Why Read?

By Mr Daniel Crook,

Head of Library and Information Services

Reading is a skill, an important one, that we as lifelong learners can foster and

encourage throughout our lives. Everywhere we go, in many things we do, we are required to use literacy skills to navigate the world around us.

Even as the world grows progressively more digital in nature, the sheer amount of information that is thrown at us on a daily basis makes the ability to read and construct meaning, to understand the nuance of language, to read between the lines and underlying context, extremely important. Outside of the context and content, the actual act of reading has been shown to relax and destress (unless you are reading Stephen King), encourage empathy, expand vocabulary, increase concentration and more.

Last year, one of our Senior boys borrowed and read over 280 books from our Library; he was a boy who found the books and genres that he enjoyed and took to them with relish over the course of 2021. It is my hope that in the time I spend with our students, I can encourage them as readers, to find “the one” that lights their spark, or help them to engage with a new genre, text type or author. Seeing the boys “find” reading and helping them along on that journey is an exciting part of what I do in the Library, whether they are new readers or avid book lovers. We are all on the journey together.

Reading, however, doesn’t just happen at school. You may ask, “How can I encourage my son to read?” or even “How can I find enjoyment in reading?”. There are many paths and ideas available, and I hope to cover these in-depth in the future. I would like, however, to start with three concepts to support those first steps on the path to reading.

Find a connection

Like many things in life, if we don’t find a personal connection or reason to continue, motivation can be difficult. Fortunately, there are books on almost any conceivable subject; I have found that this is often the “switching point” into enjoyable reading. If boys are comfortable in choosing books that meet their interests (fiction, non-fiction related to their favourite sports, biographies or “action” stories) they will be more enthusiastic about turning the page, because the content resonates.

Reading isn’t just novels

Helping boys realise there are many valid pathways into reading can help overcome one of the major barriers that many fledgling readers face. The prospect of staring down a 300+ page novel is quite daunting. Given that the first thing we think of regarding reading is novels, it is no wonder boys might be scared off. It is important to remember that reading, any reading, is good. Reading is one of those activities where continual participation helps us to improve. A newspaper or magazine article, a short story or graphic novel, an e-book or audiobook might just be a format that can engage a reluctant reader and pique their interest.

Be seen reading

Role models are important when it comes to reading, and it is never too late to start. While every role model in our child’s life can demonstrate this skill, it is particularly valuable for our young men to see their important male figures reading and discussing what they have read. Be it the daily newspaper, a novel or something else entirely, understanding that reading is part of everyday life and a regular topic of discussion will help our young men discover what they, in turn, can find to read and enjoy.

I hope that this has given you, the reader, some inspiration and that together we can help the boys to find the spark or keep the fire lit. Remember, it is never too late to start. Happy reading.