Children who read graphic novels have a high level of comprehension . According to Renton Prep Christian School ’ s magazine ( September 2022 ), there are five benefits to graphic novels to consider . Reading graphic novels :
• Improves visual literacy and vocabulary ;
• Inspires creativity , by encouraging and rewarding non-linear thinking ;
• Enhances social and emotional learning ;
• Forces reluctant readers to slow down and fully digest the story ;
• Gives students a better grasp on literary themes . 6
Furthermore , graphic novels help students with learning disabilities by providing designs with less text . This helps students who struggle with learning disabilities such as dyslexia and find it frustrating to make it through a typical single page of full text . When children think about comic books , they often think of superheroes , and the powerful influence of graphic novels is that they can sneak important literary elements such as theme , plot and resolution under the guise of a fun , action-packed comic . Classic literature transformed into graphic novels creates a unique and accessible re-telling of classic tales . 7
AUDIOBOOKS When there is not enough time to sit and read , or a child prefers to be in motion , audiobooks maximize exercise or commuting time . A good story will capture a child ’ s imagination whether they read it or hear it . Listening may inspire them to want to read more about the story , topic , or theme .
SPORTS MAGAZINES Our Sports Illustrated Kids is devoured to the point that two copies are ordered each month and both are usually threadbare by the time the next issue is released . Magazines about areas of passion are always winners .
POETRY Sometimes a few words can touch the soul deeper than a long story ever could . Poetry can be very funny and also tap into our boys ’ interests in sports , seasons , animals , etc .
WORDLESS PICTURE BOOKS Seeing the “ Aha ” moment as boys realize that each picture is like a sentence in a story is priceless to a teacher or librarian . We have to remember that reading is more than just phonetically putting sounds together . At the World Library and Information Congress 2023 that I was privileged to attend this summer in Rotterdam , librarians worldwide were advocating for wordless picture books . Wordless picture books work extremely well because it doesn ’ t matter if the child doesn ’ t know a particular language , doesn ’ t have a high educational level , and does not have a high reading proficiency in literacy . To be able to look at pictures and put together the story without any words supports comprehension development . These books support students with dyslexia , who tend to see “ in pictures ” as well as English Language Learners ( ELL ). “ A wordless picture book offers a different experience than hearing or attempting to read a picture book with text . When a wordless picture book is presented , every reader has the opportunity to tell the story in their own voice , effectively integrating the reader into the storytelling process .” 8
COOKBOOKS Another high interest area in the Lower School Library is the cookbook section . Boys have asked to check out cookbooks to make special meals for mom and dad for Valentine ’ s Day and Mother ’ s Day . Recipe reading engages boys with both reading and math skill work . Mathnasium ( 2018 ) reminds us that food is a huge motivator . 9 Comprehension increases due to the fun motivation factor . 10 Cooking reinforces math skills such as fractions , unit conversions , estimating , measuring , planning , and problem solving . Turn dinner time into a fun and educational moment with your children . 11 In addition , cookbooks drill down the importance of reading carefully – miss a step in the instructions and the dish could be ruined ! 12
1 Author Jason Reynolds Speaks Out on Banned Books and Passing on a Love of Reading , ABC ’ s The View , July 26 , 2023 , Season 26 , Episode 204 2 Understanding Reluctant Readers and How to Support Them by Meredith Cicerchia , < https :// www . readandspell . com / us / reluctant-readers > 3 MasterClass , September 29 , 2021 , < https :// www . masterclass . com > 4 Ibid . 5 Ibid . 6 Five Benefits of Graphic Novels You Should Consider , Renton Prep Christian School , September 7 , 2022 , < https :// rentonprep . org > 7 Understanding Reluctant Readers and How to Support Them by Meredith Cicerchia , < https :// www . readandspell . com / us / reluctant-readers > 8 Engaging Students Through Wordless Picture Books During Story Time , Kelly McGuire , 2023 , Knowledge Quest , volume 51 , no . 3 , 47-51 . 9 Teaching Literacy and Math Skills Through Cooking , Liz Egan , Paths to Literacy < https :// www . pathstoliteracy . org > 10 Ibid . 11 Improve Your Child ’ s Math Skills While Making Dinner , Mathnasium , The Math Center , August 10 , 2018 , < https :// www . mathnasium . com > 12 Improve Reading Skills with Cookbooks for Kids , Maria Minsker , Scholastic Parents , November 3 , 2014 , < https :// www . scholastic . com >
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