Some comic relief in classrooms?

*Kritika Puri,XII-F,St Mark’s Sr Sec Public School,Meera Bagh

Underestimating the power of comics is tantamount to underestimating the child as a reader,which — according to me — can be a serious mistake. Jack Zipes,a distinguished American expert on children’s literature and storytelling,passionately believes in the subversive virtues of storytelling. In that context,I feel that comics should be introduced in the school curriculum. We could probably have comics based on epics such as Ramayana,mostly because it forms an important part of the Indian itihaas. It depict the importance of relationships,portrays ideal characters such as Rama,Sita,Lakshmana,Bharata,Hanuman and Ravana,who form a part of the country’s cultural consciousness. This way,children can have an interesting way of getting acquainted with their culture — something that they are deviating from in this time and age.

*Aashima Bansal,XII F,St Mark’s Sr Sec Public School,Meera Bagh

Through comics such as Tintin,people across the world have come to know about hilarious curses such as Ten thousand blistering barnacles and Thundering typhoons. Comic book characters leave a great impression on children,and many of them prefer to read stories in illustrated form. Though comics were initially restricted to strips in popular newspapers,they have now become a million-dollar industry. As things stand today,comics seem to be the only thing that can lure the new generation from television and the Internet. Many schools in other countries use comics to initiate students to the wonders of reading,besides improving their attention span. Comics should definitely be introduced in Indian schools as part of their curriculum. Comic books can be interesting as well as educational. Some of my favourite comic book characters are Batman,Tintin,Bigby and Jack Horner from Fables,Superman,Wonder Woman,Captain America and the X-Men.

*Anandee Chakrabarti,Tagore International School,Vasant Vihar

A comic is a series of words and pictures presented in a sequential manner to form a narrative. They are read by nearly everybody during their childhood days,and are thoroughly enjoyed. I strongly feel that comics should be introduced in the school curriculum,especially ones like Amar Chitra Katha and The Adventures of Tintin. Amar Chitra Katha comics not only gives faces to historical characters,but also provides the reader with a feel of the times. A school in Mumbai has actually introduced Amar Chitra Katha comics as part of their course material for Class VI. And why not? They are certainly more attractive than dull textbooks,and even the teachers may vouch for that. As far as Tintin is concerned,I personally feel that he is a classic hero,and every student should be introduced to his adventures.

*Sanya Gulati,XII Humanities,Tagore International School,Vasant Vihar

Comics have been an essential component of human entertainment since times immemorial. so,why not? The word derives itself from the Greek term komikos,which means to revel in the idea of comedy. Though comics are still considered as insignificant doodles in many parts of the world,it should be understood that they do contain poignant underlying messages. If I were to be asked which comic should be introduced in schools,I would say The Adventures Of Tintin. I would choose this particular comic series because they have an appreciably low level of graphic violence,provide excellent information on the various cultures of the world,and have a highly enjoyable way of getting your way around world geography. Additionally,the series promotes the general spirit of well-being,unity and harmonious co-existence.

*Projjol Banerji,XII,Tagore International School,Vasant Vihar

Comics such as Peanuts have ruled the world for a decade or more,and being a comic fan,I like the idea of it being a part of our school curriculum. It would make learning enjoyable as well as easy because pictures make a better impact than words. For many,reading normal literature may seem boring and tiresome,and comics may just provide the right key to this door. I love reading Suppandi inTinkle comics because I find it humourous,and Batman because it is full of mystery. The comics prescribed for schools can either be adaptations of mythological tales or biographies of great personalities. One such comic series is Amar Chitra Katha. These picture books can increase the literacy rate,and supporting this new concept in schools is not a bad idea.

*Mahima Batheja,IX-B,The Indian School,Sadiq Nagar

If you are naïve enough to assume that comics have no influence over kids,it’s time to crawl out of that rock you’re living under and open your eyes. If a recent Television and Society survey report is to be believed,an average child spends 250 hours reading comics by the time he enters fifth grade. This,in other words,means 800 murders and at least 10,000 other assorted acts of violence and several adult scenes being depicted through caricatures. So,what traits do you think these students will inculcate? But that’s a relatively minor problem. Comics do take your mind off things. They are one of the biggest stressbusters available,and they aid learning as well. Comics such as Amar Chitra Katha and xkcd provide a lot of knowledge,and an appropriate sprinkling of this in our textbooks wouldn’t hurt. After all,we do need relief from our stressful curricula,and a wisecrack over Calculus would fit the boot perfectly.

