03 November 2008

Musing Mondays: Boys and Books


Today's Monday Musings is about boys and reading . . .

Do you know of any young boys who do not like to read? Why do you think boys so often don't? What can we do to encourage them to read more? [Thoughtful post snipped; to read the complete musing, click here.] So what do you think? How do you encourage young boys to read more, or how would you?

I wish I had the answer to all of these questions. I'll address the last one. I don't have sons, so my thoughts are based on my experience with my brothers, father, husband, and nephews.

I think for boys the important thing is to keep them reading, whether it's graphic novels, action hero books, or even the daily comic strips. It's also important for them to see others reading and talking about books. Many of the men and boys in my life (all raised in reading families) didn't come around to reading until they were in their 20s. In several cases, all it took was the right the book at the right time, and in no case did that book come from a lit class assignment.

So my advice is (1) to keep buying boys what they like, (2) to read those books yourself and talk about them with the kids, (3) to stop worrying about whether they're reading great literature, and (4) to set a good example. I bet they'll come around in time. . . . And wouldn't it be great if it were just that easy!

5 comments:

Anonymous,  11/3/08, 8:55 AM  

My son has always liked books, but we started reading to him when he was just a few weeks old.

Unknown 11/3/08, 10:45 AM  

I think you're right. A lot of people, not just guys, have been put off from reading from lit classes in high school. Then one day, they pick up just right book--and suddenly they are readers. In some sense, it is chance. So I think your advice is good. Just keep them reading!

gautami tripathy 11/3/08, 11:16 AM  

I and my brothers read but my nephews? Not much.

My Musings

Anonymous,  11/3/08, 2:31 PM  

I've always thought that around puberty or so boys realize they have to participate in some team sports in order to defend this masculinity image society expects them to! Reading is certainly not a macho thing!

Confuzzled Shannon 11/3/08, 4:47 PM  

For my husband and I reading was such a big part of our lives. I think we both have ideas of how to get the kids we will someday have to read. But then i also know it depends on the child because every child different.

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