Reading and writing are these relics of our past,
something we forgot or just let slip away as we became parents trying to cope
with everyday stresses of life? In an age when the Internet, text messaging,
video games and brain-siphoning phone applications provide unending
entertainment, is it any wonder that the common adult, teenager, or child
expresses no interest in using their imagination for a self-produced experience
like reading?
This is an age where “no child left behind” means
leaving our children even further behind and slowing down students who may be
able to excel if they do not get bored waiting for teachers to challenge
them. The fault does not lie with the
teachers, however. Budget cuts have increased class sizes forcing teachers to commit
time to slower students who need more attention. Is it any wonder that bright
children turn their interests to things other than academics?
It is obvious that the shortage of good teachers in
this country is staggering and from my limited view of the educational system,
it is becoming obvious that by having the best in technology at their
fingertips, teachers may be ill equipped to encourage kids to use their minds.
You can teach all the sentence diagramming and grammar tools that you want, but
practice makes perfect and these students practice by regurgitating text
acronyms to each other four hundred times a day. There are many out there
afraid that Spanish is taking over as the national language, but what I fear
most is technology taking over as the national language. When I meet someone 25
years or younger that can speak in complete sentences and articulate themselves
without an LMAO or LOL and then leaving with a BBL I rejoice and shake their
hand, but sadly this is often not the case.
As parents and role models, we have the ability to help
our children overcome technology and budget cuts, that slow the learning
process and make our children lazy, comic books. Comic books are designed
with an even ratio of words to pictures. Since we use one side of the brain to
process language, and the other side to appreciate art, this allows both sides
of the brain to function at equal levels, simultaneously, strengthening the
neural connections between them. Comic books are also very topical in their
subject matter, often covering themes like bullying, intolerance, and ethical
behavior. The characters display traits like courage, bravery, compassion,
loyalty and a strong sense of what’s right. Thanks to TV and Hollywood you have
a perfect way to introduce your child to reading. Simply hand them a comic book
and ask them if they would like to know more about their favorite movie or cartoon
super hero.
You can find all of the latest, hottest superheroes
in formats for children of any age at White Dragon Comics
