Practical ideas
Boys' reading and schools: questions and issues
10 Apr 2009
The gap between the sexes starts early. Statistics from the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) show that girls consistently score higher than boys in all literacy-related tasks from Key Stage 1 to Key Stage 4. And, of course, performance is closely linked to attitudes to learning – boys tend to be less enthusiastic about reading than girls. The reason for this gender gap is a complex one. However, we can reverse this trend if we approach boys and their reading in a different way to girls and their reading.
Let’s look at the key issues. If you answer yes to all of the questions below, you probably don’t notice a difference in girls’ and boys’ reading in your school. If not, you may want to consider the advice that accompanies each question. To help you develop boys’ reading in your school, visit the Reading Champions website for lots of practical ideas and resources. Reading Champions is delivered by the National Literacy Trust on behalf of the DCSF and supports schools in getting more boys reading.
Do you have a good selection of books and reading materials that appeal specifically to boys?
As I’m sure you are aware, boys often read for different reasons to girls and are therefore interested in different books and reading materials. Investing in boy-friendly stock will go a long way to hooking in your boys. If you haven’t already, you may like to think about buying in some of the great fiction series of books that are available (including graphic novels), as well as non-fiction books and magazines which reflect their interests.
Do your boys have any specific male reading role models in school and at home?
It is important to make sure that boys in the school have contact with male reading role models: men and boys from all walks of life who inspire others to read. Reading Champions also supports schools in involving the male adults in school and dads/ male carers in the project.
Are your reading activities boy-friendly?
If you want to attract boys to take part in reading activity in the school, you need to make sure that activities are not overtly feminine. For example, boys may be put off taking part in something if they know they will be sitting down and talking about books in a reading group, preferring perhaps to research how they can build something and then building it.
Do your boys get involved in stock selection or in planning and running reading activities?
Achieving all of the above will be a lot easier if the boys themselves are given a say in the books you buy, in the planning and in the delivery of activity. Reading Champions is based on this premise: give the boys a voice. The most successful projects are run by the boys themselves.
More information on boys' reading from the Reading Champions website:
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