Made for Boys: an online program that is targeted specifically to how boys learn
A worldwide problem
In the UK, as in other western countries, the problem with boys’ literacy is stark and has dire consequences. Boys are more likely to be expelled from school, less likely to go to university and not as likely as girls to find employment between the ages of 22 and 29. Most disturbingly, men are also three times more likely than women to commit suicide and comprise 96 per cent of the UK prison population.
In Australia, one in four Year 9 boys (27%) do not meet the NAPLAN minimum standard for writing. Boys trail girls in every NAPLAN literacy area tested at ALL ages. Boys’ NAPLAN results get progressively worse as they get older. This is not unique to Australia, it’s a global phenomenon.
Literacy skills are essential
“Fifteen-year-old boys are more likely than girls of the same age to be low achievers,” the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development said in its study of students from 65 countries and territories.
The statistics support the worldwide problem. Considerable research links poor literacy attainment to poor classroom behaviour, an increased risk for school dropout, anxiety, depression, low self-concept, incarceration and attempted suicide.
Why it’s important to get boys reading
Dr Jennifer Rennie, a senior lecturer at Monash University and president of the Australian Literacy Educators Club, argues “reading for pleasure needs to be back on the table”. As a former primary and secondary teacher, she understands the effects of low literacy.
Low literacy has far-reaching consequences
Listen to Dr Rennie’s 20 minute podcast here.
How can we help boys?
This is not a new problem. Millions of words have been written and billions of dollars have been spent on government programs trying to fix this problem, to no avail. Effective reading instruction has the essential components of phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. For early success in reading, these skills must be taught well. If boys (and girls) miss any of these crucial stages then they can fall behind.
Why our program is different
Literacy for Boys is unique in that it is the only program of its kind developed specifically for boys, their needs and how best to engage them. It is aligned with the Australian curriculum and covers the basics of reading comprehension, grammar, spelling and punctuation. Our topics cater for all boys’ interests – sport, science, adventure, true-life stories, forensics, tech gadgets, ghost stories, gaming and more. Our formula for success lies in building confident readers via engaging content.
What our LFB community are saying!
- As a parent I love this site. I will continue to purchase this for all my boys. It’s the best money we have spent! (Bec)
- I have been a member of Literacy for Boys since 2017 and the cost of the subscriptions is the best money that our school spends on literacy resources each year. I am amazed at how the children engage with the program and how frequently new topics are added – the kids love it! LFB is a lifesaver with the curriculum. Thankyou for helping me to make literacy fun and engaging. (Camilla)
- I LOVE this resource; it saves me a lot of time in supporting teachers who have children with learning difficulties. Well done! (Samantha)
- Your website is wonderful. I am so glad that I discovered it. I subscribed today for our two boys and am so happy that I did. (Amelia)
We are offering a FREE 2 week trial of Literacy for Boys. Try it for yourself and see how it works for your kids (8 years to 15 years). Contact us today: info@literacyforboys.com.au
Check out our blogs for more ideas and tips.
Noticed gaps in your child’s learning since remote learning? We offer the solution
How LFB is gaining real results in improving literacy
Boys Love LFB – Here’s what they have to say!
Get boys reading in the digital age
Why write? Tips for reluctant writers
Brought to you by Tanya Grambower
Noticed gaps in your child’s learning since homeschooling? We offer a solution.
The Problem: Gaps
More often than not, the problem doesn’t actually lie with your child. Most reading and spelling problems are caused by gaps in the reading or spelling curriculum. Gaps are created when a child might miss an incremental step, or when information is taught in an illogical sequence.
The issues with boys and literacy are well documented. The broader concern is how poor performance in literacy can have negative knock-on effects in other areas. Not just with their schooling, but in all aspects of a boy’s life – especially their self-esteem.
Getting boys to read is tough!
Literacy for Boys developed material that boys love to read.
Learning is more enjoyable and rewarding when it is an active process. Boys often dislike the sort of comprehension work and texts they are given – mainly because it isn’t relevant to them. Getting your son to complete reading activities can be particularly frustrating – and remote learning surely adds another pressure.
Literacy For Boys operates on an engagement model which we call ‘ABC‘.
Audience specific – Boy focused – Content driven
Imagine if boys could choose topics that they like? Engagement leads to a motivation to read. Improved literacy follows. We have the proof that our program boosts literacy and turns reluctant, poor readers into more confident, engaged readers.
Bridging the literacy and learning gaps with LFB
When I developed Literacy for Boys I had a clear image of a connected sequence in my mind. I spent many hours analyzing each and every step. I wanted every boy to have the benefit of clear, concise, well structured, engaging and fail-proof activities.
