Parents Can Help Boys Become Engaged Readers During the Summer Months

Prepared by National Middle School Association

Some parents believe that as boys enter the young adolescent years (10-15) they become less interested in reading and more excited about other activities. Yet, parents can stimulate their reading interests and build a foundation for reading achievement.

"The key is finding material that interests boys as they mature, and the summer is a great time to do that," urges Sue Swaim, executive director, National Middle School Association (NMSA). "Parents can be powerful teachers during the summer months since they understand their son's interests."

A recent study provides information that can guide parents in helping boys to greater literacy achievement.

"In studying a diverse sample of boys for one year, we found that they pursue literate activities outside of school in interesting and complex ways that adults do not always recognize," said Jeffrey D. Wilhelm, associate professor of English Education, Boise State University. "The condition boys seek in all activities, including reading, is a sense of connection or total engagement with a task or activity."

The study found that reading which appeals to boys includes:

• Electronic texts such as websites
• Visual texts such as graphic novels and comics
• Nonfiction, particularly with weird and wonderful facts

Mysteries and whodunits where readers know how the stories work"As we strive to develop reading skills and a love for reading in all students, it's important to find appropriate reading material for them, but material they will enjoy," said Swaim. "Otherwise, reading will become one more unappreciated task in their lives."

Swaim encourages parents to notice what boys like to read and encourage that type of reading. Specific steps parents can take include:

• Make available a variety of materials, including those mentioned above, newspapers, and magazines that connect with their interests. If a boy is involved in baseball, offer him the sports section of the daily newspaper, or bring home one of the many magazines that cover baseball. If he is becoming interested in cars, provide automotive magazines.
• Talk with your sons about the content of their reading in nonjudgmental ways. The study found that boys value conversation as a way to use reading. Once you provide reading material connected to their interests, it will be natural to discuss that information with them. It also gives them opportunities to build their oral communication skills.
• Read with your boys. Young adolescents still value examples set by their parents, and modeling behavior is a very effective way to teach. Set a time when everyone in the family reads together, even if it's just for 10 minutes a day, and focus on material that will interest your boys. Or, read a magazine or book that your son selects along with him and then discuss your impressions.

"It's especially important to encourage boys to read at this age, but reading is important for all young adolescents," Swaim said. "So, these strategies can also be applied to girls in your family. Summer is a good time to develop reading habits, and parents are the key to making that happen. Don't let your student's education stop during the summer months."

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