“Pay attention!” It turns out there’s a reason even for their fidgeting, fiddling and incessant talking. They don’t get up in the morning choosing to make us crazy, even if it sometimes seems like that’s what happens.
Each child is an individual, but some oversimplified generalizations may be helpful as we take a closer look at boys and girls brains to understand how they learn differently. Nan Brien and Steve Sawyer presented fascinating information at the B.R.A.I.N. Team of Eau Claire County’s 2009 Gender and Learning conference March 27. Here are some of the things Nan Brien shared in her presentation: It Begins in Utero
Chromosomes—not society--create the differences between boys and girls in Utero. The combinations of their X and Y chromosomes predispose girls to seek out faces and attract boys to things that move and systems. In a study in England, one day after birth 102 babies were presented with faces and mobiles. Boys turned toward the mobiles and girls turned toward the faces.
Knowing about their different processing styles can help teachers plan comfortable learning activities for all children. The keys may be systems and relationships.
Boys are systematic. They are drawn to analyze, explore, and construct a system to explain how things work. If-then thinking creates patterns for them. Existing “in space” doesn’t describe only their behavior. They actually need more space to move around in to be comfortable and learn. When they appear distracted, those objects they are playing with may actually be helping them focus and learn. Asking them content questions may surprise us, showing that they’re absorbing and tracking the lesson.
Girls are empathic. Their brains have more mirror neurons which help them to discern other people’s emotions and respond appropriately. Language and relationships are their domains. Partner sharing may help them sift through tough concepts as they find application and relevance in their everyday lives. In any case, talking things through in a small group usually helps them learn.
According to the National Institute of Health,
- 6:1 (ratio of boys : girls) are misdiagnosed with ADD and ADHD
- 9:1 are labeled with a behavioral problem
It’s possible that providing for boys’ unique ways boys of learning may make learning easier for them. Boys typically hear less acutely in conversational ranges, so sitting in the back of the classroom may make hearing and understanding what the teacher says if she is in the front of the classroom. Boys also hear better through their right ear. Who knew?
As we’ve discussed in earlier blogs, movement is important for all children’s learning, as their Vestibular systems coordinate the process. Looking at right and left brain dominance, we see more reasons why the freedom to move is even more important to boys than girls. Some schools are providing standing desks and udder balls for classroom chairs to give the movers the opportunity they need. Check out www.wittfitt.com to find out more about the balls and programs to use them effectively in schools.
Much more information on these topics can be found in the following books recommended by Nan Brien. Special thanks to Nan for training thousands about the brains of the children we care for.
The Essential Difference by Simon Baron-Cohen,
Spark by Dr. John Ratey (our January 09 favorite book)
Lost in School by Ross W Greene
Why Gender Matters by Leonard Sax
In May we’ll close out this school year with a blog looking at humor in the classroom.
Thanks for passing this on to your colleagues!
Sandi
© Sandra Sunquist Stanton MS, NCC, LPC, Connections of the Heart LLC
For additional articles and information, visit www.ourbrainbuddies.com or send an email sandi@ourbrainbuddies.com