BOYS AND READING

by | Jul 30, 2020 | Blog Bits

 

“Encouraging boys to read—particularly as they get older—remains a challenge. In spite of the popular belief that this task falls into language teachers’ domain, it is an important issue for every teacher because research shows that reading affects a boy’s success across the curriculum. All boys’ schools, librarians, and teachers should address this challenge. The purpose of libraries in boys’ schools, impact of teacher librarians, and the example set by other teachers and adult role models play a starring role.” – IBSC

At Clifton we do all we can to encourage boys to read regularly and for their own enjoyment. Nurturing your sons’ love of reading can be fun but it’s not always easy to know how!

Here are some ideas to help you nurture good reading habits and a love for reading at home:

 

Tips to Motivate Your Child to Read

  1. MAKE TIME FOR READING. If your son has a busy daily schedule, he may see reading as an unwelcome chore. Try to make reading a relaxing and enjoyable part of his day, free from pressure.
  2. SET ASIDE A REGULAR READ-ALOUD TIME WITH HIM. Make sure you have a variety of books that will appeal to his age and interests and don’t stop reading aloud time when he gets older! Audio books are another great option for a reluctant reader.
  3. MAKE SURE THE READING MATERIAL IS IN LINE WITH HIS READING ABILITIES. The interest may be there, but if the book is too hard to read, he won’t be motivated to continue.
  4. CREATE A COZY READING SPACE. A special reading space may be all the encouragement he needs to settle down and spend time with a good book!
  5. LOOK FOR A VARIETY OF READING MATERIAL. Form joke books to cookbooks, to how-to books and novels, he is sure to find something he’s keen to read. Children’s magazines can also be a way to encourage children to read.

 

6. TRY BUDDY READING. Buddy reading can help improve a child’s fluency and make him feel more comfortable with reading on his own.

7. LET HIM READ TO HIS YOUNGER SIBLINGS. Choose easy books or picture books that he can read to his younger brother or sister. This gives him good practice but won’t feel like work.

8. LET HUMOR WORK ITS MAGIC! There’s nothing like a good giggle, so try to select a funny book at his reading level and read the first chapter aloud. If he wants to find out what happens next, he’ll have to read it himself!

9. DEMONSTRATE A LOVE OF READING. When children see you enjoy a book, they’re more likely to develop a love of reading themselves.

10. PROVIDE ACCESS TO BOOKS. Create a home library, encourage him to take books out of the school library and keep books easily accessible. When he decides he wants to read, you want to be sure that he has easy access to a book.

(Adapted from an article by Marie Rippel)