Comics, graphic novels, animations and cartoons are great ways for kids to learn English. Regardless of age, most students are overwhelmed by a lot of grammar practice, so we should use different teaching aids to keep students interested in English. Even students who are reluctant to speak or write English will be interested in manga and animation, and their dislike of English will instantly turn into a love.
Early Years
Rather than monotonous words, children always prefer to see colourful pictures and vivid videos. Watching videos of classic fairy tales and nursery rhymes is the best way to expose young children to a new language. Children can start by watching Martha Speaks and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse to build basic vocabulary; then move on to episodic and educational animations such as Peppa Pig and Paw Patrol . The characters in the animation mostly speak clearly, slowly, and explain deeper words. When images and audio correspond to each other, it is easier for young children to learn to recognize pictures and adjust pronunciation.
Primary School Students (KS1-2)
For primary school students, Bugbug’s Library is the best visual aid for learning English. This series consists of pictures-rich stories, each with associated grammar or pronunciation exercises, ideal for Hong Kong students. Readers who like vivid graphics can also read classic comics such as Garfield, Peanuts and Diary of a Wimpy Kid . These comics are more accessible to readers than lengthy novels. Animated films such as Inside Out, Coco, and Moana also help students build vocabulary and understand story elements such as plot, conflict, and characters. Ted-Ed Videos are also a good choice covering language, STEM, history, and even philosophy.
Secondary School Students (KS3-4)
Older or mature students can read the newspaper cartoon . These cartoons often address social issues in a humorous and satirical way and are a great way to think about and understand social issues. Additionally, they can watch animated film adaptations of classic literary works such as Peter Pan, The Tale of Despereaux, Charlotte’s Web, A Christmas Carol A Christmas Carol), etc., watching movies can help them understand the theme of the story and make a literary analysis.