What's the big idea?
Wireman comics is a unique literacy tool that hooks at-risk readers on a compelling story they can’t put down, as opposed to strengthening skills through drills and exercises. In Wireman, struggling readers see their world reflected back to them in the form of literature, many for the first time. Combined with amazing graphics, the first eight comics teach the 300 most common words in the English language, comprising 65% of all written English. And kids DO read all eight of the comics. The story of Wireman is so compelling that kids will learn to read in order to find out ‘what happens next.’
Describe the nearest player in your field.
Literacy is a huge problem in our community, yet educators have not tried to solve the problem using kids’ motivation and interests. Leveled readers, new skill strategies and educational products that don’t reach the hearts and minds of behind-grade-level readers are the closest players.
How are you different from that player?
I collaborated with hundreds of story consultants from the struggling reader population (in jails, classrooms, after-school programs) to craft a plot in which Wireman characters deal with the same issues the kids do. Wireman is sophisticated and cool, avoiding the stigma of primers.
How's the world different with your idea in it?
There are literally millions of struggling readers in this country. In many states, future jail needs are based on the reading scores of elementary kids; that is how highly correlated illiteracy and deliquency are. But the answer may be as simple as producing a product kids love and can read.
Why are you the one to run with this idea?
A children’s book author and literacy advocate for 25 years, I publish with Random House in New York. Wireman has been tested and loved in the U.S., Australia, Canada and New Zealand. A web-based social media campaign could help Wireman gain the national audience we need to produce more comics.
There have been 10 replies to this idea
Gretchen Galbraith
I am glad to endorse “Wireman” for a startgarden grant—what a great tool for making reading fun!
Mark VanderVoord
Have you considered listing the comics with Lexile scores? Many schools use this system now to keep track of student’s reading and comprehension level (http://lexile.com/ ).
Sara Schneider
I have seen these work. Youth really want to know what happens next AND without knowing it, they are learning to read!
Connie Solis
I have seen “Wireman” in action with reluctant readers. It works!!! I endorse this project 100%.
Debbie McFalone
Sue Stauffacher is a gifted author whose focus on engaging struggling readers addresses a critical problem in literacy today. Wireman is a terrific project, and one which is deserving of strong support.
Carol Couturier
I LOVE the story of Wireman. It is a positive story that makes the reader want to read to find out what happens.
Brian Cook
This is awesome!
Diane Cisler
I was startled to learn that most states determine their future prison cell needs, based on the literacy rates of 4th graders. The higher the rate of illiterate students, the greater number of cells will be required. Wireman is a great way to teach young students to read and develop their love for it as well. In addition, at any point in a person’s life, they can pick up Wireman and learn to read. What a wonderful investment in the betterment of the future for us all. This is a compelling video endorsing Wireman. Check it out. http://vimeo.com/42306323
The greater the illiterate rate, the greater number of cells will be required.
Wireman is a great way to teach young students to read and develop their love for it as well. In addition, at any point in a person’s life, they can pick up Wireman and learn to read. What a wonderful investment in the betterment of the future for us all.
This is a compelling video endorsing Wireman. Check it out. http://vimeo.com/42306323
Sue Stauffacher
Thanks to everyone who endorsed Wireman… hey, there’s still an hour left for those who haven’t. Come to this url: http://startgarden.com/ideas/detail/wireman-comics and watch the video! Then endorse us : )
Molly Beedon
Hi Sue,
This is an old acquaintance from Fountain Street days…and now a children’s librarian in Ypsilanti. I order graphic novels as part of my collection development. Where can I get my hands on these - they look great and we’re gearing up for summer reading.
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