Several years ago, when my three boys were 9, 7, and 3, I wrote a blog post about Homeschooling Boys. Since my boys are now 12, {almost} 10, and {almost} 6, and I thought I would revisit the topic.
We still continue to do school work in much the same way as I outlined above. Those tried and true methods do really work!
Homeschooling Boys Suggestions:
Boys need to move throughout the day. As the weather warms up they can more easily head outside to shoot baskets, ride a bike, or even jog around the block. When the weather isn’t as warm, I use some of the methods I wrote about in 10 Ways to Keep Kids Active in Winter.
Homeschooling a boy isn’t any more challenging than homeschooling girl – different, but not necessarily more challenging. I think what comes into play the most with me is, homeschooling boys, as in more than one boy.
I can leave my girls at the table doing something and walk away for a moment and can be pretty confident it isn’t going to lead to wrestling on the floor. The boys? Not so much.
If I have to walk away for any length of time while the boys are working on their independent work, taking one with me to wherever I’m going works best. For instance, if in the morning I still have to dry my hair and make my bed, I will have one boy grab his work and follow me upstairs. He can sit at my husband’s desk in our room to get his work done. We call it the Divide and Conquer Method.
Even though my oldest is a strong reader, he doesn’t really love reading. We still do a good majority of our reading aloud, either as a family or individually. It does take more time for me, but if it works best for him then I will continue to do so. Family Style Learning works well for all of us.
Homeschooling Boys and What Works:
We have started to use notebooking more extensively in the last several months. My boys {and girls} like this so much more than doing workbook questions. Writing is not a strength yet in our homeschool. It’s something that we will focus more of our attention on during the middle school and high school years. Notebooking and Copywork have been great for my reluctant writers. I learn about what they have learned rather than focus on what they don’t remember.
Fortunately, my third child Sarah is easy going and pretty much likes everything. Last year we used Paths of Exploration, which was very appealing for the boys. Sarah really liked it too, but admittedly I thought it would be a high-interest study for the boys and it was.
The boys have also been interested in greek mythology and our Ancient Rome studies. I think it’s important to try to tailor the curriculum to the child, without constantly trying to re-invent the wheel too.
Boys are loud, messy, and dirty. They also make me laugh everyday, are caring, helpful, and downright fun. They certainly do keep my days interesting and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Andrew Pudewa from Institute for Excellence in Writing has a great talk about teaching boys called Teaching Boys {and Others} Who Would Rather Build Forts All Day
What are your tips for homeschooling boys?
This is good advise and I agree that homeschooling boys and girls are a very different experience. The more hands-on, the better for my boys.
I love this article because it contains so much truth and also practical suggestions. The part about coming back to find them wrestling on the floor made me laugh because it has happened to me! For copywork for the boys, I use copy work for young heroes and I love it. I can give you more info. if you are interested.
Wow. I so needed to read this today. For so many reasons, we are at a fork in the road and… so many things to say but will just say.. Wow. I so needed to read this today. Thank you!!!
So true- on everything. The best advice I ever received was from a friend with 4 boys (and 2 girls)- “never leave them alone even for a second”. When she first told me that, I had three adorable baby/toddler boys and thought that was such a strange thing to say. Today, I get it.
Even with one boy…leaving him alone is risky business
I had to laugh at your divide and conquer. That most definitely can be applied in so many area s of homeschooling, can’t it. Your suggestions are so great and you are able to help so many others by sharing what you’ve personally experienced!