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How do boys learn differently?
If you've ever watched an elementary classroom for a few minutes you'll notice differences between the boys and girls. But why do these differences exist and how can we understand them to help our kids? Below are some helpful examples from the book "Boys and Girls Learn Differently!" A guide for teachers and parents by Michael Gurian and Arlette Ballew.
To start, boys and girls actually look at and solve problems in opposite ways. Boys tend to start with a general principle and apply it to specific situations (deductive reasoning) while girls tend to start with a concrete example and then building to a general theory (inductive reasoning). That means when girls are learning you can give them specific, concrete examples and let them work out how to use those examples in their lives. Boys, on the other hand, prefer a general example or principle that they can use to work into their lives. While it can feel like boys are not listening or respecting when they are not taking in the examples you give them, they really may just be looking for a chance to work it into their lives when they feel the time is right.
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Second, girls tend to use words as they learn. Girls will talk through their learning process, ask more questions, and confer with peers. Boys, on the other hand, tend to learn silently. They do not bounce ideas back and forth as naturally or willingly as girls, and they tend to not find it as helpful. So even if they are not fully engaged and engrossed in a conversation it does not mean that they aren't listening and learning. They just don't feel compelled to talk about it out loud!
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Finally, movement stimulates boys' brains more than girls. Physical movement increases blood flow and synaptic firing in boys' brains. This will actually help them to think and learn with more clarity and speed. Movement also helps them manage and relieve impulsive behavior. So while it may be frustrating to see them wiggle, it is really helping them to learn!
These are some of the guiding principles behind "therapy for boys". Doing therapy in the home and engaging in tasks that the boys find meaningful and enjoyable will help them move their bodies, engage in actions without as many words, and hear therapeutic principles that they can try out on the fly, not just sit and talk through. If you think this will be helpful for your boy then please reach out!
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