Adolescents: To Read Or Not To Read

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There are many reasons why boys do not read well or do not like to read, some are related to biological and cognitive factors. Other obstacles include the use of ineffective teaching strategies and materials; the lack of sufficient and enticing reading resources in schools, public libraries and homes that boys can relate to. Smith and Wilhelm (2002) summarized some gender and literacy research which included some of the following observations: • Boys take longer to learn to read than girls do. • Boys read less than girls read. • Boys value reading as an activity less than girls do. • Boys have much less interest in leisure reading and are far more likely to read for utilitarian purposes than girls are. • Boys and girls express interest in reading …show more content…

Boys tend to learn to read at an older age and trends show that they generally read as a way to get information rather than recreational, gravitating towards non-fiction. With an understanding of the issues and boys reading, the most important aspect we as librarians, teachers and parents can do is to reduce some of the barriers and provide solutions to encourage and support our boys to read. How can we do this? Offering a rich and varied mix of materials and being mindful of boys’ reading preferences can go a long way towards building an engaging and inviting reading environment for boys, we can provide the choice of reading material that boys like to read. The following is just a few examples of the types of books that appeal to boys. • Books that reflect their image of themselves o A classic book that has stood the test of time is My side of the Mountain by J. George (1959) that all boys can relate to and “show teens that everyone has problems in his or her life and may even help teens see solutions to their own problems” (Gisler & Eberts, 2000.) • Books that make them laugh and that appeal to their sense of …show more content…

Maybe rethink the Physical environment of the library which is generally tailor made for thinking straight, straight shelving, sterile and organised, no room for imagination, preference for quiet, sit at chairs and tables. No sprawling, no noise, no areas to relax, no dream time ….if there was a bush setting with a water feature that would help the mood of the reader to be seduced into the book … bean bags…a place where boys can interact, that encourages boisterous discussion about what they are reading (personal communication T Stewart, February 15, 2015). Making reading active, boys thrive on activity, so incorporate this possibility into the environment; Let them “act out” what they have read, and manifest the book

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