The Big Picture
Michael and I were talking today about how much our newly six-years-old son Coconut's reading has improved. A year ago, he could barely read simple words; now, he's moving on to chapter books.
One of the things we've noticed is that he's lost his fear of Big Books. It's a hard jump for a little guy to make - from thin, colorful picture books to thick books with lots of words and few, if any, pictures. Even when you assure your little dude that he doesn't have to finish the whole book at one go - that he can stop and read the rest later - the sheer weight of the thing just seems to drag his little heart down. It's intimidating!
We had similar problems with Swicky, when she moved to chapter books, too, even though reading came naturally to her in a way that it hasn't with Coconut. She was a born reader, easily immersing herself into the story - Coconut has been a reluctant reader from the start. But those big books...terrifying.
Recently, though, he's started picking up big chapter books and reading them with no hesitation, and we're pretty sure we know how he lost his fear:
Graphic novels.
Graphic novels are amazing. They form a bridge between colorful stories with picture guidance and a word-bound realm of pure imagination. They are BIG - but they aren't scary. Once Coconut lost his fear of the size of chapter books, he found he could read them just fine. Swicky transitioned from picture books to graphic novels to chapter books, too, come to think of it.
Of course, there are lots of articles talking about why graphic novels and comics are awesome. Some great ones to start with:
P.S. - Graphic novels and comic books work great for other less-than-enthusiastic and/or -skilled readers, including teens and adults learning to read, and those learning English as a second language. They're also fantastic for adults who read perfectly fine, thank you, but who enjoy pretty pictures and good stories. Now I'm off to finish The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Volume II.
Links!
One of the things we've noticed is that he's lost his fear of Big Books. It's a hard jump for a little guy to make - from thin, colorful picture books to thick books with lots of words and few, if any, pictures. Even when you assure your little dude that he doesn't have to finish the whole book at one go - that he can stop and read the rest later - the sheer weight of the thing just seems to drag his little heart down. It's intimidating!
We had similar problems with Swicky, when she moved to chapter books, too, even though reading came naturally to her in a way that it hasn't with Coconut. She was a born reader, easily immersing herself into the story - Coconut has been a reluctant reader from the start. But those big books...terrifying.
Recently, though, he's started picking up big chapter books and reading them with no hesitation, and we're pretty sure we know how he lost his fear:
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| If you haven't read this book yet, do it. Read it to your kids. And yourself. |
Graphic novels.
Graphic novels are amazing. They form a bridge between colorful stories with picture guidance and a word-bound realm of pure imagination. They are BIG - but they aren't scary. Once Coconut lost his fear of the size of chapter books, he found he could read them just fine. Swicky transitioned from picture books to graphic novels to chapter books, too, come to think of it.
Of course, there are lots of articles talking about why graphic novels and comics are awesome. Some great ones to start with:
- For improving early literacy, reading comics is no child's play
- Using Graphic Novels with Children and Teens: A Guide for Teachers and Librarians
- Graphic Novels for Reluctant Readers
P.S. - Graphic novels and comic books work great for other less-than-enthusiastic and/or -skilled readers, including teens and adults learning to read, and those learning English as a second language. They're also fantastic for adults who read perfectly fine, thank you, but who enjoy pretty pictures and good stories. Now I'm off to finish The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Volume II.
Links!
- Wired shares with us a detailed look at the current state of net neutrality and Internet freedom. If you love the Internet (and I assume you do because, well, you're here and who doesn't?), then you need to read this.
- I may not agree with everything you say, but there's a reason I will fight for your right to say it - even if it's terrible. The Self-Perpetuating Logic Of Censorship.
- During Bosnia's 1992-1995 war, many invaluable manuscripts and books were destroyed; some were saved when residents banded together to move them to safer locations. A new library has opened!
- Typography is important - perhaps just as important as content. So I guess I should ask you - how am I doing? Anything I should change?
- I've always known I'm a Sci-Fi fan. Did you know you're one, too? That's right - You’re a Sci-Fi Fan and You Don’t Even Know It.
- You know that long list of ingredients on processed foods? Aren't you glad you can depend on natural foods to be chemical-free? Wait, what do you mean they're not? (Hint: Chemistry - It's Everywhere!)
- Speaking of food, we tend to make plates for the kiddos. Maybe we'll rethink that - Why Letting Kids Serve Themselves May Be Worth The Mess
- Wow! The toll of the anti-vaccination movement, in one devastating graphic.
- Edward Snowden bids to become Glasgow University rector. That would be another reason to go to Glasgow.
- The president is going to meet with the Pope. This could be interesting.
I love reading your posts. SO MANY FUN LINKS!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! I like sharing links; it's good to know someone's reading them!
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