Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education.
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Graphic novels and comic books create a fast-paced, high energy reading opportunity that captures the attention of many young adults living in a world of quick images and titles. Some of the classics like Beowulf, Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth are creatively drawn and summarized in a true to nature fashion that captures the student's attention and keeps them reading. Some students return to the novel as their mind explodes absorbing the summary in more depth and thought. Graphic novels and comics illustrate reading and writing skills in a non-threatening and entertaining manner especially engaging my at-risk students.
More importantly, students learn to read at a complex level as they interpret and analyze images. These images are full of nuance just like any text and as students become immersed in the storyline they are reinforcing and in some cases learning skills required in high school and beyond. Comic books have always been opportunities to engage reluctant readers. Now, many comic book heroes and villains are favorites in current movies which can be the lure that entices the student to read. Alas, these reading opportunities also touch upon thematic issues that can aid the student in in-depth class discussions and critical thinking.
About my class
Graphic novels and comic books create a fast-paced, high energy reading opportunity that captures the attention of many young adults living in a world of quick images and titles. Some of the classics like Beowulf, Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth are creatively drawn and summarized in a true to nature fashion that captures the student's attention and keeps them reading. Some students return to the novel as their mind explodes absorbing the summary in more depth and thought. Graphic novels and comics illustrate reading and writing skills in a non-threatening and entertaining manner especially engaging my at-risk students.
More importantly, students learn to read at a complex level as they interpret and analyze images. These images are full of nuance just like any text and as students become immersed in the storyline they are reinforcing and in some cases learning skills required in high school and beyond. Comic books have always been opportunities to engage reluctant readers. Now, many comic book heroes and villains are favorites in current movies which can be the lure that entices the student to read. Alas, these reading opportunities also touch upon thematic issues that can aid the student in in-depth class discussions and critical thinking.