Engagement and Involvement. These are two key ideas that we need to take into consideration when working with boys and the texts that we have available for them to choose from. Boys like to have choice and the texts need to be ones that they can identify with. Boys prefer to read non-fiction and informational texts as opposed to fiction. They also need to have a purpose for reading a text. Texts like procedural manuals are of interest as they learn how to do something i.e. assemble a bike or be able to change tires. Allow boys to make suggestions about texts to include in the classroom library, thus providing them with an opportunity to have a sense of ownership. Having the entire class complete a personal interest inventory will also provide some insight as to what texts should be included in the class library. Get them talking. The use of Literature Circles is one way to do this or even Book Reviews instead of writing a Book Report. These strategies are not just for boys but all students. For the Book Review, they can use different Apps to record their findings and present on the SmartBoard or present to the class. They can choose whatever method is more comfortable for them. Again this allows for them to be engaged and involved and be the expert on their text. For me, it is unclear as to why this problem arose for boys and reading. Is it biological? Or is it societal? Because society believes that girls are readers more so than boys, is that why we 'teach' to girls strengths by choosing narratives, fiction, and novels? As opposed to reading nonfiction and informational texts that boys will read because they see the purpose and value of these texts? Have we put boys in boxes and are afraid to let them out? Regardless as to what you believe is causing the literacy gap between boys and girls, there are ways that we can help. According to Michael Irwin, there are strategies that can help boys read better: clear, structured instruction; short bursts of intense work; specific goals; praise; hands-on learning; and use of humor. Michael W. Smith and Jeffrey D. Wilhelm noted that: - Boys are more inclined to read informational texts, magazines, and newspaper articles - Boys are more inclined to read graphic novels and comic books - Boys tend to resist reading stories about girls, whereas girls do not tend to resist reading stories about boys - Boys like to read about hobbies, sports, and things they might do or be interested in doing - Boys like to collect things and tend to like to collect series of books - Boys read less fiction than girls - Boys tend to enjoy escapism and humor, and some boys are passionate about science fiction or fantasy A few other things that we can try to change the attitudes of boys towards reading include: - planning programs aimed just at boys - doing book talks in the classroom that include a lot of nonfiction - encouraging coaches of boys' sports teams to participate in a Guys Read program such as having athletes read to younger children - increasing the number of magazines, comic books, and newspapers - surveying boys about their reading - buying books that boys recommend - putting books next to the computers and study tables
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11/4/2017 0 Comments Resources
Turning Pages - http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/books/turning-pages-why-girls-read-often-and-widely-and-boys-dont-20150910-gjjry0.html |
"It is not enough to simply teach children to read; we have to give them something worth reading. Something that will stretch their imaginations--something that will help them make sense of their own lives and encourage them to reach out toward people whose lives are quite different from their own." Archives |