Reading Aloud
Make Reading a Social Activity
This might come as a surprise, since we often don't think of boys wanting to talk and socialize, but boys like social activities. Just think of the activities they enjoy the most. Baseball, football, basketball – team sports are the ultimate social activities. Even movies and video games can be perceived as social for boys. When all their friends are playing the latest game or going to see the newest release, boys want to be “in the know” and able to keep up with their friends socially.
On the flip side, books and reading are perceived as anything but social. As a solitary activity, boys sometimes equate reading with being anti-social, a nerd, weird or a loner. We can help change this perception by making reading a social activity for boys, one that they want to share with friends.
Tips on Reading Aloud for Parents
Having my favorite story read to me aloud is one of my fondest memories of childhood. I cherished those moments – snuggled on the couch with a story I could recite, before even being able to read, about a character I knew like a best friend.
There are many ways to create a beneficial and memorable experience from reading aloud.
