Let them read comics!

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By Vivian Chan Ka-yu, Pooi To Middle School
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By Vivian Chan Ka-yu, Pooi To Middle School |
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Can comic books be a new interesting way of learning?

Some parents do not allow their children to read comics. They see reading comics as a waste of time and they also worry about the content. But comics can be entertaining and educational.

My school gave us a comic book that taught us a lot about Chinese idioms and Confucian philosophy. I hated idioms before, but the book was so interesting that I read the whole thing!

So let's not forget that comics can also be used as learning tools: characters like Snoopy and Garfield can help children learn English. It's great to read, learn new things and have fun all at the same time. It's not a waste of time - just a different way of learning.

Comics play an important part in our childhood memories. I still remember discussing the famous local comic Lao Fu Zi with my classmates in junior form. It was something we all loved. Without comics, life would be boring.

Vivian Chan Ka-yu, Pooi To Middle School

From the Editor

Thank you for your letter, Vivian. Comics can be educational, when they are planned that way. So, like Young Post's Percival Penguin teaches our readers about English idioms, they have to be especially created that way. But, let's be honest: most comics are not. While they tell us great tales of love or adventure, or might even be very funny, the truth is they don't have many words.

Now, you might not think that's important, but for students, especially those who speak other languages, there comes a time when you need to be reading in full sentences, where scenes, actions and emotions are described in words other than "Blam" and "Boom". It's more of a give and take. Read comics, sure. But treat them like snacks rather than your mainstream reading diet. That way, you'll keep yourself entertained and your brain active.

Susan, Editor

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