There are more than just two approaches to reading instruction. The approach we took and the decisions we made will help define the importance of reading for our members and define how we talk about reading as a program. Many of the task force recommendations, says Nettinga, are already being implemented. It's an incredible resource. Chair of the American Library Association's Newbery Awards Committee for 2001, Odean shares these strategies to keep boys interested in books.
Boys tend to be more interested than girls in nonfiction.
Incorporate quality nonfiction into read-aloud time, class projects, and book fairs. Allow boys to see men as active readers to overcome the perception that reading is uncool. Invite men as visiting readers and promote the idea of men giving books as gifts. Use the first book in a high-quality series for read aloud to jumpstart reluctant readers into the next book. The sports page is a remarkably advanced form of reading and math.