409: Enhancing Reading Engagement: Aboriginal, African and Asian-Canadians, by Barbara McNeil

Session attended by Cheryl.

This was a most illuminating and informative session, incorporating Dr. Barbara McNeil's research into the reading and literacy needs of diverse boys, who are commonly "reluctant" readers. Dr. McNeil's emphasis, however, was on Aboriginal, African-Canadian and Asian-Canadian boys. While playing popular music in the background, she read many excerpts from quality fiction and non-fiction books for these 3 target groups of boys, illustrating how these types of books, the themes of which they could easily identify with, would effectively engage them in reading. By choosing the correct types of books for these groups of boys, they will be encouraged to become life long readers. Her preferred strategy was by hosting book clubs, which always included a food component, as well as much personal connection and interaction with these boys, getting to know them well and building up a level of trust between them.

I learned much more about these important groups of reluctant readers, and effective methods of "connecting" with them, thus enhancing my work as a Children's Librarian, who has occasion to deal with these groups of readers.