It is no secret that our students are not reading as much as we would like. At the recent Parent-Teacher interviews, so many parents/carers voiced their concerns about the lack of reading happening across all Year groups.
We also know from our participation last year in the Deakin University Study on Reading Among Teens in Australia, that reading is certainly not a priority among our students or many students in Australia. We are not alone.
This week I attended an online conference with the IBSC (International Boys’ Schools Coalition) entitled ‘Getting High School Boys to Read.’
It was wonderful to hear some strategies on how we can respond to this global decline in teen reading (particularly among boys). I was reassured by the fact that many of the strategies already put in place at Waverley College – in particular by Mr Roberts and the Library team – are best practice in terms of encouraging students to read.
Family reading time at home can encourage boys to develop as readers and develop a love for books
For parents and carers, one way in which we can all engage in this endeavour as adults is by modelling reading. “When children see adults reading a variety of books in the home, they are more likely to mirror that behaviour,” says Judy Newman, executive vice president and president of Scholastic Book Clubs. “Setting an example for your child as a lifelong reader will leave a vast impression.” Equally, if boys see male adults in their lives reading, they are more likely to follow suit.
At home, consider the idea of everyone reading the same books or listening to audiobooks on long car journeys and sharing some thoughts.
Everyone reads. Let’s show our boys that reading is part of everyone’s life, by reading diverse works that serve different purposes. Make a habit out of living through reading and remember that any reading is good reading. 10 minutes a day will suffice.
Click the Buttons Below for some Recommended Reading Lists from Penguin
Click here for Year 7 reading lists
Click here for ages 12-13 reading lists
Click here for Years 8-10 reading lists
The Whitlam Institute’s annual “What Matters?” Writing Competition Closes Today, Friday, 5 May 2023
For nearly 20 years, the Whitlam Institute’s “What Matters?” Writing Competition has been empowering students to raise their voices and feel that their perspectives are valuable, no matter their age, background or point of view.
Part writing exercise, part civics and citizenship activity, “What Matters?” is the perfect platform for students to express what they care about and why.
Click the button below to view their website to learn more about the competition, get inspired by past entries, explore classroom resources, and view the amazing prizes on offer.
Click here to view more information about the What Matters? Competition
Entries can be fiction, non-fiction, poetry or prose of 600 words or less, and can be submitted quickly online.
*Entries close today!
