Homeschooling Boys
Homeschooling children as any homeschool parent will tell you has its usual mix of fun, challenges and rewards. If you are fortunate enough to teach boys it will quickly become apparent to you that they have a very different learning mindset. So in order to maximize your teaching, you need to be aware of what those differences are and how to respond to them.
First we need to be clear as to how boys learn. Boys are kinaesthetic and like to move around, use their hands and work things out. So practical activities and games that will allow them to assemble things together and think things through will ensure an entertaining session.
We also need to assess our sons’ learning style and personality in order to tailor the learning to suit their needs. Boys see, learn and respond differently and are generally easy to teach as long as they have clear boundaries, structure and rules. They can be immature, noisy and over the top and this is to expected. However a firm voice is needed when the session begins to get out of hand.
Boys find it difficult to sit still for long periods of time. Hence any activity which involves them moving around will always will fare better than being stationary. They are naturally programmed to be risk takers. so include tasks which involve competing in teams or groups. Award points or prizes for the winning team as this encourages competitiveness and attention.
Break tasks down into smaller chunks and don’t let a task run on for too long as boys have lower attention spans and become bored much more easily. Incorporate their interests into your lessons plans. Cars, film, sports and music will all appeal. Encourage them to do something they haven’t attempted before. It will stretch them and they won’t mind taking a risk.
Boys are designed to run and play and have a lot of pent up energy that needs to be worked off. That is why it is important to channel this energy into a physical sport or game of some sort, anything from football to paintballing. Not only will it give them the chance to learn discipline, team work and how to win and lose but also encourages male bonding as well as being a lot of fun.
Boys have a tendency to look to their fathers for leadership and validation. If no father figure is available then ensure that other men of character can fulfill the role be it a friend, teacher or coach.
Above all admire your young son or man. As he begins to find his way in life be a support to him. Encourage him and let him know he has a role to play. Give him space to find himself, his strength and capabilities and allow him to be the man he is destined to be.
More Resources:
Vikings! Online Class for Homeschoolers
Homeschool Huskies for Boys!, Volume One: Patriotic Patches
Homeschool Huskies for Boys! Volume Four: Wildlife Patches
Happy Homeschooling,
Belinda
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Dear Homeschooling boys,
There are a few other issues that should be considered when teaching boys. First, most boys like non-fiction, so anything that is ‘real’ and that they have a connnection too will increase learning. Next, boys may be kinestectic, but they also may not have the fine motor skills necessary for writing. If that is the case, working with such items like spelling in salt, sand, ect. where they can feel the letters is helpful. Finally, a role model is important. It does not need to be one who is ‘male’, just someone who genuinely cares and is an advecate for the the child.