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https://theconversation.com/does-your-child-only-read-graphic-novels-thats-ok-its-helping-them-build-literacy-skills-280373>
"Some parents worry if their children only read graphic novels – or even mostly
read them. A common question goes something like: how do I get my child to read
something other than comics or graphic novels? But the answer might be: you
don’t have to.
Graphic novel series such as
Heartstopper,
The Babysitters Club and
Amulet fly off school library shelves. And original graphic novels such as
Art Spiegelman’s Holocaust-themed
Maus and
To This Day, based on Shane
Koyczan’s spoken-word poem, are staples of many high-school classrooms.
Rather than hindering or holding back reading skills, reading graphic novels
can actually help develop them.
Reading is many things – from breaking the code to understand what you read, to
reading for enjoyment and getting “hooked” by a narrative. Debates about the
best way to teach reading have been going on for over 80 years. They’ve
recently gained strong focus with the ability of science to examine brain
function.
Research shows reading graphic novels leads to improved reading and
comprehension skills for all students. And studies demonstrate that children
and teenagers who read graphic novels have improved, more positive attitudes
towards reading. They are more likely than children who don’t read comics and
graphic novels to think of themselves as good readers.
This is extremely important: rates of reading for pleasure among young people
are on the decline in Australia and around the world, along with a decline in
literacy skills.
A proven way to get young readers to both re-engage with reading for pleasure
and improve their literacy is to allow – even encourage – them to engage with
reading that fits their tastes and interests, linking reading to media they
“already recognise as part of their cultural life”. Graphic novels are part of
this solution."
These are all classics for a reason, and adults should read them too!
Share and enjoy,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