Each step is connected. LFB aims to make reading an enjoyable experience for boys.
Some words from teachers….
Literacy for Boys has been a go-to program to close reading and spelling learning gaps in a number of schools. It is easy, engaging, offers feedback for students and can be added to your literacy program.
- “All the students find the topics interesting and at no stage do I ever hear the students say they feel ‘dumb’ as the topics are age-relevant. LFB is compatible with text to speech which makes the program very inclusive for the dyslexic children who struggle to read but comprehend well – it just removes the unnecessary pressure for them. It is lovely to come across a program that has a child’s best interest at heart.” – Jo, classroom and Support Teacher Upper Primary/Early Secondary
- “Our school commenced using the LFB program in 2018 as a tool to assist students to develop their literacy skills and foster a positive attitude towards reading. Students found the program fun, interesting and engaging. A majority of students had significantly improved their literacy skills.” – Sue, Learning Support Teacher Years 4 , 5 and 6
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“Before we started LFB we took a snapshot of the students’ current levels in reading, comprehension and spelling using outsourced independent tests. At the conclusion of the 20-week trial, we used those same tests to measure the distance travelled and were delighted to see an increase of nearly 12 months across all those areas. Most important was the anecdotal feedback from our students who were engaged and enjoying using the program. The program allows for differentiated delivery of content in an enticing platform that has captured not only the interest of our boys, but equally our girls who enjoy the program just as much.” – Gerard, Deputy Principal
See what parents and boys have to say….
- “Since Caleb has started LFB there are no more tears for either of us. For the first time, he is remembering his spelling words – he scores 100% every time that I verbally test him. He now has so much confidence just from the short time we have been doing your program that he now asks straight away if he doesn’t understand something and we go over it again until he does understand it. I am just so excited. THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU! LFB is really making MASSIVE POSITIVE changes to our son – thank you so much for making the program accessible. It has changed our lives.” – Michelle, mother of Caleb
- “I really enjoy the videos and the pictures. I like the questions and the challenges.” – Deacon, class 4A
- “The videos make me more interested in reading. I really like the spelling and the questions.” – Fletcher, aged 9
- “The program is online and information is current and suited predominantly for boys’ interests. My son is very excited to use it at home and in class.” – Samantha, mother of Andreas
- “My son is in Year 8. This is the first program that he has willingly engaged with. The topics have been the key to keeping his interest. We started to see the benefits after only 4 months.” – Bec, mother of Ryan
- “This program is full of fun and interesting topics that have really grabbed my son’s attention and make him want to do the activities. Highly recommend it.” – Kate, mother of Alex
We are offering a FREE 2 week trial of Literacy for Boys. Try it for yourself and see how it works for your kids (8 years to 15 years). Contact us today: info@literacyforboys.com.au
Check out our blogs for more ideas and tips.
How LFB is gaining real results in improving literacy
Boys Love LFB – Here’s what they have to say!
Get boys reading in the digital age
Why write? Tips for reluctant writers
Brought to you by Tanya Grambower
Literacy for Boys: NEW topics to engage your kids in literacy!
New to LFB?
From fun topics to suggested books, we’ve got your out-of-school time covered
For new LFB members, you can explore dozens of themes in each level! Read and learn about disgusting animals, Lego, zombies, gaming, adventure, famous warriors and nearly every sport is covered. We cater to kids’ interests in science, sport, history, real-life (and fictional) adventures, haunted stories, secret agents… our list continues into the hundreds. If you’d like more information about a particular level/age group please send us an email at info@literacyforboys.com.au and we’d happy to answer any questions.
For our current boys and girls who are already members….
Check LFB regularly for new topics! Here is a glimpse of what is coming:
- reviewing the X-box game: Sea of Thieves
- Strange Spiders (did you know that a guy employed spiders as bodyguards?!)
- Science topics such as: Velcro, our Skeleton, the Human Eye, How does Anaesthetic work? …..and more.
- Missing your sport? Strap yourself in for Sport Showdown (all ages). Read about Megan Schutt (Australian cricket fast bowler), NRL Star Players, Rugby’s Kalyn Ponga….plus more.
- Racing motorbikes (older students)- read about this young legend called Remy who raced internationally at only 12 years old, has had nail biting crashes and is taking the world by storm. Want to know why road bikes have such smooth tyres? We have the answers.
- Surviving River Rapids (older readers) – imagine if your canoe suddenly surged out into the open where a torrent of water formed a field of rapids? This tale is more nerve-wracking than the scariest ride at a theme park!
Do you have an idea for a great topic? Send us a message at info@literacyforboys.com.au
See what parents and boys have to say….
