We’ve all heard the chatter about homeschooling. Will they be socialized, will they be able to perform at the level of other students, will they have friends and peers? And I could argue that all children thrive or have issues in any setting. But I’m also here to state that homeschooling has been an outstanding choice for my son and he has truly thrived being homeschooled.
Benefits of Homeschooling
I have done several posts about about why we chose to homeschool and home homeschooling has been a benefit to our family. Truly though I think each student, each family, has their own list of homeschooling benefits. (You can read some of the reasons why we homeschool here.)
However, here are some basic benefits to homeschooling:
- schedule your week and day to fit your family
- more time to develop individuals interested
- more integrated family time
- set the pace for learning to your child
Why These Benefits Help Boys Thrive
The traditional classroom is not an atmosphere that helps the typical boy thrive. According to a 2012 University of Georgia University study, boys were found to awarded lower grades than girls even when test scores were better due to reflections on classroom behavior. Additionally the study states that simple “wiggle worm” behaviors common in boys can even subconsciously affect a teacher awarding grades in school.
So, as you can imagine, most boys stuck in a traditional classroom spend a great deal of time just trying to follow the rules or just sit still actually. Or, conversely, getting in trouble for not being able to follow the rules or sit till. How frustrating, huh?
A boy that is homeschooled can spend more time learning and less time dealing with classroom and behavior management. They do not have to be worried about being labeled a poor student due to sub-par grades being awarded by teachers weighing behavior inequally against academic performance. Personal interests can be pursued, learning style preferences can be utilized, and personalized and needed breaks can be naturally worked into the daily schedule.
How We Make Our Homeschool Work
Personally, I love schooling my boy. Well, all my children for that matter. I love seeing them light up with interest, ask for more information on something, and develop a love for learning. This is what makes homeschooling a true blessing for me and my family. (You can read this post about why we homeschool.)
For my boy specifically, sitting still at a desk or table for long periods of time is torture. Like most boys, he has the wiggles. So when learning can be done while student, jumping, playing Legos, or bouncing o our trampoline – we do! Thinking Putty
We incorporate plenty of physical breaks and healthy snacks. As he gets older, I know his appetite will increase; therefore, ensuring he gets regular healthy snacks is important. I can also monitor water intake. Staying hydrated is imperative to good health in all people. (Read this post about what you need to know about water intake.)
In another study published in 2009 entitled Teaching Boys: A Global Study of Effective Practices looked at a sampling of boys in six countries. The study asked teachers and students to narrate instructional activities that have been effective in helping boys learn. Out of over 2,500 responses, eight categories of successful learning were identified:
- lessons that result in an end product
- lessons that are structured as competitive games
- lessons requiring motor activity
- lessons requiring boys to lead others
- lessons that require boys to address unsolved problems or unanswered questions
- lessons that require a combination of competition and teamwork
- lessons that focus on independent, personal discovery and realization
- lessons that introduce drama in the form of novelty and surprise
The author of the Teaching Boys study sums it up best with this quote :
Rather than penalize the boys relatively high energy and competitive drive, the most effective way to teach boys is to take advantage of that high energy, curiosity, and thirst for competition.
Summing It Up
In the end, when we choose to homeschool we have our reasons. But if you are homeschooling boys, rest easy in your decision that it may be the best way to nurture learning, encourage a love for learning, and improve your boys’ self-esteem. Embrace the creative ways your boys learn and have fun learning together.
References:
+ Non-Cognitive Skills and the Gender Disparities – University of Georgia/Columbia University – 01 May 2012 – https://www.people.terry.uga.edu
++ Teaching Boys: A Global Study of Effective Practices – International Boys School Coalition – 2009 – https://bbk12e1-cdn.myschoolcdn.com/ftpimages/842/misc/misc_127726.pdf
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