Do boys need more encouragement than girls?
A major study of what children are reading, has yielded some surprising, or perhaps unsurprising results.
Some 100,000 children, aged between 5 and sixteen were part of a study commissioned by Renaissance Learning, headed by Professor Keith Topping, of the University of Dundee’s school of education.
The overriding positive seen from the study is that of the children studied, boys, in general, read just as much as girls, yet the perceived negative found was that they do not read books that are as challenging.
One of these findings is being largely reported as predictable, in that people expect boys, for whatever reasons, to choose books of a less demanding nature, and within their existing capabilities rather than stretching them.
However a piece in The Independent pointed out that the exact opposite was recorded in a similar report, completed only two years ago.
The more surprising, and encouraging finding, is that of boys reading just as much as girls. Not one that was wildly anticipated.
However, the gap between reading standards between both the sexes was recorded as being most pronounced between the ages of 13 to 16, just as children are reaching the business end of their high school education.
Availability of desirable reading material for both boys and girls was actually identified as a possible cause for this, with the Twilight series of novels by Stephanie Meyer being cited as an excellent standard of reading for girls in this age group, but with no such obvious series of books for boys of a similar age.
Responding to the findings of the report, Professor Topping called for a closer monitoring of what children are reading, and said; “If they [children] are reading books that are below their independent reading level it may give them enjoyment but it won’t extend their reading ability and literacy rates are at risk of continuing to decline.”
Similarly though, rates could be at a risk of decline if children, and boys in particular in this case, are pushed into reading more standard appropriate books, but that engage them no further than having to read them?
This is certainly an interesting study, and hopefully one that will engage schools, parents and children alike.
For me personally, it may mean a rethink to my limiting-reading-to-encourage-it policy.
But, what do you think?
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I think that this was a very interesting article! It reflects what I witness all the time in the classroom – often the majority of boys are happy to stay in their comfort zone, perhaps they enjoy feeling as though they are successful readers, rather than being knocked back by a more challenging read?
I can only really speak from my own educational experience, I just like reading what I like, but I must say if I found something a challenge it had to very, very engaging.
But from you experience do you think it is better to push those boys, or better to allow them to read ‘within themselves’?
I think you need to find books that interest the individual, then the challenging read is worth it! High interest level = motivation to read more difficult material.
Ian, I also found this report on the influence of gender on children’s reading that may be of interest to you:
http://www.standards.dcsf.co.uk/research/themes/English/reading/children‘sreading
Thanks for that link Caroline, and I agree, books that engage are a must regardless of what you hope someone may achieve by reading them.
It’s so important to draw attention to reading, and attract reluctant readers to it,especially boys. In fact, I’ve recently completed a feature magazine article on this subject that came out in October, “Help for Struggling, Reluctant Readers.”
I grew up as a reluctant reader, in spite of the fact that my father published over 70 books. Now I write action-adventures & mysteries, especially for tween boys, that avid boy readers and girls enjoy just as much.
My blog, Books for Boys http://booksandboys.blogspot.com is dedicated to drawing attention to the importance of reading. And my new book, Lost Island Smugglers – first in the Sam Cooper Adventure Series – is coming out in June. Contracts are also signed for Captain Jack’s Treasure and River Rampage.
Keep up your good work.
Max Elliot Anderson
PS. My first 7 books are going to be republished by Comfort Publishing later in 2010
Thanks for stopping by a reading our stuff, and for the links. Good luck with the republishing in 2010.