Reflection #9

In her article “Graphic Novels in the Classroom,” which is written in a graphic novel format, Gene Yang describes the benefits of using graphic novels as a tool to teach students. He says that graphic novels can “bridge the gap” between image and text, and permanent images allow students to move along the page as quickly or slowly as necessary, repeat any content they cannot understand. The combination of images and text on the page also makes graphic novels easier for struggling readers to understand, and supports visual learners. At the end of the article, Gene Yang provides resources and graphic novel recommendations that teachers can use to incorporate graphic novels into their curriculum. His blog also provides information about contests and lectures, advice to artists, and examples of his work as a graphic novelist. 

Just a little graphic I found about using graphic novels in the classroom...

I think that graphic novels would be a great way to engage students and get their attention, especially in a society that is constantly bombarding children with images and information, where it is hard for many students to focus. I also like the idea of permanent images that allow students to go back over material, and read at their own pace. Although graphic novels were never used in my elementary or high school education, I always found that visual representations of a lesson were extremely helpful. Graphic novels could definitely benefit struggling and visual learners, but I think they would be very difficult and time consuming for teachers to create. How can teachers use graphic novels without expending unnecessary amounts of time and energy creating them? I think one option would be to use books that have already been created, such as the ones recommended by Gene Yang. Another option, perhaps, would be to use graphic novels in the classroom less frequently, perhaps once a week as a break from other methods of teaching. I think that using graphic novels in the classroom, even on an infrequent basis, would be successful in teaching and engaging students.