and space as they grow – our boys will improve their reading confidence and stamina, which is a positive habit that will last a lifetime. Finally, by setting good examples as adults – especially from male role models - we normalise and communicate our love of reading at home to our children. This will encourage our young people to see reading not as Experts suggest that the truth is that
something they do for others, but a
boys DO read - perhaps on digital
grown-up choice of their own. This
gadgets - and that we need to dispel
will motivate them to see themselves
the myth that they don’t read. The
as ‘readers,’ making informed
difference is that many boys don’t
decisions and exploring the world for
read for enjoyment and the books
themselves.
they choose are often too easy for them. So how can we help? From my own experience, I have been judgmental about the books my sons read - mostly what I perceived as ‘cheat’ books: lots of illustrations; comic-style content, dumbed-down stories and non-fiction texts. But actually, experts in literacy emphasise that it doesn’t matter. We should work with what boys like; whatever the genre, format or size. Educationalists highlight that we shouldn’t underestimate how much the lack of reading enjoyment is a turn-off for boys. It’s about building and cultivating a good habit of reading. Like all skills, reading takes time and needs practice. Secondary schools
My boys’ favourite book, without a doubt: the novella, ‘The Body’ by Stephen King (1982), adapted into the 1986 film Stand by Me. Short and adventurous coming-of-age story. Wonderful.
don’t dedicate time to reading, so we try to do our best to support them at home, when we have a little energy. We should also raise our
Author: Dr Hannah Snow Baud is an
expectations of what boys CAN do in terms of
experienced private tutor and coach for children aged up to 18. She specialises in English Language, English Literature, the humanities and building confidence in learning. She is also mum to 5 children aged 12-19.
reading. In time, with the gentle nudge towards more ambitious and adventurous prose* - perhaps with a nod towards their need for movement
ENFANTS D’AZUR MAGAZINE
January/ February 2021
11
