Comments on: Boys Will Be Boys http://www.coreknowledge.org/blog/2008/06/16/boys-will-be-boys/ Closing the Achievement Gap: Teaching Content Sat, 22 Nov 2008 08:08:58 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 By: Eric http://www.coreknowledge.org/blog/2008/06/16/boys-will-be-boys/#comment-4143 Eric Mon, 16 Jun 2008 14:50:42 +0000 http://www.coreknowledge.org/blog/?p=503#comment-4143 Robert, You've hit the proverbial nail on the head when you say "they act differently". I am only one of three male teachers in the elementary school where I teach. While I've not had issues with the boys in my classrooms many of my female colleagues complain about their boys not sitting still or acting, well, like boys. Is this a reason for single sex classes or schools? I am still unsure about that. I do believe that we need to "differentiate" (had to throw in the jargon) how material is presented to allow for differences in how boys and girls act/react in a classroom setting. What works in my class is to allow for lots of movement, even during "desk" work. I have found that in most cases it is the boys who choose to get the clipboards and move to the floor or stand at their desks while working. No, I do not allow this for every lesson but I have noticed a decrease in behavior issues both inside and outside the classroom when I allow several opportunities for my boys to be active in the room. Just some thoughts from a fifth grade teacher... :) P.S. - I am glad to have found this blog and am excited about reading from the various (wonderful) writers here! :) Robert, You’ve hit the proverbial nail on the head when you say “they act differently”. I am only one of three male teachers in the elementary school where I teach. While I’ve not had issues with the boys in my classrooms many of my female colleagues complain about their boys not sitting still or acting, well, like boys.

Is this a reason for single sex classes or schools? I am still unsure about that. I do believe that we need to “differentiate” (had to throw in the jargon) how material is presented to allow for differences in how boys and girls act/react in a classroom setting.

What works in my class is to allow for lots of movement, even during “desk” work. I have found that in most cases it is the boys who choose to get the clipboards and move to the floor or stand at their desks while working. No, I do not allow this for every lesson but I have noticed a decrease in behavior issues both inside and outside the classroom when I allow several opportunities for my boys to be active in the room.

Just some thoughts from a fifth grade teacher… :)
P.S. - I am glad to have found this blog and am excited about reading from the various (wonderful) writers here! :)

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