Kapow!

The next workshops will be during the Summer Holidays. Ages 7-10. Free. All children will learn how to write and draw their own comic. There will be free comics to take home as well as drawing supplies and snacks. There is no need to book in advance but if there are any questions please contact us for more information.

Kapow!

Project “Kapow!” was a pilot scheme we ran to launch this project. It ran from 2011 until 2016.

It used comics, manga and graphic novels as a way of promoting literacy to children and young people.

Project “Kapow!” was based around workshops designed and delivered by qualified teachers in line with National Curriculum areas. They helped children aged 7-16 understand how comics work, supported them to create their own comics and promoted lifelong skills development. The pilot was launched in 2011 with support from the Big Lottery, Awards for All.

We primarily focused on those who are from disadvantaged communities and those who were less enthusiastic readers, but the project offered benefits to all kinds of students.

What is the need for the project?

Almost half of all 11-year olds cannot read, write and add up properly when they leave primary school. Poor readers are twice as likely to be unemployed at 30. Weak readers are more likely to suffer ill health and depression. 60% of offenders in prison are functionally illiterate. Reading matters.

Why use comics?

Instead of stigmatising comics as bad for literacy, recent studies show they can help people develop their reading and improve vocabulary in a fun way.

Project “Kapow!” was about using something children already enjoy reading as a means to extend the reading experience. To many, comics are books you can read and still be cool. But they encourage further reading and drive up rates of library use.

Comics communicate complex stories and difficult ideas in a simple way. They challenge the stronger reader whilst supporting those who are less enthusiastic and helping them to develop high-order thinking skills. They also help to draw in support at home from fathers and older brothers who are far more likely to sit and read Spiderman with you than Pride and Prejudice!

In the future we hope to develop some new project ideas from the learning we captured during the pilot.