The statistics are consistent: young male readers lag behind their female counterparts in literacy skills. In many instances, the reading scores of boys bring down the reading scores for the entire school.
A group of North Carolina teachers are in Cullowhee working with NCCAT faculty member Dr. Ernest Johnson on this issue. They are exploring the social, psychological, and developmental reasons why boys lag behind girls in reading. The group is trying to identify reading materials to use in classrooms to capture and keep the attention of your struggling readers. They are experiencing a variety of instructional methods such as text selection designed for boys, contests and competitions, focus reading groups, and the latest websites and blogs to boost literacy achievement. Teachers will discover solutions to capture the attention of reluctant male readers and examine strategies that motivate boys to sustain reading in the classroom and at home.
Thanks to these teachers! Keep in touch and let us know how your work in North Carolina schools goes.
