As many school librarians know, one of the key challenges in their role is increasing the amount of reading by boys. There are ways that both parents and schools can help improve literacy standards in boys, and make reading more appealing to them.
The Best Book Genres for Boys
When it comes to getting male reluctant readers into books, it often helps to look at different types. Think about what their interests are. Examples of genres and mediums popular with boys include:
- Fantasy and Science Fiction
- Adventure
- Historical/War
- Cars
- Sport
- Gruesome non-fiction, such as Horrible History
- Fascinating facts, such as The Guinness Book of Records
- Comics, graphic novels or magazines
Combining Reading and Sport to Improve Literacy
A great way to encourage boys into the library and get them picking up books is to create sporting themes. Ideas for libraries include:
- Creating sports-themed displays or activity days
- Holding sport talks from local teams
- Creating a sport-themed reading scheme
Parents, meanwhile, can focus on their sons' love of sport. The important thing to remember is that reading football books or tactics on tennis is better than not reading at all. If they start reading fiction as well, think of it as a bonus!
Books and Technology
Boys are often far more interested in the library computers than the books, so use them wisely! Set book-based competitions that involve computer research, promote fun author websites or ask for volunteers to complete online book reviews. Balancing the book and technology aspects of the library well can work wonders.
Male Role Models for Boys
Reading can often be viewed as something that "girls do". Children might see mum read more than dad, or only ever come across female librarians. Create some positive male role models by seeking out men who read, and using them to inspire youngsters.
- Many library stockists include poster ranges of stars posing with their favourite book, including men such as footballers – these are excellent to display in libraries
- Do some research on the Internet about popular icons or your son’s favourite stars to find out if they read. What are their favourite books? Did they learn from or become inspired by any books or authors? Create a project based around this.
- Find male friends, family or colleagues who read, and get them involved. Ask a local sports team to give a talk on their favourite books at school or the local sports club or get male teachers involved in the school library
Get Dads Reading
One of the best possible reading role models for boys is their dad. Both parents should enjoy story time with both boys and girls from an early age.
School librarians can get inventive by holding a "Dad’s Day" in the library. Invite dads in after school to share some book activities with their sons, with themes such as football, pirates or a pub quiz.
Recruit Reading Champions
There are various reading schemes available that help boys find books more appealing. Reading Champions enlists boys within school who are already into reading. They earn bronze, silver or gold statuses depending on how much they do to promote reading in school. The Reading Champions website includes certificates and awards to download, along with a complete toolkit explaining how to set the scheme up in your library. Much of the advice is perfect for parents, too.
With a little creative thought, there are many ways to encourage boys to read. The key is to pick up on their favourite things, and work from there! By encouraging them, and providing fun and positive experiences related to reading, boys will soon be eager to explore the world of books.
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