TC Library
Welcome
As we welcome many faces to the library for the start of the year, begin our Junior School library classes, and prepare to launch our English reading sessions next week, it feels like the perfect moment to reflect on how we can gently encourage reading at home. It’s no secret that as boys get older (and busier), regular reading often slips down the priority list. Many parents face the challenge of motivating reading at home, especially if your son insists he “can’t read” or “hates reading!”
While part of me would love to block my ears and hum Baby Elephant Walk, I do hear these comments often. I remind students that we live in a written world, and learning to navigate it is essential. I also reassure them that not everyone needs to become a bookworm; even small, consistent amounts of reading can make a significant difference to their confidence and written expression.
As educators, our long-term goal is to nurture a lifelong love of reading. For many students, this is a slow burn; Finding the right book for the right boy can take time. There will be stops and starts, stretches of sticking with familiar favourites, surprising discoveries, and plenty of unfinished books along the way. All of this is perfectly OK.
Below, you’ll find some tips to help support reading at home. As we embark on a new academic year, we’ll continue doing everything we can to support your sons on their reading journey, wherever they are in their story.
Tips for Encouraging Your Son to Read
Develop or continue a daily reading routing in a calm setting without distractions. If your son is reluctant, you could join him for reading time. This is especially important for dads to role-model regular reading.
If daily reading time is difficult to fit into you family schedule, you may need to negotiate alternatives, for example reading during the week rather than weekends. You may also find that your son is too tired to read in the evening, so reading after school or before dinner time may be a better alternative.
Don't set over-realistic goals for your son. If he is a reluctant reader, try encouraging him to read for small amounts of time to begin. Boys are often extrinsically motivated so you may wish to add a reward as incentive!
Encourage your son to read a wide variety of items, such as novels, graphic novels, non-fiction books, magazines, newspaper articles and eBooks.
It is important that your son chooses what he reads, and it is best if you encourage him to do this without any judgement. You can also read what he reads and have a conversation about the book including what your son liked or disliked, their favourite characters, the setting etc.
Read to your son or read together. Try taking turns by reading a page or paragraph each. We often stop reading with our children once they become capable readers themselves and I'm surprised at how many conversations I have with boys of many different ages who tell me how much they still enjoy being read to!
Read a book together that is based on a movie or TV series and then watch the adaptation.
Visit a bookstore with your son and see what books are the most popular or recommended to read.
Organise a book swap with family or friends.