A novel idea to improve boys’ reading skills
READING AND writing has not always come easily to some of the boys at a primary school in Leeds.
But thanks to a ‘male-only’ literacy group at Hugh Gaitskell Primary, in Beeston, their ability has improved dramatically.
The pupils penned a letter to the school’s headteacher requesting more books for the library – and this week they were taken on a special trip to Waterstones book shop.
The school says the purpose of the group was to raise the attainment and progress of boys’ reading and writing.
The boys chosen to be in the group were children who needed ‘that extra push’ in literacy and those who would respond well to the approach.
The group initially had 12 children and then dropped to 10. Of these 10 children, 60 per cent of them have now achieved the expected standard in reading and writing.
In their persuasive letters they provided lots of reasons for why reading is so important to them.
The boys recognised that reading widely and often would also improve their writing ability.
Headteacher Kate McNulty was so impressed that she offered to treat the boys to a visit to Waterstones.
She said: “I am delighted by the success of our boys’ reading group this year.
“They have excelled in developing and embedding an effective reading culture.
“Some boys may be reluctant but our boys are self-motivated to pick up a book, especially with the current focus on technology.
“However, our pupils are now avid readers and were thrilled to visit Waterstones to choose their new book reward.
“Continuing on our journey towards excellence, we are currently developing plans for an outstanding new library for the next academic year.”
She said they allow boys the freedom of choice over writing topics, style, content and what they would like to read. It has developed boys’ pride in writing.