“Since Caleb has started LFB there are no more tears for either of us. For the first time, he is remembering his spelling words – he scores 100% every time that I verbally test him. He now has so much confidence just from the short time we have been doing your program that he now asks straight away if he doesn’t understand something and we go over it again until he does understand it. I am just so excited. THANKYOU THANKYOU THANKYOU! LFB is really making MASSIVE POSITIVE changes to our son – thank you so much for making the program accessible. It has changed our lives.” (Michelle, mother of Caleb)
“I really enjoy the videos and the pictures. I like the questions and the challenges.” (Deacon, class 4A)
“The videos make me more interested in reading. I really like the spelling and the questions.” (Fletcher, aged 9)
“The program is online and information is current and suited predominantly for boys’ interests. My son is very excited to use it at home and in class.” (Samantha, mother of Andreas)
“This program is full of fun and interesting topics that have really grabbed my son’s attention and make him want to do the activities. Highly recommend it.” (Kate, mother of Alex)
Check out our blogs for more ideas and tips.
How LFB is gaining real results in improving literacy
Boys Love LFB – Here’s what they have to say!
Get boys reading in the digital age
Why write? Tips for reluctant writers
Brought to you by Tanya Grambower
The School of Mum and Dad due to Coronovirus
By this Friday all schools in Australia will have closed their doors, and there’s no timetable for when they might re-open.
Working parents, who may need to work and juggle childcare, will have to fill the gap. While no-one expects them to replicate school, there is plenty of online help to avoid boredom.
Will schools provide the resources?
If your school already puts work online, using Google Classroom, Education Perfect or similar software, it is likely that this will continue.
Secondary schools generally make more use of this than primary schools, and older pupils are more likely to be in the routine of checking it and completing work. They are also more likely to have their own laptops.
Some schools are requesting older children follow their existing timetables, with some active lessons, involving Google Hangouts and virtual classrooms, and some passive lessons, where children get on with work independently.
Each school will have its own system: some will continue to post lessons on Google Classroom daily, others less frequently.
Online systems usually allow for children to submit work and have it marked, but again that will depend on individual schools.
What about other resources?
Lots of schools subscribe to websites. Here at Literacy for Boys we have experienced a surge in activity.
“We have been contacted by more than 100 schools looking for a program that will support their literacy teaching. We have had three times the normal traffic.”
The website has already added extra processing power in order to cope with increased demand and we are adding new topics to keep students motivated. Our new “Messages” feature is proving popular as students give feedback about topics and add requests for new ones.
As a teacher and tutor for over 20 years, I do have some simple advice for parents who may not have access to online resources or even laptops or tablets (or even want their kids to have a break from technology): Buy a textbook, go back to basics.
Classrooms are empty but learning can continue, according to experts
What other resources are available?
Your school is likely to send out recommendations along the lines of free resources. You may like to check out the following:
- Tynker – offers coding lesson for kids
- BrainPop – offers animated movies on topics in maths, science, arts/music and much more
- Creative Bug – offers craft lessons, drawing and origami
- YouTube’s Free School offers a range of videos looking at subjects as diverse as the coral reefs, animals and the solar system.
- The organisation behind the Ted talks has a division called TED-Ed, full of “lessons worth sharing” from teachers around the world.
Will e-learning work?
Some would argue that the education system needs a rethink. This is a period in time where we can put new ways of learning to the test. The key lies in using online education to inspire our kids to learn. A mountain of information is easily accessible with just the click of a button.
However, when schooling from home establishing a routine is vital. Ensure that you have ‘separation’ between home life and school – don’t spend the day in pjs. Have all resources ready and computers charged. Read every day. In lieu of school assembly, start the day with a mindfulness session and a schedule for the day.
School – life balance
Yes, learning is important but this should be balanced with other activities. Getting out of the house (where appropriate) each day with the family is a bonus.
Play board games, bake together, get into the garden. Let your children use apps like Zoom or Skype to keep in touch with their friends. Houseparty is another popular app, however, you might like to check the latest safety claims that have arisen.
Netflix, Foxtel or other streaming services can be used innovatively, by watching the old movies you loved from your childhood.
Encourage reading – World Book Online has just made their collection of 3,000 ebooks and audiobooks available for free for children to access at home.
Online learning to help educators and parents
Most importantly, keep talking as a family, particularly about the future. Catching up with their friends at school, celebrating birthdays, seeing their teachers, resuming sport – we will all appreciate normal life when it resumes.
Check out our blogs for more ideas and tips.
How LFB is gaining real results in improving literacy
Boys Love LFB – Here’s what they have to say!
Get boys reading in the digital age
Why write? Tips for reluctant writers
Brought to you by Tanya Grambower