Six things you can do to get boys reading more over the holidays

Six things you can do to get boys reading more

December 11, 2019

You are probably wondering how on earth you will keep your boy reading over the long summer holidays. It’s particularly difficult for books to compete with digital technology, kids clubs, activities and packed social diaries. But the reality is, that in order to continue to improve their reading, boys (& girls) need to be reading on a daily basis.

So how can parents help to improve boys’ literacy over the break?

If you want your son to have a literacy headstart for next year, let’s look at 6 ways that you can boost his literacy.

1) Don’t assume he only likes non-fiction

To improve boys’ literacy results, we are all looking for ways to connect boys with reading. Parents, teachers and educational research point to “boy-friendly” books that they are meant to be drawn to, which is mostly non-fiction.

However, we need to be careful that we are not steering boys away from fiction, which has enormous benefits in improving literacy. Research shows that exposure to fiction will not only improve your son’s writing but also help him to meet the Personal and Social Capability in the Australian Curriculum (such as empathy, perspective). So expand your son’s reading diet to include fiction alongside comics, magazines and non-fiction.

2) Keep reading to and with your son for as long as possible

Many boys find it enjoyable to be read to, beyond the early years. Talking with your son about the characters, discussing the choices the character made, the setting etc is also a useful way to check that he is comprehending the story.

3) Keep paper books available

Boys who read daily are even less likely to choose to read on screen than girls. The presumption that boys prefer to read on screens is not evidence-based.

4) Create reading moments

Provide opportunities (and the expectation) that reading will occur daily. Maybe have a screen ban until a certain time in the morning, to ensure that your child reaches for a book first thing, rather than head straight for a screen when they wake up. Or aim to read as a wind down at the end of a busy day. Reading for 30 minutes before lights out is another effective way to fit in reading (plus it enhances their sleep rather than going to bed after screen time).

5) Support their reading

In the same way that your reading interests are not the same as your friends’, boys have diverse interests and tastes. Remember that these don’t automatically stay the same over time. Have regular talks about what they are interested in. Holidays are the ideal time to watch movies, so encourage the reading of the novel prior to watching the movie. See here for a list of great kids books that have made into movies.

To further support your son, you may want to look at online learning programs, which can easily be slotted into the holiday timetable – even half an hour a day can be beneficial, especially if it is directed at improving their literacy skills.

6) Be a great role model by promoting reading

Show your son that reading is an enjoyable pastime. Let them see you reading for pleasure.

Help your son understand that the more reading they do, the more likely they are to be ahead of the curve when they return to school. Most children are keen to do well at school. You can support their literacy attainment (and improvement) through reading engagement.