In an effort to increase reading among third to sixth grade boys, the Natrona County Public Library is planning a new “No Girls Allowed” program encouraging boys to read and male mentors to help.
The program will be launched Aug. 2 and the library will be open special hours just for boys.
Boys reading advocate Michael Sullivan of Portsmouth, N.H., who visited the Natrona County library in March, said father-son teams are exactly what need to happen to improve literacy rates in young men. By the third grade, most boys are one and a half grade levels behind girls, making reading in school more of a chore than an enjoyable experience.
While the developmental gap has closed by 14 and a half years old, boys have already lost some of the vital reading skills imperative to academic success, Sullivan said. More from the Casper Star Tribune.
Positive Labeling
Well, okay maybe “No Girls Allowed” is a positive label for boys, but a similar program in Minnesota is called “Guys Read!”
Just a little more positive without girl bashing.
Re:Positive Labeling
While it may be more positive it doesn’t offer the same “we are special” feeling that exclusion does. Sad but true. And it will work with the girls too. Reading will seem special because the boys get to do it when the girls can’t.