Reading for Pleasure Among Year 13 Boys: What are the Possibilities and Problems?

Boys ’ literacy has been, and continues to be, an area of concern for educationalists at all levels. The decline in boys ’ reading, which may have negative consequences for their learning, becomes more marked as they get older. This project examined possible reasons for this and implemented strategies designed to increase Year 13 boys ’ reading. The strategies, such as ‘speed-booking ’ and creating a community of readers, were successful in encouraging boys at this level to read more but it became apparent that the biggest deterrent to boys ’ reading at this level was a lack of time. The study also indicated that boys are reading significant amounts online but this is not acknowledged in the school environment. One way to encourage boys ’ literacy is to create intervals of time in which they can read freely and also acknowledge the wider literacies in which they engage