Batman in the Classroom
August 13, 2008
I have been grappling with a pedagogical concept (beauty word, eh?) for the past couple of years now: how can I incorporate comic books into the classroom? As a child I was a regular reader of comics and would classify myself a fan, and it has been years since I have devoted any time or energy to what has been going on with them. But as I continue to expand myself in the classroom the more I feel that comic books have a genuine place - a) I think the kids would love them (I know I did) and, b) comic books use and explore all the motifs/literary ideas we are regulated to discuss in the English curriculum (ie. characterization, plot structure, etc). In any day in age I think getting students to read (let alone enjoy it) is a real challenge and that is why I feel comics can be a great motivator for them into the world of literature. So, with all of this said, I have purchased a few of these new concept “graphic novels” and plan to incorporate them into my yearly teaching strategy. The other day I picked up Batman: Year One and have thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It’s got a great story, it’s edgy and it has fantastic artwork - 3 for 3!! Haven’t figured out what other comics I want to get but I have been hanging out a comic book store here in Victoria and getting some good advice. Not 100% sure exactly where I am going to go with the concept but the ideas are in full motion; so if any of you have any to throw my way please do. Anyways, I am pretty excited about this and just hope that the students enjoy it as well.
Oh great .. a bunch of Maple Leaf students saying things like “I will vanquish my foes!”
Comment by Dalong — August 13, 2008 @ 3:11 pm
Nice call. did you get a chance to read that “V for Vendetta” that I lent you? Other Alan Moore hits to consider include “From Hell” (a re-imagining of Jack the Ripper), “The Watchmen” (soon to become a movie) and “The Killing Joke” (based on the Joker). Other Batman classics include the must read, “The Dark Knight” and also “Batman: The Long Halloween”. Not done yet? Bug me for some more titles
Comment by hubes — August 14, 2008 @ 4:06 pm
Hubes - you’re a beauty! Going down to pick some more up tomorrow! Thanks
Comment by Administrator — August 14, 2008 @ 5:23 pm
Chapters is stocking a manga version of Romeo and Juliet as well as other Shakespeare… (Hamlet for sure, not sure about McBeth). I sprinkled a few copies around my grade 10 classes this year and the kids that picked it up really liked it. The language is original text, but the setting is modern day Tokyo. Check it out.
Comment by Kev — August 17, 2008 @ 10:28 pm