Chicago Tribune
By Kate Thayer
Classes have ended for the day at Adolph Link Elementary School in Elk Grove, but that’s when the collection of comic books and graphic novels comes out.
The school has about 70 comic books now and will be getting more because of a grant awarded to R.J. Casey, a 5th grade teacher who believes in the power of such books to engage students and encourage reading.
Casey was awarded $500 from District 54’s foundation to further his efforts, which include an after-school club of fifth and sixth graders who read selections from the school’s new books or from Casey’s own collection. They have fun and improve their reading skills, he said.
“Reluctant readers” especially benefit from comic books, he said. “In doing research, I found what an up and coming thing (comic books) are in education. They’re getting someone excited to read.”
So many students signed up for last semester for the club that Casey had to split them into two groups. After free reading time, participants can create their own comics. One student even wrote an entire comic book, he said.
Principal John Schmetzer said if students are excited to read a comic book or graphic novel, they’ll likely develop an interest in reading other literature.
“It’s a motivator for them,” he said. “We want to have kids used to reading.”
To further the interest, Casey has brought in local comic book artists.
“It’s my passion to get graphic novels into education,” he said. “It’s my passion because I’m a comic book nerd.”
Classes have ended for the day at Adolph Link Elementary School in Elk Grove, but that’s when the collection of comic books and graphic novels comes out.
The school has about 70 comic books now and will be getting more because of a grant awarded to R.J. Casey, a 5th grade teacher who believes in the power of such books to engage students and encourage reading.
Casey was awarded $500 from District 54’s foundation to further his efforts, which include an after-school club of fifth and sixth graders who read selections from the school’s new books or from Casey’s own collection. They have fun and improve their reading skills, he said.
“Reluctant readers” especially benefit from comic books, he said. “In doing research, I found what an up and coming thing (comic books) are in education. They’re getting someone excited to read.”
So many students signed up for last semester for the club that Casey had to split them into two groups. After free reading time, participants can create their own comics. One student even wrote an entire comic book, he said.
Principal John Schmetzer said if students are excited to read a comic book or graphic novel, they’ll likely develop an interest in reading other literature.
“It’s a motivator for them,” he said. “We want to have kids used to reading.”
To further the interest, Casey has brought in local comic book artists.
“It’s my passion to get graphic novels into education,” he said. “It’s my passion because I’m a comic book nerd.”
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