I-Search Paper Proposal

I-Search Proposal

Topic: Boys & Literacy

Questions: When does the trend in boys becoming less engaged in reading begin? What are some of the reasons why boys become less engaged? How can educators remediate this problem?

General Resources: I have found 3 IRA articles based on my topic. I will also be using some of my colleagues to gain insight & information

People to Interview: I am planning to interview one of our reading specialists from last year who is now working in the classroom as a 2^nd grade teacher. I might also interview another one of our old reading specialists.

Titles of Articles Planned to be used:

1.      Effective Approaches to Motivate and Engage Reluctant Boys in Literacy : IRA article from vol. 66 Issue 3 of the Reading Teacher

2.      How to Maintain School Reading Success: Five Recommendations from a Struggling Male Reader: IRA article from vol. 63 (2) of the Reading Teacher

3.      Combating “I Hate This Stupid Book” Black Males and Critical Literacy: IRA article from vol. 66 Issue 8 of the Reading Teacher

Notes:

I became interested in the topic while reading through our textbook because I was unaware that this was an “epidemic.” Throughout this school year, my highest readers are boys and they really enjoy reading. I have found though, that I had trouble looking for chapter books to suggest to the boys’ parents because there seemed to be a lack of boy-oriented books being published. I’m interested to see the connections here and if there is a cycle being represented (lack of books being published = lack of male readers).