| This article first appeared in the March 2005 issue
of Literacy Today
(issue no. 42). |
Reading Champions project manager Stephen Torsi explains
how the scheme celebrates the role of fathers as reading role
models.
Fathers or male family members are important role models
for children, and this includes their reading habits. The
National Reading Campaign's Reading Champions scheme believes
it is vital to provide boys with examples of reading role
models who they identify with and relate to. Positive male
reading role models help to create a climate in which boys
feel confident in their right to be male and a reader.
Since its launch in 2000, nearly 400 Reading Champions have
been nominated, including fathers from a wide spectrum of
backgrounds and professions who are united in their love of
reading. These Champions have found many creative ways to
become involved in their children's learning and reading.
John Scholes was nominated in 2003 by his wife Carol, who
says: "My husband loves reading to all his four children
and has done so from a very early age. They much prefer him
to read their bedtime stories because he is very good at doing
funny accents and impersonations. The two older children are
doing very well at school and are excellent readers who would
choose to read a book over watching TV or playing (sometimes!)."
Advice from Reading Champions for other parents
- Don't leave it until night-time. Allow children to share
whatever you are reading - including newspapers and magazines.
- Create characters by trying different voices to colour
the story - dads are often good at this.
- Record stories for when you're not there, from the radio
or your own reading.
- Introduce reading through other interests such as sports
or games, using car manuals or video-game magazines.
- Make use of school or local library events for families.
Some are specifically for fathers and their children.
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