Helping Boys to Succeed in School

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It is a scientific fact that boys’ and girls’ brains develop differently.  Because of this fact, the way they learn at school is different, although not many schools take much notice of this.  In the US, the public education system has been the same for more than 100 years, and you need to know how to make the best of it for your son. Although traditional schools are changing in some ways, there is still much that needs to be done to bring them into the modern world, and that might be a concern for you.

If you have a son that is ready to start school, here are a few tips that are meant to help boys thrive in school: 

Take A Close Look At Him

Boys seem to have a built-in desire to learn. They are curious about everything around them, but each one of them is unique. Look closely at your son and seek to discover what is unique about him. What do you think his special gifts are and what subjects do you think he will excel at? Then talk to his teacher and between you decide how you can enhance those skills and strengthen his imagination and self-belief.

You and the teacher should monitor his progress and if you think not enough is being done in the classroom, ask if there is some way you could help. It could be that there are more things you could do at home with him to help the situation.

Let Him Learn While He Is Active

Boys do not need to be still to learn; in fact, their brains prefer it if they are not.  If they are kicking a ball while trying to solve a math problem, for instance, the answer will come to them much quicker. Physical activities help to stimulate the male brain and if they are moving around while they are working, the results they achieve will be much better. This is because activity stimulates the right-side of their brain, which is the part that is responsible for his learning and performance.

Next time he has a math problem he cannot solve, take him outside and kick a ball or two with him and see what happens.

Be A Supportive Parent

Supporting your child in their school days is vitally important. Teachers do their best in difficult circumstances, and them knowing that you are supporting your child can be a huge help to them. You do not want to get a reputation for complaining, but you do need to make sure that your son is being given the best education that the school can provide, and should tell the teacher and principle if you have any concerns.

You have to remember too that many schools are underfunded and they may not have the resources to deal with your worries. This is a nationwide problem and one that will be helped by the creation of Teacherfunder.com, which allows parents, grandparents, students, businesses and anyone else donate funds to help a particular school or classroom.

Getting involved in activities at your son’s school can also help. If you play an instrument, for example, offer to teach any students who are interested. If you are good at a sport, offer to coach a team for the school. This interaction and involvement with your son’s school will ensure that you become known to all the teachers and many of the students. This is always a help if there is a problem because it will reach your ears much quicker than if you are a parent they only see a couple of times a year at parent-teacher meetings.

Teach Him The Art Of Time Management

Managing time is difficult for young boys who simply want to play with their friends. Teaching them to plan their day and manage their time will help them have time to play without missing any of their homework. They could even have a homework plan to help them to achieve some balance.  It’s usually best to schedule homework after some play, as physical movement and exercise reenergizes the brain, allowing boys to work much more efficiently.  

Boys should have a place to do their homework, away from any TV’s or other distractions. Their mobile phones should be switched off until it is done. Always be available in case he needs your assistance, and if you cannot help with a problem, make sure he has the resources that can. The Internet can be a great way of solving problems, as there are many sites that are there for just this purpose. It should, however, be the last port of call, as it can make it too easy to solve problems without giving them much thought.

You can help your son with revisions if they will let you, simply by sitting together and asking them questions. Keeping it informal in this way will make them more likely to let you help them, and may well show them the areas they need to look at more closely. Another way to help your son: show him how to put time aside as exams get close and extra study time is necessary. Scheduling time to study can actually decrease exam-related stress. 

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Give Him A Learning Environment

Whether your son is 5 or 15, he is still a child and you must remember to allow him to be one. However, if there are always books in your home as well as pens, crayons and paper, you may be surprised at how often he actually uses them. Kids love to draw, make up stories and it is all part of the learning experience.

If the home environment always has these things, they will be normal to them and boys will use them and learn with almost no effort at all. In fact, there are many everyday games that can teach boys things — without them even realizing it! Games such as Hangman can help with spelling, and  dice and card games can help them with mental arithmetic.  There are also games online that are designed to be educational and you can encourage your son to play some of these as well.

If you are doing a job, such as repairing a gate or making a cake, involve your son too. There are skills he can learn that may be useful to him later in life when he has a home of his own. These skills can also be useful in cookery or woodwork classes at school.

Show Him His Potential

It can be hard watching your boy struggle with something, but all boys have subjects they are good at and others where they do not do so well. That is part of human nature, but you have to show your son that even when things are difficult, he can learn, grow and achieve more. Be positive about the subjects your son does well in and make sure he knows that not everyone is good at every subject.

Be positive when they get a poor score in an exam in a subject you know is always a struggle for them. If your son believes that you’ll be upset every time he gets a low mark, he’ll start to get anxious about school and become unhappy.  Encourage your son to always do his best. That’s the mark that matters. 

Boys also need to learn that throughout life they will face challenges and that some they will be able to overcome and others they will not. Accepting that they are not too good at a particular subject without them getting stressed out about it is a good way to help teach a boy this lesson.

Remember That Boys Love Nature

Boys tend to love nature. They like running through fields, getting wet in the river and climbing trees.  However, what you might not be aware of is that the male brain is developed in such as way that it is primed toward roaming, wandering, activity, and movement. These things will all make it more alert, which is why some parents make sure their boys are in such environments before they start any homework or study.

The brain is much more ready for the work then, and that helps them to achieve more at a faster pace. That in turns helps to boost their confidence, and all because they have spent a bit of time with nature. The more confident boys are in their own abilities, the better they will do at school and with any studies they have to do at home.

Boys also need time to adapt to changes, more so than girls. So when they have a new teacher, it may take them a little longer to settle in. Allow for this fact when you are discussing school with them, and make sure your son knows you are available if they have any problems.

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The Building Boys Bulletin

The Building Boys Bulletin Newsletter gives you the facts, encouragement, and inspiration you need to help boys thrive. Written by Jennifer L.W. Fink, mom of four sons and author of Building Boys: Raising Great Guys in a World That Misunderstands Males, Building Boys Bulletin includes:

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“I learned a lot about helping boys thrive over the past 20+ years — most of it the hard way! I’m eager to share what I’ve learned to make your path a little easier.”   – Jennifer

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