How can church bookstores help to get middle grade readers,
especially boys, interested in reading?
Bookstore managers will likely agree that they stand on the
front lines of this issue and are in the perfect position to reach out to
children in their congregations. I would challenge managers and bookstore staff
to take multiple steps to encourage boys to read.
·
Stock the kinds of books kids like to read. Many
churches today can be tempted to focus on adult books. This alone discourages
young boys from visiting the bookstore. Churches should actively combat this
current trend because churches are in the perfect position to impact young
readers.
·
Bookstore managers can also begin a reading
tutoring program in order to help children who are at risk.
·
Encourage dads in the church to be obvious about
reading in front of their children.
·
Create a brief presentation to give to the adult
classes and small groups in the church about the importance of reading. This
presentation should be given to the young parents and older adults alike, as
grandparents can help to influence their grandchildren the same as parents,
aunts, and uncles. Such a presentation could also be tailored for use in
reaching out to young readers in their own Sunday school classes.
·
Add a quarterly notice in the bulletin which
targets young readers.
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