Early Years at Peterhouse: Engaging Boys in Reading

All children are different, but typically boys are more naturally drawn to physical play rather than sitting down with books and stories. At nursery we use the boys interests to engage them in stories such as pirates, space or superheroes.

At home your child's interests are the best starting point for engaging them in books. It doesn't just have to be picture books you could always share comics or information books about football or cars, whatever interests your child!

The main point is that you share the experience with your child in a positive way. Talk with them about the pictures, ask them to tell you what they can see or what they think will happen next in the story. Don't be afraid to be a bit silly! Use silly voices or make animal noises. If your child enjoys the experience they will want to do it again and again.

Reading with Dad

Boys look up to their dads and the male role models in their lives (grandads, uncles, big brothers) and will often want to do what they see you doing. By sharing books with them and showing them that you enjoy reading (whether you read for pleasure or not) they will see reading as a positive thing!