As an elementary school librarian, I am always trying to find the right book that will interest a student. I am a firm believer that children should read what they want. I like to know my students so that I may find the genre they especially like. In the past few years graphic novels have become extremely popular, yet I have had push back from a few parents and teachers as well. A couple of parents directed me not to allow their child to bring home a graphic novel, and a few teachers will not allow them in their classrooms. I believe some parents and teachers feel that 'graphic novel' is just a fancy term for comic books. Well, yes and no. They are so much more.
Carla, I appreciated this wonderfully done Animoto. As I mentioned in class, my son began reading with graphic novels. I was not pleased at first, but it did work and he eventually moved onto chapter books. Though occasionally he enjoys graphic novels from time to time for enjoyment. I also found that he related better and actually laughed out loud as he was reading. That was the moment when I realized that he was truly comprehending what he was reading! So I thank you for creating this one!!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny how we as parents worry that somehow our kids will not branch out into more 'acceptable literature', if they read comics or graphic novels. Somehow having illustrations gives us the idea that it's not 'real' literature, yet most graphic novels are much harder to read than traditional text. Graphic novels are sort of the stepping stone to other genres as I have found. I'm glad your son enjoys them. Reading is reading.
DeleteCarla I loved your Animoto. Especially the pictures. You captured really beauty; children loving reading. I remember the first time I saw a young fourth grader with a low reading level and a belief that reading stinks , smile while reading. He was reading the Diary of a Wimpy kid. The pictures are what made him laugh and grabbed his attention. If a child is personally choosing a book for enjoyment, it should bring them joy. The genre shouldn't matter. Thank you for making a beautiful statement.
ReplyDeleteEvery child should experience the joy of reading. Carla, you absolutely showed how these books bring children that joy! Although I have also thought these graphic novels were not the most suitable books for students to be reading in school, I see how interested they are and how many of the students become "lost" in what they are reading. When I notice the students tuning out everything around them and truly loving what they are reading, I certainly have no reason to question their selection in that book any longer. Thanks for this reminder!
ReplyDeleteCarla, you honestly opened my perspective on graphic novels. I was always hesitant to allow my students to read them during independent reading time. I feel that I tended to shy away from graphic novels because I didn't think kids were really getting anything out of them. However, you have made me reconsider my thinking.
ReplyDeleteWhy have I been discouraging students to read books they are passionate about? I now have taken a step back and observed some of my students reading graphic novels. I have noticed that a lot of my struggling readers are the ones flocking to these books. When I sit down with them to discuss what they are reading, they are excited to share their stories with me and show me the images. Thank you for opening my eyes!!
I wholeheartedly agree with you, Carla, that children should be allowed to read whatever they want. Children have so few freedoms. Reading, however, is one aspect of their lives in which they can be in control of the choices they make. I remember being excited about this very thing as a child. I loved going to the library and being allowed to check out whichever book I wanted to. Sure, I checked out books that were well above my reading level. But the point was, I was behaving like a reader. I was loving books and (unbeknownst to myself) creating goals for myself to achieve more as a reader. When I explain the nightly reading assignment to my students and their parents, I keep this in mind. I tell them to be creative and to make this assignment about loving reading and not about "homework". I love the reaction I see on my students faces when I tell them to check out the comics page of the newspaper! Thanks for reminding us that any reading is good reading, no matter the form that it may take.
ReplyDeleteLove stories You made such an interesting piece to read, giving every subject enlightenment for us to gain knowledge. Thanks for sharing the such information with us to read this...
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