Sunday, May 24, 2009
Gender Differences
We all know that many differences exist between boys and girls, but what is the best way to provide for those differences in the classroom? I teach 5th grade, and it seems that boys and girls couldn't be more different at this age. I have had a lot of trouble out of my boys this past year, but hardly any at all from the girls. The boys seem to be much more rowdy and defiant, while the girls, for the most part, are happy and content to work quietly and obey. I wonder what to do to handle these differences effectively. Any thoughts?
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It was the complete opposite for me when I taught 5th grade. The girls were catty with each other and would bully each other without being caught by the other teachers or me. I had the girls call their parents everytime trouble brewed and that helped reduce the incidents. On a couple of occassions, the guidance counselor spoke to my girls because of the bullying. Calling parents was definitely something that worked well - I would contact parents and make their children tell them what they were doing to be disruptive. Hope this helps.
ReplyDeleteMelissa
Wow I like that idea of having the students tell their parents what they were doing to disrupt class!
ReplyDeleteHow about have the boys be your helpers to get them up and moving. This may help them burn off some energy as well as help you out around the class. That or extend recess an extra hour...
ReplyDeleteRhea
Two great suggestions so far. I like both ideas of calling parents and letting the boys help you and move around the classroom a little more.
ReplyDeleteI am a freshman business teacher and I have had the same problems that you are experienceing with some Freshmen boys this year. They are the most imature group of freshmen boys I have had in my three years of teaching. I have survived the year however. I survived by being consistent and letting them know of my expectations. If I told them that I was going to contact their parent, then that is what I did. If I told them they would be moved to an assigned seat for talking, then that is what I followed through with. Parents were very helpful with dealing with this group of boys. In the past I have been somewhat hesitant to contact parents for help, but parents have been so supportive to me this year. If you are consistent and respectful to students I think that behavior can and will come around, it just takes a little time.
Those were all great suggestions. I can relate to what you mean about rowdy, immature boys. Your classroom sounds like it's mine, except in 4th grade. The best thing that I've learned to do with the boys is similar to what Brett posted, follow through. We have an economy system and often times the same boys are being fined for thier silly behavior. I also have to keep some of them seperated in line and during transitions. They're not bad, just very impulsive. I can relate to their behavior because I have 2 boys of my own at home. Having the kids call their parents was a good idea.
ReplyDeleteif the boys are involved in sports or any clubs--talk with the coaches or sponsors and get a team approach on certain kids. food is also good for rewards of behavior with boys--
ReplyDeleteI agree with talking to the coaches. Also, remember that at this age, the boys are trying to impress the girls, at least my 5th grade son seems to do so...but his teacher has no problem calling out the boys when they are being disruptive, and sadly, they become embarrassed infront of their peers, but at the same time, stops the behavior.
ReplyDelete