Using Technology to Entice Boys to Read

The media has a lot to say about boys and reading.  I will speak to recent media coverage over the next month.  However, having been a teacher of fourth and fifth grade boys and now a mother of a second grade boy, I am always looking for ways to engage boys in reading.  So this month on Literacy Toolbox, I hope to focus on boys and reading.

Like it or not technology is here to stay.  Many people think technology could put an end to reading as we know it.  Others are ready to embrace technology and determine its place in society.  I think technology can be a double edged sword when it comes to reading.  However, I do believe that technology can be used to entice boys to read.  How, you ask?

Historically, science and math have always interested boys.  Now we have technology which is a newer form of science and math is used to create it.  Hmm.  Sounds right up a boy’s alley if you ask me.  So how can we harness technology and use it in a way that entices our boys to read instead of stopping them from reading altogether?  I’m not propagating that boys should only use technology to read, but instead technology can supplement traditional paper books.   Here are two ways to consider:

Video Games – Boys thrive on action and competition.  Video games provide both.  But, video games also provide reading opportunities.  If you allow your son to play video games that require reading to move on to future levels, your son has the opportunity to meet his need for action and your desire for him to read.  Or, provide your son with the manual to a favorite game so that he can read the manual to learn how to advance to future levels.  Many gaming magazines are also available now such as Nintendo Power or PlayStation: The Official Magazine.  Read how video games played a part in one teen’s inspiring success story at Get Kids Reading.

Digital Storytelling – This is a fantastic way for boys to enjoy reading and writing, without traditional pen and paper.  When boys tell stories through digital means, they create writing pieces using technology and media.  They may use photos, artwork, audio clips or video clips.  When combined together these materials create a multimedia presentation.  Read more about digital storytelling on Getting Boys to Read.

What ways do you encourage technology use in your house?  Do you think boys can have a healthy balance of technology and traditional books?

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