It feels we are gradually returning to business as usual; more people are back in the office, and most students are back in the hallways. Classroom teaching is back! But keeping students’ attention and helping them retain information may be harder than ever.
During the lockdown, students had few outlets and were more glued to their screens, large and small. While there are no magic solutions, we wanted to share how cartoons can help you in the classroom. Here at CartoonStock, we’re huge advocates for the power of cartoons and humor, not just as entertainment but as a method of improving communication.
Cartoons can inject a moment of levity or introduce a complex topic in an engaging way. As Mary Poppins would say, “A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down” and provides a fun yet lasting memory of important academic concepts.
Engaging people with cartoons and humor is our goal- whether in classrooms or via their textbooks. CartoonStock has an enormous treasure trove of Education/Teaching cartoons, so even your search will be entertaining.
For example, Loren Fishman’s schoolroom cartoon combines a strong image and funny caption to help students remember the correct usage of a semicolon, an elusive element of punctuation.
CartoonStock has assembled curated collections that encompass topics of interest to educators. For instance, Writing and Grammar, one of our latest curated collections, features cartoons appropriate for a wide range of students.
Here’s one of our favorites by outstanding graphic artist William Haefeli. Knowing how students struggle to master the possessive case, imagine bringing this poignant cartoon into class—and one that leaves no doubt about how to form the plural possessive.
Perhaps no other subject gives students greater anguish than math. It’s a roller coaster of near-understanding followed by utter darkness. Veteran New Yorker cartoonist Roz Chast captures that tortuous journey in her iconic style. Keep in mind we have an entire collection of STEM cartoons in our Math and Science curated collection.
The first forays beyond whole numbers can open a new world of complexity for the uninitiated, as seen in this cartoon by Michael Crawford.
And sometimes, when it comes to math, students just need a laugh, as David Sipress suggests.
Every subject is covered. Here are a couple of cartoons that could enhance a geography lesson. Type “Geography” in our search bar, and you’ll find many more.
And, of course, history! The generation in your classrooms is coming of age during the digital revolution. Check out the History Category to find more cartoons to help lighten the day.
Teaching kids to read has become more challenging as screens compete with books for kids’ attention. Type “learning to read” into the search bar to find more cartoons on this topic.
We conclude with a cartoon that’s perhaps most appropriate for the teacher’s lounge. Why not? You’ve earned it!
For questions about our cartoons, licensing, or other opportunities, please contact your Cartoon Concierge Trevor at Trevor@CartoonStock.com or toll-free at 1-888-880-8357, and we’ll get back to you promptly.