A ‘Comical’ Journey in the History Classroom
- June 28, 2024
A ‘Comical’ Journey in the History Classroom
- June 28, 2024
By Mangalam Narayanan and Lakshmi Madhusudan
History is considered boring and studying for and writing history exams is nothing less than a chore. Some of the more enterprising teachers have devised interesting ways of teaching history, but what about history exams? How can we make history exams inspiring and engaging for our students?
Have you tried setting a history question paper based on the Amar Chitra Katha comics? We share in this short article, our successful effort. Most lessons in Indian history can be found in Amar Chitra Katha comics—whether it is the Indian movement of independence, or Indian rulers, or civilizations. After we teach a lesson in history, we can ask students to read the corresponding Amar Chitra Katha comic book. For example, after teaching 9th graders the lesson on Chandra Gupta Maurya, we asked the students to read Magesthenese from Amar Chitra Katha comics as an extension of the lesson.
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Once the children have read the comics, you can set question papers that relate both to the comics they have read and the lesson in their history textbooks. It does take some effort on the part of the teacher to choose the right scene and dialogue from the comics to ask the questions. But all the effort is worth it as it both an exciting and wonderful learning experience for the students.
We share here a few examples of how we can set question papers using comics and cartoons.
Observe the picture below, read the information, and answer the questions that follow.
Questions papers based on comic books encourage the reading habit in children, which in turn builds their knowledge. Because comics are illustrated, even reluctant readers may find them easy to handle. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. What better way than to teach and learn history?
Mangalam Narayanan is on the advisory board of Leo International School, Kalher, Upper Thane. She can be reached at 07mangalam@gmail.com.
Lakshmi Madhusudan is Principal of Sunitidevi Singhania school Thane. She can be reached at lmadhusudan1968@gmail.com.
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Comic of The Month
M.S. Subbulakshmi
M.S. Subbulakshmi was born to sing. Her unchallenged position in the realm of Carnatic music was the result of great talent combined with hours of practice and utter devotion. Subbulakshmi began her formal training in music when she was five. Her first stage performance was at the age of eight. It is said that the young Subbulakshmi would practice her ragas even between household chores, keeping time to the most intricate and complex beats of Carnatic music. M.S. Subbulakshmi used music as an instrument to motivate people, especially during the freedom movement. Her music inspired all those who heard it and she was celebrated and acclaimed wherever she went. In this graphic biography, Amar Chitra Katha pays tribute to the legend and her invaluable contribution to the world of music.