How to work with comics: Innovation of natural science education in kindergartens

Abstract

This study explores the possibilities of using comics in kindergartens and generally in all types preschool institutions. The authors present a summary of the knowledge about comics, types of comics, and their application by preschool teachers. The study presents examples of particular work with preschool children (age of 4 to 6 years) supplemented by methodological support of didactic concepts. One part of the study is based on a presentation of specific techniques (technical, graphic and visual) that can help teachers to create their own comics. Comics are introduced in the context of the development of science education as one of the strategies in inquiry based science education. The teacher as a comic maker is an actor but children can create and complete the comics and therefore they enter actively into the didactic process. Thus the preschool children become actors in education. The authors present different types of comics in the study, while cartoon comics are predominant for use in kindergartens.