learners According to Stephen Cary, a second language learner specialist and author of Going Graphic: Comics at Work in the Multilingual Classroom, "Comics provide authentic language learning opportunities for all students.The dramatically reduced text of many comics make them manageable and language profitable for even beginning level readers." |
Challenge Work for Skilled Readers
For students who need a challenge, a graphic novel might just be the key! Having an advanced reader analyze the novel for its' symbolism and thematic issues can place higher value on the reader's thinking and interpretation of the narration at hand.
For students who need a challenge, a graphic novel might just be the key! Having an advanced reader analyze the novel for its' symbolism and thematic issues can place higher value on the reader's thinking and interpretation of the narration at hand.
Critical literacy
Graphic novels are a great way to acknowledge critical literacy or the ability of a reader to understand his or her role in the transaction that occurs between the reader and the text. Readers need to be able to analyze what they read an fully understand the motive of the author. They need to visualize themselves as active users between the text, not merely vessels that have to be filled with information. "Point of Reference"
Graphic novels can be used to bridge what students already know with what they have yet to learn. For example, graphic novels can help teach one about creating inferences- since readers must rely on illustrations and a small amount of text on the page. By helping students develop this skill, teachers can lessen the challenge of other texts utilized in the classroom. |
But you still may be wondering...
Do graphic novels have a place in the curriculum?
Yes! Many educators are reporting that they've had great success when it comes to integrating graphic novels into their curriculum. Areas with such success include English, science, social studies and art. Educators are discovering that graphic novels- like traditional forms of literature are and can be useful tools for encouraging students to critically examine a range of aspects within the above fields.
Do graphic novels have a place in the curriculum?
Yes! Many educators are reporting that they've had great success when it comes to integrating graphic novels into their curriculum. Areas with such success include English, science, social studies and art. Educators are discovering that graphic novels- like traditional forms of literature are and can be useful tools for encouraging students to critically examine a range of aspects within the above fields.