It’s Time To Lean Into Reading!

We have been on a steep learning curve these past weeks, and our brains are on overload. In fact, research shows that our heightened levels of stress deny us our desire to sit and relax. That means reading is a strategy that will promote our overall wellness. Another benefit: the more you read about people, places, situations, stories, the more empathetic you become. The Library Team is putting the finishing touches on our summer reading programs and we encourage all the boys to join in. Here are some ways that parents can help them lean into reading.

Many boys don’t identify as readers, especially as they get older. Parents can lean on childhood experiences to help their boys rediscover a love of reading. Find some picture books and read them aloud to your son. Encourage your son to re-read a childhood favourite; it will take him back and remind him of positive connections to books. 

Also, comic books and graphic novels all hone reading skills; boys can absorb the elements of a story, characters, and lessons learned through the visuals. Each reader will interpret visuals differently, creating their own unique sense of the story.

Listening to audiobooks counts as reading too. When I first arrived at Crescent in 2010, I conducted an action research project for the International Boys’ School Coalition (IBSC) examining audiobooks as an option for reading. The research revealed that using audiobooks gave many boys a sense of satisfaction; they were able to complete the books and they identified as readers. When you listen to an audiobook, your brain reacts in many of the same ways as if you are reading print. The rise of audio reading apps and podcasts to enrich our days is proof that we can gain a lot from listening.

Crescent’s Summer Reading Program will offer a range of age-appropriate activities to engage the boys in reading. Our popular Summer Reading Bingo will be back for boys in Grades 3-5 , and we look forward to filling the Crescent Libraries Instagram feed with photos of the boys completing their bingo tasks. Boys in Grades 6 and 7 will enjoy a “choose your own adventure” reading challenge; both House and personal points are up for grabs. We’re also offering our Upper School Summer Reading Cooperative again, bringing boys heading into Grades 9-12 together with faculty and alumni in online book clubs. In the fall, the book club participants will gather to discuss their reading experiences.

Relational learning is a vital part of our Crescent community. Being part of a book club like our Summer Reading Program allows our connections to flourish. I know that our community bonds will continue to grow while we are apart. Leaning into reading as a conduit for sharing, learning, and inspiring together is one way that will happen.