Why Boys Read less

  The first question that comes to mind when discussing the gender gap in reading is why boys read less? There are several reasons that scholars and Universities have come up with to explain why this is,  but only a few have true sophistication to them. The common reason that is brought up often is that boys read less because they don't like many of the books that are set in front of them. Studies also say that it has to do with boys' attention span, and their need to be quickly and easily entertained. Some scholars even go as far to say that boys' short interest rubs off in school and other academic activities. When it comes to choosing a science project, the aerodynamics of Nerf gun darts sounds much more appealing to a boy.
                 So when it comes to reading, topics like sports appeal more to a boy. What can teachers and parents do to get their boys more interested in reading? In the recent article I've analyzed, Pam Allyn the author of Turn Your Boys into Readers, says "Boys interests, as silly or bizarre as they might be, can help you cultivate your classroom into an engrossing reading world for boys and girls alike." Allyn's statement explains that boys' have a much more seperate interest in genre and reading then the interest of girls. There is a lack of understanding in the minds of teachers and parents when it comes to boys' reading habits. Most teachers and parents think boys just naturally grow a dislike for reading dew to their need for physical activity, but Allyn suggests that boys would like reading much more if it were things that interests them.
                 Allyn's veiw point is that boys would read as much as girls if the books they read were genres or topics that interest them. Allyn explains multiple times how asking questions and digging for information form boy readers can help teachers figure out what is it that interests them. "I encourage you to stand up for your boys' reading selections. Make them feel proud of what they are reading and value what they truly want to read. If they feel this from you, the classroom will be completely more boy-friendly. Always ask questions: 'Does this work for both girls and boys?.'"  Says Pam Allyn as she wraps up her explination for why boys read less, and how teachers and parents can help raise the levels of reading interests in boys.