I am a 1st grade teacher with a more experienced co-teacher, and our class is boy heavy, but we seem to be doing well. For boys that are low readers, four are ELL, one likely dyslexic. Here's what REALLY helps boys learn in our room:
1. Work stations. The work stations are various reading manipulatives, that, while fun, also fall in line with the way male brains work. We have lots of reading puzzles, toys, charts, etc. They work well for everyone, but boys in particular learn from them. They work independently and have about 20-30 minutes with these.
2. Guided reading. In small groups, we discuss books at their reading level, with high interest books. It is social, and synergetic. And quick- long drawn out activities are not a good idea.
3. Saxon math. Straight forward, spiral taught, with plenty of manipulatives. The problems are to be solved, quickly, so they are not boring or meditative.
There is a general understanding that girls often learn faster, but boys do catch up. (Since girls physically grow and mature faster I find this believable.) I do think in certain circles boys get more leeway than girls, which may hurt learning. I can see in my classroom that the girls are generally trained to be sweet, while the boys get away with macho behavior and disrespect with a wink for their "spirit." (With girls that same "spirit" may get a spanking.)
Boys also do better with more structure and routines. They actually like drill sergeants who break everything down for them so they can follow step. It's why they love math, strong beat music, sports, etc. They feel strong and competent. They feel like they have a purpose. They don't care for nebulous, contemplative, unspoken atmosphere that works alright for girls.
I wish there were more male teachers, I really do.
Male teachers are often regarded as strict because they don't put up with crap- talking back, disregarding rules that others have to follow, disrespect to girls. But boys actually love that. Also, male teachers often don't nitpick on the small stuff with boys, which boys hate. Like handwriting that may not be perfect, or homework being on the wrong side of the folder.
Also, is our CULTURE failing our boys? Violent, gruesome television provides role models for boys. They are growing obese due to junk food and lack of exercise. Would they be able to sit more in the classroom if they got to exercise in the morning or in after-school sports? (Even though it's easier to turn on the tube.) Go into Barnes and Noble and most of the books will be geared to girls, not boys.
I think boys are being let down all around, not just the schools. We as a nation have to boycott things marketed to even young boys that hurt them (gangsta rap with X-rated lyrics, WWF brain-rotters, etc.) We need to give them back the ability to explore nature, and play sports. They need to learn how to be strong, decent males who would help an elderly person cross the street rather than mug them. They need to be fed real food, nothing belched from a dirty factory. Then they will start doing better in school.
