International research tells us that boys are lagging behind girls in literacy. Yet literacy is the highest predictor of academic success in school. Often boys resist efforts by teachers and parents to get them to read because they prefer to play or to participate in sports.

Three years ago, TK teacher librarian Nadine Bailey noticed that a number of boys appeared to be “lost” in the library, and their teachers were concerned that their reading was not progressing. So she decided to do something about it.

Together with Tim Studlo, TK’s digital learning coach at the time, she started a “Blokes with Books” club. Each week a group of boys would come to the library to have fun, learn more about the books in the library and what they liked to read, and to do all sorts of activities around reading and literacy.  

This year our club is run by Mr Peter Westall and Mr Adrian Cahill and again we have invited grade 4 and 5 boys to join us each week.

What can you do at home to encourage your (reluctant) reader?

• Read aloud to your child

• Have your child read aloud to you (even in the upper grades)

• Share reading, eg one page each

• Show an interest in what they are reading and encourage them to try a range of genres

• If English is not your first language, perhaps buddy up with a native speaker to listen to read-aloud.

• Have conversations about who is reading what at the breakfast or dinner table

• Don’t “ban” books like graphic novels, encourage a “YES AND” philosophy, e.g. YES,  of course read graphic novels, AND let’s try a mystery/adventure book

• Visit our library guide to find great suggestions of popular books, watch book trailers etc.

• Visit your teacher-librarian if you need some suggestions for any of the above. We are happy to help.  

• If you have concerns about your child’s reading progress or motivation, speak to your class teacher.