A boy's mind is full of thoughts about race cars, video games, sports, technology, and social networking – so how do you get them focused on literacy? Ryan McMillan, a Grade 7, all-boys classroom teacher at Rolling Hills PS has the answer – and it starts with communication. To promote positive increases in boy's literacy, there needs to be a steady and effective line of communication from school to the child's home. Teachers are getting boys engaged in reading by defining their interests outside of games, computers, and sports, and applying these interests to literacy. This could be as simple as encouraging boys to read the sports section of the newspaper.
Parents at home should read with their child. Discovering a book of interest to their son – preferably a book about things (trucks, boats, airplanes) can help immensely in improving literacy. And always make reading fun – dress up, add voices, and even make it into a game – whatever you choose, cherish every moment you can bonding with your child, because they grow up so quickly!
