Strategies for Teaching Boys and Girls -- Elementary Level

In his best-selling classic Boys and Girls Learn Differently, Michael Gurian explained the origin and nature of gender differences in the classroom. His important book explored the behavior teachers observed and the challenges they faced with both boys and girls in their classrooms. Taking the next step, Strategies for Teaching Boys?Elementary Level: A Workbook for Educators and Girls offers teachers a hands-on resource that draws on the Gurian Institute's research and training with elementary schools and school districts. The workbook presents practical strategies, lessons, and activities that have been field-tested in real classrooms and developed to harness boys' and girls' unique strengths.

The workbook is designed to help teachers build a solid foundation of learning and study habits that their students can use in the classroom and at home. It covers the key curricular areas and offers proven techniques to make learning, no matter what the subject, more engaging for all students.

The workbook is an essential resource for all teachers who want to improve their practice and get the most from all students?whatever their gender.

About This Book v

The Authors vii

About the Gurian Institute ix

Acknowledgments xi

1 The Science of Boy-Girl Learning Differences 1

2 Keep ’Em Moving: Incorporating Movement Across the Curriculum 15

3 Make It Visual: Tools to Support Your Spatial Learners 35

4 Empower the Learner: Giving Students Choice and Control 67

5 Get Them Learning Together: Increasing Opportunities for Social Interaction 85

6 Making It Matter: Finding Ways to Make Learning Real 99

7 Art Smart: Blending Art and Music into the Core Curriculum 119

8 Connecting with Your Students: Promoting Learning Through Teacher-Child Relationships 139

9 Building Character: The Foundation for Learning and Life 151

10 The Home Stretch: Getting Parents and Teachers on the Same Page 165

Epilogue 181

Sources 183

Index 193

With the school year rapidly coming to a close, here's a book you might want to give your child's teacher as a thank you gift. (Aptos Times, 05/08)

MICHAEL GURIAN is the New York Times best-selling author of The Wonder of Boys and nineteen other books, including Boys and Girls Learn Differently!, A Fine Young Man, The Good Son, The Wonder of Girls, and The Minds of Boys. He is a pioneer in the fields of family development and education and has appeared on Today, Good Morning America, CNN, NPR, and in The New York Times, USA Today, Time, Newsweek, and elsewhere.

KATHY STEVENS, coauthor of The Minds of Boys, is the training director of the Gurian Institute and has worked in education, child development, and the nonprofit sector for more than thirty years in programs as diverse as juvenile and adult corrections, cultural competency training, domestic violence prevention, and women's issues.

KELLEY KING is director of the Gurian Institute Education Division. She has been a teacher and school principal for more than twenty years.

Strategies for Teaching Boys and Girls ELEMENTARY LEVEL

In his best-selling classic Boys and Girls Learn Differently, Michael Gurian explained the origin and nature of gender differences in the classroom. His important book explored the behavior teachers observed and the challenges they faced with both boys and girls in their classrooms.Taking the next step, Strategies for Teaching Boys and Girls offers teachers a hands-on resource that draws on the Gurian Institute's research and training with elementary schools and school districts. The workbook presents practical strategies, lessons, and activities that have been field-tested in real classrooms and developed to harness boys' and girls' unique strengths.

The workbook is designed to help teachers build a solid foundation of learning and study habits that their students can use in the classroom and at home. It covers the key curricular areas and offers proven techniques to make learning, no matter what the subject, more engaging for all students.

The workbook is an essential resource for all teachers who want to improve their practice and get the most from all students—whatever their gender.

PRAISE FOR STRATEGIES FOR TEACHING BOYS AND GIRLS—ELEMENTARY LEVEL

"Researched-based, classroom-tested, instantly applicable strategies will wake up, motivate, and excite you and your students."
—DAWN L. RYAN, literacy teacher, Boulder Valley School District

"The authors have created a vital resource for teachers and administrators who are striving to conquer the gender gap in their schools."
—DR. JOSEPH M. PORTO, superintendent, Avoca School District 37, Wilmette, Illinois

"Unique and practical strategies to differentiate for gender differences and help teachers to create personalized learning experiences for all youngsters."
—DR. LINDA KARGES-BONE, professor of education, Charleston Southern University, School of Education and author, More Than Pink and Blue