It's Clobberin' Time!!
by John Pearson
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This past weekend, I saw the new movie Ironman (it ROCKED by the way), and it got me thinking that this would be a good time to write a column about the value of superheroes. Not value in the sense that they're handy to have around when shape-shifting aliens bent on world domination attack the planet; rather, the value in lessons that kids can learn by reading their stories.
First and most obviously, to enjoy comic books and superhero stories, kids have to read them. Anything that encourages children to read is a good thing. There are a lot of cool pictures to look at, but to truly understand what's going on, the kids need to focus on those words. Second, tales like these inspire kids’ imaginations. I mean, how can you possibly read about a guy who can stretch himself like a rubber band and NOT start wondering what's going to happen next?
Also, there's the issue of public service announcements. Where else but a comic book will kids learn that too much exposure to gamma radiation can turn them into giant mindless rage-filled monsters? When it comes to gamma rays, just say no, kids. You won't like me when I'm angry.
A lot of people have dismissed comic books over the years as being silly wastes of time, but what they don't realize is that comics are usually full of upper-level vocabulary. Sure, the plots are mostly fantasy, but there are a lot of big words being used in both the narrative and the dialogue. Words like repulsors, nemesis, galaxies, telekinesis, and sonar are regularly used AND illustrated. These are not words that are commonly used in everyday conversation, so the children really are learning something new by reading comics.
Furthermore, superheroes are usually noble and upright models of good citizenship and exemplary values. Thanks to Spiderman, the kids in my class know that "with great power comes great responsibility." They recognize the phrase, "Truth, justice, and the American way" from Superman. I'm not sure, but they may even understand that "criminals are a cowardly, superstitious lot" courtesy of Batman.
My school's library must have recently obtained a stock of superhero graphic novels, because I've seen several of them checked out by the kids. Sometimes the kids ask me what a word means, but often they just point out a scene and explain what's happening.
I'm happy to see that kids today still enjoy comic books, as I did when I was a kid. Now I just need to convince my students’ parents to adopt the rallying cry of, "Turn off that professional wrestling, and read some more Ironman!!"
John Pearson is a third-grade math and science teacher in Dallas, Texas. He has degrees in mechanical engineering from Duke University and Texas A&M, so most consider his math abilities adequate enough to teach nine-year olds. He is also the author of Learn Me Good (Lulu, 2006), a funny, fictionalized account of his first year in education. Read more at learnmegood2.blogspot.com
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Posted by Heather Wolpert-Gawron on May 6, 2008 1:17 pm
It makes me happy to see another teacher advocating for acceptance of anything that makes a child want to read. Excellent post.
Posted by Robin on May 7, 2008 2:33 pm
Monica
Posted by Monica on May 25, 2008 8:04 pm
Posted by Jessica on Jul 17, 2008 1:15 am