Graphic Novels

I admit, when I first started reading the articles by McTaggart and Carter, I initially felt that attempting to find a place for comics and graphic novels in a classroom setting was a bit of a stretch. Not that I don't like graphic novels or comics, but I wan't sure there was an educational application for them. This may be because the first graphic novels that came to my mind were 300 and Sin City, both of which are probably a little too, uhm, graphic for schools. I've never read this Maus both authors brought up, and while that particular graphic novel may work in a classroom setting, I feel it's in the minority there.

I do agree, however, with he idea that allowing students to read comics and graphic novels could help in getting them actually interested in reading. I would have taken Maus over almost any of the books that I had to read for school, especially in high school, and I'm sure many of my peers would have as well, given the choice. Using these and comics as a sort of gateway reading tool could very well enhance not only the interest in reading, but the level of it as well.

Aside from that, I thought the idea of having students use the panels or storyboards to make their own comic/graphic novels was a smart way to teach them about the different parts of stories. Because the set-up of comics are different, what with word bubbles, panels, and illustrations, students will have to look at stories from a different standpoint. This could also allow some students who aren't that great at writing papers a chance to try something different, while pushing those who are good at writing outside of their comfort zones.