It’s a well known fact that finding learning resources that appeal to boys is quite the task. Books for boys, printables for boys, and even learning games for boys…anything to get our boys learning!
If you’ve seen Raising Cain you’ve explored the idea that boys learn differently. It’s a great documentary that relates the need we face. In fact, here are some interesting statistics:
- Boys comprise 71% of school suspensions.
- Boys account for 67% of special ed students.
- Boys are 5X more likely to be considered hyperactive and 30% more likely to drop out of school. (NCES)
With these numbers, educators need to rethink how we educate our boys. What is it about the traditional format of education that isn’t meeting their needs?
- Boys need to be active. They need to be allowed to wiggle and get their energy out. There are ways to do this without interrupting class time. Take advantage of break time to challenge the boys to a race around the school yard. Before an especially intense time of concentration, take a few seconds to do 10 jumping jacks right there beside their chairs. Don’t eliminate recess as a punishment – find another way to discipline the boys. Boys need recess to be active and gain focus.
- Boys need learning resources that appeal to them. Books that are interesting to boys should be an important part of each classroom. Keep boy booklists handy to help suggest great reading.
- Boys tend to be hands on and game oriented. With that in mind, boys typically find learning success through learning games and other hands on methods.
Here are our favorite learning games that appeal to boys:
Learn to Type with the Typing Factory
