Too many boys do not like to read, are choosing not to read, and are suffering academically as a result. All concerned adults need to redouble their efforts to ensure that boys who bring the greatest challenges to our classrooms and schools receive responsive literacy texts and practices to increase their chances for academic, personal, and occupational success. This book is more than a compendium of techniques, it also provides an analysis of the research literature on central issues and related aspects of literacy and learning for boys. The author identifies issues that impinge on boys' literacy development and explores what the research literature has to say about these issues. The descriptions of how teachers have used engaging texts and practices to help boys overcome low literacy engagement and skill in order to stay on course as readers and writers are highly informative and practical as models of best practice.

When it comes to reading, teen and preteen boys are the most difficult students. This book addresses the growing concern among middle and high school teachers about boys' lack of literacy growth and independent reading. The book makes the case that boys are in the greatest need of help with literacy instruction and stresses the importance of engaging boys in active literacy both in and out of school. Structured on the premise that adolescent males need to be exposed to literary images they can identify with and look up to, the book presents 10 positive male archetypes that engage boys and capture their unique male imaginations. It defines several such archetypes and shares instructional vignettes in which teachers across the curriculum develop innovative strategies and activities using young adult books with these archetypes. The book also shows teachers how to work with adults in the community to positively influence boys' literacy behavior and create conditions that encourage them to read. An appendix offers a booklist of 300 titles to help teachers identify appropriate archetypal literature. Contains an over 300-item list of references and literature cited. (NKA)

The authors explore the physical, social, and cognitive roots of engaging young male readers; offers strategies to inspire them in the classroom, at home, and in the wider community.

It's no secret that boys in the United States are at great risk of failing at school, due in large part to their disinterest in traditional literacy texts. ... The second edition of [book title] centers on finding entry points for boys who are otherwise disinterested in reading, then engaging them with books that contain positive male archetypes such as the Pilgrim, Patriarch, King, Healer, Prophet, and Lover.

Lessons from Chevys -- Developing competence and providing control -- Teaching so it matters -- Making literacy visible and social -- A look at writing : getting to the heart of the matter -- Present possibilities.

Rhythm, rhyme, and rap are powerful hooks that spark students' interests and engage them in learning. This innovative resource provides effective strategies for incorporating rhyme and rhythm-based activities and lessons into Language Arts, Social Studies, Science, and Math instruction. Through the use of music, singing, student- and teacher-created raps, Reader's Theater, Freeze Frames, and historical songs, students will develop their literacy skills, master content-specific knowledge, and be more likely to retain information while meeting standards goals.