Neerja Gurnani,XII D,Tagore International School,Vasant Vihar

Generations of children have grown up reading comic books,hiding from parents and teachers who saw them as a waste of time and a hazard to young minds. If comics gain credibility and acceptance in schools,they will add cherries to the cake of education. Reading books,especially illustrative books like comics,set the brain cells of a child working. Comics can help inculcate the reading habit,and be of great aid to reluctant readers. If works such as Ramayana and Panchatantra are adapted into comics,they will strengthen the roots of culture and tradition. Teachers will also find it easy to teach grammar through comics. Overall,it will help the cause of education.

*Neelakshi Prabhakar,XII-C,St Mark’s Sr Sec Public School,Meera Bagh

Comics have the ability to present complex material in readable text,and can assist in teaching subjects such as science and social studies. Comics can foster language development in various ways. Readability makes comics attractive to young readers. The language used in comics is the kind from everyday conversations. Adaptations of literary works in comic format can be useful in English classes. Truth be told,Asterix was what got me interested in history in the first place. While its the presentation of the Roman empire isn’t the most accurate,the comic still taught me what Paris was called in the year 50 BC (Lutetia) and what the phrase Alea jacta est meant. Kudos to Asterix for that. The real strength of the Asterix comic series rests in its humor. Rene Goscinny,who co-created Asterix with Albert Uderzo,was a comedic genius. His take on British clichés never fails to put a smile on my face.

*R Supraja,XII-F,St Mark’s Sr Sec Public School,Meera Bagh

Stop reading that comic,or I’ll throw it in the bin! This is the viewpoint of all parents. They think reading comics is a waste of time,and ask their children to read more serious books. But,in my opinion,comics have become an integral part of literature,and it is time they were introduced in schools. I would recommend Tinkle comics for schools,because they provide information in an interesting way. The comics will provide more curiosity and enthusiasm to children who’ll be exultant to read them in presence of a teacher. For a period of time,the learner would be in pleasure instead of pressure. I would be highly contended if comics are added to the school course.

*Divyansh Gupta,VII-A,Cambridge School,Indirapuram

Comics have always been a great source of entertainment and knowledge. Everybody — children as well as adults — read,and love,them. Comics such as Garfield,Peanuts and Tintin can be particularly useful for students,because they strengthen the vocabulary and give rise to new ideas. Introducing comics in school will also encourage young artists to nurture their talents. Besides enacting situations from comics in skits and plays,they will also make education more interesting for students. They can also help them interpret the context of educational texts in a more appropriate way.

*Ritika Dwivedi,VII-A,Cambridge School,Indirapuram

Comics should definitely be introduced in school because they encourage students to read,tell and write stories. It may increase the desire of low-performing students to read books,and encourage them to create their own storylines and literature. The visual element in comics can have a positive impact on education,and help teach students who find it difficult to concentrate. Comics can also be used to stimulate their desire for knowledge. Comics help spreading literacy and,hence,it can definitely act as a vital tool in dispelling the darkness of ignorance.

*Ankita Prasad,VII-A,Cambridge School,Indirapuram

It is very annoying when our elders refer to comics and novels as a mere source of beguilement from “serious studies”. Reading comics on Peter Pan and Spiderman can be about as enlightening as mugging up modern-day translations of Julius Caesar and Macbeth,or spending hours decrypting Ode to the west wind! Most comics and novels inject their own brand of humour and excitement into matters of social,political and moral importance. It’s not foreign publications,but our very own comic brands such as Amar Chitra Katha,Panchachantra and Tinkle that deliver the most educational messages. Educationists keep harping over how students lack imagination. Now,wouldn’t introducing comics help them think out-of-the box and familiarise them with the modern language? Just a point to ponder upon.

Soumya,XI Delhi Public School,Rohini

As they enter teenage,children become fond of thought balloons,narrative artwork,illustrative scenes and brief descriptive prose. But as they climb up the ladder in school,they end up studying black letters on and off white pages. But comic books are never abandoned,because they are part and parcel of our lives. They run in our blood. According to me,comics should be introduced in schools,as part of English Literature courses. Comics such as Amar Chitra Katha,Tinkle and Herge’s Tintin impart information in a very interesting way. They can be an integral component of effective teaching practices,something that can make it easier for children to reach out to struggling readers as well as students who are new to English. Educational comics will definitely boost the literacy rate,and make things easier for even the weakest students in schools.

*Srishti Rawat,XI-A. St Mary’s School,Sector-19,Dwarka