Each day during guided reading instruction, I met with my reluctant readers. These readers, mostly boys, begrudgingly read from the basal reader, leveled readers, and novels that I thought would be most engaging for them. Reaching no success in motivating the boys, I assumed they did not like reading and were less abled in understanding literacy. However, I would find the same boys in the classroom library huddled around a magazine or Guinness Book of World Records whispering animatedly. I found myself wondering why they would not show the same enthusiasm when I led them in small group guided reading. I have since learned that the scenario from my former elementary classroom was not unique to my setting, but common among boys around the world. Consider the following truths.
Boys are more likely than girls to:
- Earn D's and F's
- Be in special education
- Be diagnosed with ADHD and speech impairments
- Be suspended
- Be reported for disciplinary actions
- Be retained
- Have negative reactions to teachers
- Drop out of high school
The research supports these sad characteristics of young male learners. Observe the boys around you. Do you find the same to be true?
