Why use comics in the ESL / EFL classroom? Well, first of all, the combination of images and text provides valuable context clues, aiding comprehension for language learners who may struggle with traditional written materials. Also, comics are inherently engaging and can capture students’ interest, motivating them to actively participate in language learning activities. So, in conclusion, they are a great idea for your classroom!
In this post I’ll talk about a comic book that I have used with my primary esl students and that has worked really well! It’s called Stinky by Eleanor Davis and it belongs to a collection of easy-to-read comics called Toon Books that have comics for different levels and ages.
Davies’ writing strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and depth, making «Stinky» accessible to learners at various proficiency levels. The straightforward language facilitates comprehension without sacrificing the richness of the storyline.
Through the adventures of Stinky the monster and his unconventional friendships, the story offers a window into themes of acceptance and belonging—universal concepts that resonate with ESL students navigating diverse cultural landscapes.
- Vocabulary Expansion: «Stinky» provides many opportunities for vocabulary acquisition, introducing students to new words in context. Teachers can leverage the text to teach adjectives describing emotions, animal names, and action verbs, among others.
- Grammar Practice: From simple sentence structures to more complex grammatical concepts, «Stinky» lends itself well to grammar instruction. Teachers can design activities focusing on sentence formation, verb tenses, and dialogue punctuation, tailoring exercises to suit learners’ needs.
- Creative Expression: Encouraging students to engage with «Stinky» through creative activities such as role-playing, comic strip creation, and character analysis fosters language production and critical thinking skills. These hands-on approaches enhance language retention while fostering a love for storytelling.
This resource contains 7 pages with:
-Reading comprehension activities.
-Grammar: Past Simple regular and irregular, comparatives and superlatives.
-Vocabulary: landscapes (the swamp), animals, physical descriptions.
-Writing tasks.
-Creative activity: make your own comic strip!
I am a firm beleiver in incorporating quality books into ESL instruction not only enhances language skills but also cultivates a lifelong appreciation for reading and learning.So, no excuses now! You know that it’s all advantages with comics in your classroom!
Have a look at how it went in my classroom with the activities we designed:
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