Summer Reading for Boys

It’s important for both boys and girls to focus on their reading skills, particularly over the summer to stay fresh. But recent studies suggest that boys on the whole aren’t reading as often, or as well, as girls are. The U.S. Department of Education’s reading tests found that boys scored worse than girls in every age group, for the past 30 years. Other studies show that boys are behind girls when it comes to reading outside of school.

Put simply, boys aren’t reading as much, and it follows that the less you do something, the less likely you are to improve at it. Boys who don’t read often may become frustrated when they attempt it and give up, perpetuating the cycle. Educators and other organizations are trying to address this problem, offering resources like Reading Rockets and Guys Read, or special reading lists catered to boys. Resources like this look at the many possible factors for why boys don’t excel in reading—biological factors such as boys developing reading skills slower, or not being able to sit still, to social factors like the perception that reading is uncool or for girls.

The truth probably lies somewhere in the middle, as many boys do read—it’s just more often that they’re reading comic books, joke books or the sports sections than respected literary tomes. Regardless, the numbers show the gap, and there are things we can do to help our boys become better readers.

Be Flexible

It’s okay to broaden your idea of what is considered “reading,” especially over the summer. Spend less time worrying about what your son reads, and more time providing materials you know he’ll pick up. This can make reading really fun for your child and can spark a lifelong love for reading. If your son loves science, turn to science fiction; sports lovers may enjoy biographies of their favorite player. Music lovers may enjoy the thrill of reading about their favorite rock star. Use resources like the Internet—sites like Amazon will recommend similar books—and libraries. Make suggestions, but don’t push. Your child is more likely to follow through if you let them choose.

Go Digital

While ebooks are a source of contention for some readers, it’s no problem if your child prefers to receive his dose of reading in the digital form. Some children are just more intrigued when there’s a screen instead of an old-fashioned page. Ebooks can be read on smart phones, tablets and other readers, so they are a convenient way to pack a few books into a bag for a day at the beach or a longer vacation.

Make a Challenge

Boys can be competitive so reading competitions or challenges may be a way to inspire your son. There are some programs that hold reading competitions or offer prizes, or you can create your own. See who can read the most pages in a week, or who can get through the most books over the summer. Making it seem more like a game of accomplishment can motivate boys who otherwise look at reading as a chore.

Male Role Models

What can we do to dispel the myth that reading is for girls? Like the concept that science and math are only for boys, we can do a lot to prove these theories wrong at home. The best way to do this is for a boy to see other men in his life taking pleasure in reading. Does dad enjoy the paper on a Sunday, or get excited when his favorite magazine arrives in the mail? Maybe an older brother is reading a great novel and talks about it at dinner. The best examples are the ones that we demonstrate, rather than simply talk about.

Summer Reading Suggestions

Here are some parent-approved suggestions (provided they are age appropriate):

• The Percy Jackson and Kane Chronicles series - Rick Riordan
• The Frankie Pickle series - Eric Wight
• The Skeleton Creek and Trackers series - Patrick Carman (involves websites in the experience)
• The DK Readers series
• The Final Four Mystery series - John Feinstein
• The Diary of a Wimpy Kid series - Jeff Kinney
• The Lunch Lady series - Jarrett Krosoczka
• The Secrets series - Pseudonymous Bosch

sourceRobinson, Jen“Boys and Summer Reading.” pragmaticmom.com
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