Time to get summer reading under way, keep skills fresh

How to get boys to read

Reading a book for the summer is not high on most boys’ to-do lists for the summer, as most parents of boys can attest. How then to get a boy to read?

One important way to do this is to capitalize on the boy’s interests. And since boys have plenty of time to pursue their interests during the summer, it is also a great time to connect to the things they like and want to do.

If a boy likes baseball, find books on baseball for him to read. Include the sports page of the newspaper and sports magazines. Before going camping, a boy might read brochures, camp guides, a book on canoe safety or first aid or how to read a compass and a map. Those who have bikes may like to read a manual on bike repair and maintenance. The key is to focus on the boy’s interest.

The overall goal for boys to read during the summer is to make reading an important and useful activity for them. Connecting to their interests is often a surefire way to do this.

Summer reading, grades 6-12

Having raised three boys, I know that getting junior high and high school students to read during the summer can be a chore, that’s for sure.

There are, however, some practical ways to do this. One, have a family book club where the family reads and talks about books together. They may read the same book or different books, but what matters most is that everyone reads.

A second way is to set aside the same time each day for reading – after dinner, twilight, before bed. When the routine involves everyone – including mom and dad – it sets the tone that reading is important to the family.

Some students get hooked on books, particularly on a series or an author. The Harry Potter books is one such example. Some authors whom students like include Gary Paulsen, Norma Fox Mazer and Stephen King. They often get attached to books or authors they choose themselves.

Another way is to set a goal to read two to four books for the summer. Having parents read, too, encourages friendly competition to see who can read the most – parents or students.

When students in grades 6-12 see their family read, they get the message that reading is important.