How To Get Boys To Love Reading

Reading may or may not be a fun activity for some kids, especially boys. Boys who are at the stage of playing with toys, video games, sports, etc. may not be as fascinated with reading books as girls are. Therefore, getting them to read a book can be quite challenging at times. So I wrote this blog post on how to get boys to love reading.

I have two boys, a 5-year-old and a 6-year-old with different perceptions about reading. My eldest is ok with reading one or two books now and again (if it’s his favorite), while my youngest is thrilled with books (he sleeps with his favorite book of the week at bedtime).

The difference I would say between them is my early introduction to books.

My youngest spend a lot more time with me at home, and we would often venture out to the library to do their toddler reading programs and also to get books for ourselves. My eldest started preschool earlier and didn’t have as much time with me to explore books.

I am a lover of books, since childhood. They were a favorite pastime adventure of mine growing up. My love for books I believe started with my mom’s love of reading books herself and also encouraging us as girls (two other sisters) to do the same.

We would often venture out to the library, borrow books, join book reading programs or challenges, and attend book fairs. That I would say fueled my interest in books.

Fast forward to today, I want my boys to be the same way as I was. I am, however, aware of the friction with boys when it comes to reading; but I have learned that the earlier you start to introduce your child to the love of reading books, the better it becomes later on, especially with boys.

Here are several ways that I have used to encourage my boys to be fond of reading especially at the age of 5 and 6.

Have you also found any tips that you could share? Please feel free to add to my list, or ask your questions or concerns below. I would be happy to help you!

“Getting boys to love reading books can be achieved as early as possible with the right approach.”

1. bring them to the library to pick their own books

I love using the library for just about anything. It’s a great resource to use over and over again for anything (especially book lovers out there) to get anything you need.

The library is so different now from how it was when I was growing up. It has gotten more technologically advanced I must say.

There are now e-books, books pre-loaded on Ipads or Androids that you can borrow, and books that read to you. So many options to choose from now!

My concept with boys is simply just to take them to the library once a week or every other week and have them choose what books they want to read. I allow them the free will to decide. That way, it encourages them to read the book they choose and not the other way around.

When you allow your child to choose the books that they want to read, it also gives you an idea of what topic or conversation you can explore with them based on their book choice.

Read my blog post on Where To Find Free Educational Programs And Resources For Children Of All Stages.

2. Book Fairs

I love going to book fairs when I was growing up. I was super excited about what I would be able to find at a book fair. Maybe I would snag some Virginia Andrews novels or Hardy Boys (old school). The choices were endless when I was a kid.

Now I try to do the same for my kids and get them excited about visiting book fairs. Our community has hosted many book fairs that start especially at the beginning of summer. They offer free books for kids to read along with great incentives.

Libraries may also hold programs that send books out to kids as well. My kids are now excited every time they get to attend these events to pick a book that they never read before.

3. Books that read to you

I love the books that read to you. Just be reminded that it doesn’t replace your time spent reading to your kids which is much more important. It does however help with one less screen time and a more productive playtime while you get other errands done.

The library is my go-to resource for books that can be read to you. Examples of these are:

• Vox books
• Wonder books

4. Books on YouTube

There are many Youtube videos available online that can help with reading books. These videos usually have a person who will read a book to you. It’s fun to watch these videos, especially with books that your child may want to hear often.

When my sons are fond of one particular book or a certain series of books, I like to have them watch videos from others narrating the books. It’s fun for them to hear it read to them in so many different ways.

Example: Pete the Cat series

5. Learning websites and apps

These websites also offer educational books for children. Most have books with varying reading levels or even books that can read to them.

• www.myon.com
• www.starfall.com
• Homer (APP)
• www.abcya.com
• ABCMouse (APP)

Read my blog post on Where To Find Free Educational Programs And Resources For Children Of All Stages.

6. Books that they can read themselves

This was something new that we just started doing at the beginning of summer. A librarian recommended having the kids read their own books. It would help to encourage them to read on their own.

She was right! I got reading books for their stage of learning and can you believe the confidence that these books gave my boys. It was remarkable. Now they want to read independently, which is great for me. I now try to incorporate independent reading with them in our reading time together so that they can develop their reading skills.

Below are a few examples of the ones that we use. They are super easy to read especially for beginner readers:

BOB Books (Our Favorite)

Lego City Books by Scholastic

7. Book Reading Competitions

Kids love competitions especially when they can receive prizes for their efforts. There are so many book-reading competitions, particularly during the summer months when kids are out of school. The only requirement for most is to log the books your kids have read. In exchange, they will receive prizes for books, fun trips or treats, etc.

The schools, libraries, and local non-profit organizations are the first place to look for these programs.

My sons have joined programs such as: read 1000 books before kindergarten (library) and read 4 books a week(school).

8. Monthly tracking Reading log

A monthly tracking reading log is a great way to document the reading success of your kids. It is also a great way to motivate them to get reading and to also keep track of their progress. Here is a FREE READING LOG (I have also included one for girls!).

FREE READING LOG TRACKER DOWNLOAD

Here are other related posts that you can check out on my blog:

• 7 Ways To Teach Your Kids How To Write
• 12 Ways To Teach Kids Sight Words
• How To Get Boys To Love Math

Overall, these are some of my favorite ways to get my boys to love reading books. It is best to do several of these activities to create a more well-rounded and fun experience for your child. I will update my list as I go. But for now, try a couple of these activities and see how well they are learning to write.

Did you find the strategies listed in this article helpful? What were some of your favorite tips? How have they worked for you? Leave a comment below, I’d love to know what you think.

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