Importance of Vocabulary Cartoons
Even though learning is considered a serious matter in helping children to develop, is still a need to liven the process of understanding different concepts. Not only does humor offer a new type of learning, but also is known to provide children who are learning different topics with the ability to remember different ideas at a more thorough level. If you have a student who is learning vocabulary, writing or reading, then using vocabulary cartoons is a simple way to liven the learning process.
Even though most consider vocabulary cartoons as a secondary source or addition to the learning process, many others have found that there are more to cartoons then meets the eye. Most specifically, cartoons work as a supportive tool for building specific concepts that relate to vocabulary. When the cartoons express something that interrelates to the vocabulary, it gives children an extra way of visualizing and seeing the concept. More than this, the cartoon provides a memorable way to keep a vocabulary word in mind, which reinforces what the student is learning[1].
Within the basic concept of enhancing a child’s vocabulary, is the ability to use vocabulary cartoons for several layers of learning through a simple picture. The first part to this is using motivation to entice children to learn vocabulary or to connect to the reading. When children can interact with the materials used, while associating with the information, they can also stay motivated while learning specific materials and picking up on the vocabulary and reading skills needed.
Beyond this main factor, is the ability to use cartoons to entice using more skills for vocabulary. For instance, using cartoons to learn more skills for communication, figurative language and interpersonal relationships are more effective with cartoons. For example, if a child is learning how to read materials and is developing communication skills, then the cartoons provide a visual way to assist the child. This ’shows’ a child how to use vocabulary words and concepts in everyday conversation, while providing practical application to the students learning skills. The result is the ability to learn English and vocabulary without the basic struggles[2].
The concept of using different mediums and concepts to teach students vocabulary words and ideals is one that can be approached in a new and fun way. Through the use of vocabulary cartoons, you have the capacity of opening up an entirely different world of learning to children. This concept not only provides an effective method for alternative learning, but also invites new depth into understanding words, grammar and English structure.
[1] Salyer, William. (1950). Vocabulary Building. The Classical Journal (46), (1), pgs. 39 – 41.
[2] Smith, Chad. (2000). Letting Calvin and Hobbes Teach English. Odyssey (Spring, 2000).
