On Books

My previous post was a link to a story published on the UK Guardian’s website about how boys are losing interest in reading.

First I must deviate from what I want to say on this subject to ask a question.  How, in this day and age, with the prevalence of the internet, can anyone go without reading, thus developing some sort of enjoyment of reading?

Now on with what I really want to say.

I don’t see a failing in the enjoyment of reading as something that could only plague boys.  I think there are a myriad of reasons of why boys are less likely to read, one of them being that it isn’t a part of their play and their heroes, whereas girls seem to have literature spattered throughout fantasy worlds.

Reading enjoyment is something that kids will learn at an early age, be it boy or girl.  Like most activities, it will be the parents who mold this behavior into them as a good thing or as something that is mocked at worst, or ignored at best. 

A person will be able to mold reading behavior into their children not only by being seen reading but also by reading to their children.  If you have children, take the time to read to them.  An hour, a half and hour isn’t too much to ask in your busy day.  It’ll probably be relaxing and on the plus side you’ll be able to add more books to your “read” shelf on Booklikes.  There are any number of fun authors to read to your kids to kick start their R. L. Stein, Frank W. Dickson (this is a pseudonym for any writing about the Hardy Boys), Robert Lewis Stevenson, Shel Sliverstein, Jack London, and many, many, many more.

Side-Note: No I do not have children, so take that advice as you will.  You can say I’m full of crap but I was once a child and I remember my dad taking the time out of his day and reading the Hardy Boys to my brother and I.  Those I consider special moments between me (the child) and parent (my dad); I’m sure your children will be the same.

In the article Michael Morpurgo puts forth the suggestion of teachers setting aside a part of the day for the exploration of their students reading.  I agree.  I remember my  fourth grade teacher reading to us as a class.  Though we were all old enough to read, it lit a spark in me to hear how someone else would say the words.  Made books like The Bridge To Terabithia and The Magician’s Nephew come to life for me.  Years later, as a college educated adulating holding down a demanding job in the military, I had to, had to find those books.  They still called to me from my youth.