Birdlip Primary School in Gloucestershire is using manga and voice acting to make reading more engaging for children, particularly those who struggle to develop an interest in books. The programme combines Japanese-style graphic novels with character performances, allowing pupils to read stories aloud, act out dialogue, and experience books as a shared activity.
The sessions were developed by Michael Jewitt, a former primary school teacher who wanted to find a more enjoyable way to help reluctant readers. Rather than focusing exclusively on reading exercises and comprehension, his approach encourages children to connect with stories by bringing their characters to life.
Manga sessions bring younger and older pupils together
During the activities, Year 6 pupils are paired with younger Year 4 reading buddies. The children work through graphic novels together, using illustrations to follow the story and taking turns performing character dialogue.
The visual storytelling helps pupils understand what is happening, while reading partners can support them with difficult words without interrupting the performance.
Jewitt developed the idea partly through his own experience helping his daughter, who found reading and phonics challenging. He explained:
“What turned things round for us is that we essentially turned reading into acting.”
He also noted that some children see reading as an obligation rather than an activity they would choose themselves. The sessions aim to change that relationship by making reading social, creative, and enjoyable.
School sees benefits beyond reading skills
Birdlip Primary School headteacher James Pugh praised the pupils’ enthusiasm and the opportunity for children from different year groups to build relationships.
He said the sessions had helped develop confidence, reading skills, and positive connections between older and younger pupils.
The school already has a dedicated library section for manga and graphic novels, reflecting its wider efforts to encourage children to explore different types of literature. Its reading programme also places importance on developing vocabulary, comprehension, and a lasting interest in books.
The initiative also supports Gloucestershire’s Year of Reading, a county-wide effort to encourage children and young people to read more regularly.
The project highlights how manga and graphic novels can be used as educational tools, giving reluctant readers another way to engage with stories while developing confidence through performance and collaboration. The National Literacy Trust has similarly highlighted graphic novels as a useful classroom resource because their combination of images and text can support reading engagement and discussion.
