Fathers are important role models for their
sons. But, research shows that men’s reading
habits are in decline. If fathers were
only made aware how important they are
for the development of their children’s reading
and linguistic abilities, they would
most certainly assume responsibility for it.
This was how the editors at the publishing
firm, A Book for All, reasoned and subsequently
initiated the project Read me a
story, Dad!
A Book for All is a government-promoted
enterprise, initiated in 1976
with the aim to publish quality literature,
fiction for children, young people
and adults, at competitive prices. The
books are sold through bookstores and
a well-organised representational activity.
Parallel to their publishing role,
A Book for All also promotes reading
activities, such as Read me a story,
Dad!
Meetings intended to inspire reading
habits and arranged by ABF (Workers
Educational Association) and LO (Swedish
Trade Union Confederation), have
been offered fathers from ten districts.
These meetings are arranged so that
fathers can attend during working
hours and for which they are reimbursed.
The meetings are seen as educational
visits to a library for the purpose
of meeting an author and a literary
pedagogue. The participating fathers
get to learn more about their children’s
linguistic development and what books
are suitable for certain age groups.
When they leave they do so with a selection
of children’s books from the A
Book for All range, as well as a book
for themselves.
Gunnar Klaesson at A Book for All says
that the most bothersome task is motivating
and convincing the local union
representatives to organise seminars on
reading. They ask themselves whether
their unions should be involved in such
activities.
“The most enjoyable aspect is seeing
those who initially were sceptic become
the most positive!”
Participating fathers have been asked to
fill in a questionnaire after the meetings
and it shows an increased reading
rate, not only for themselves but also
for their children. Only 4% say they
have not read their children any books
following the meetings. This can be
compared with current official statistics
where 38% of male members of LO
admit to not having read one single
book during the past year.
Activities surrounding the Read me a
story, Dad! initiative have had other
consequences. According to the questionnaires
a large number of the participating
fathers have not taken part in
any other union activities. In a number
of places there have been follow-ups
where fathers and their children meet
and do something together.
Translated by Jonathan Pearman
