How Can Comic Books Be Used To Teach Math To Kids?

February 16, 2010 by Matthew Smith
Filed under: Parenting Tips

A shocking statistic flashed on the television screen the other day. It stated that out of all the kids' currently in grade 8 in American schools, about 66% of them could not do adequate math. I had to let this statistic sink in. How could this be possible? Kids spend hours and hours in school every year. Why are they not learning math? It seems that the math comic strips solution is needed now more than ever.

With the turn of the century, we are becoming more and more an international global economy. Kids no longer compete with the kid in the desk next to them, but with the kid in a classroom on the other side of the world. They need to be educated in both reading and yes "math skills", in order to compete and land the great jobs of the future. In South Korea they treat those who educate their kids like "rock stars". We need to place this same level of importance on our educators here in the United States.

If we look back 20 or 30 years ago, if a child wanted to have some fun, their choices were limited. They could either play games, or perhaps play sports, or read some books. Then came the technology advances in the world of entertainment. Cable television appeared on the scene with more stations than one could possibly watch, videos whenever you wanted, and computer gaming with someone on the other side of the world. In this exciting new world of entertainment where does homework and schoolwork fit in? Sadly, most of the time, it doesn't...

In order to get our kids to do their homework, when there are so many distractions out there, we need to make their homework fun. If we don't, other things will take priority in their lives. How can we possibly do this? Ah, this is where the time tested and proven format of the humble comic book enters into the equation. Comics have been around for years and years, but they have mostly been used to entertain, not educate. This doesn't mean that we can't alter the format a bit to help them teach our children essential math skills.

Math comic strips is dedicated to providing comic books that will help our kids learn math. Our flagship product is a "superhero" comic in which the hero (a mere human really) is able to solve problems and crimes via his superior math skills. Now how did he come across this math ability? He acquired it simply by doing his homework over the years. We are hoping that as kids read of the adventures of this "superhero" they will be inspired to do their homework just like he did...

Learn more about Math Comic Strips. Stop by Matthew Smith's site where you can find out all about free math comics, and what they can do for you. Visit the Uber Article Directory to get a totally unique version of this article for reprint.

categories: math comic strips,comic strips,teach kids,educate kids,math education,comic books