#TMchat Archive
Current and relevant education discussions are held every Tuesday in #TMchat. A weekly guest moderator, considered an expert on the the week's topic, joins @conniehamilton to guide the one hour chat and actively engage with participants. Founder and moderator @conniehamilton supplies her responses to the week's questions visually in Thinking Maps.
Tuesday August 2, 2016
I'm Connie Hamilton. Aziz Abdur-Ra'oof and I are your moderators tonight. Let the introductions begin. https://t.co/t5X060byO8
Lets hear it for the boys
Our format will include 7 questions. Use A1 to respond to Q1 & remember to include hashtag in all tweets. https://t.co/bVYg07nQ3W
Good evening to my friends. I am Terry 3rd gr T in Fl
Hi Terry. Thanks for returning to
Boys, boys, boys - with three brothers and three sons I think I understand boys! Great to be here - Meredith from Marco Island, FL
Hi, Connie! Great topic tonight.
Hey all. James here. Year 11 student from in Auckland, New Zealand! Ready to bring to
Interesting topic tonight. Going to be following
Hi Terry...how is the weather in FL these days?
Good evening ! I'm Ashley - 5th grade teacher from North Texas.
cannot wait to hear your insight,,,thanks for joining.
Thanks, Robert. Aziz brought the topic, I just join and learn...
Hi, all! Lisa, IC from suburban Chicago.
is global tonight! Welcome James. https://t.co/9BnpFeWkD1
Hey all. James here. Year 11 student from in Auckland, New Zealand! Ready to bring to
Hi Sue. Thanks for joining .
I understand....its cooled off a smidgen here in DC area.
Hi Lisa. Coming out your way Thursday, Friday, and all next week.
Hello ! Shannon Croston Literacy coach from Guatemala
Hello there...:-)
Thanks for joining in on the chat.
WIsh was here - he might know more about the administrator who was focused on this a couple years ago.
Excited to join and hear others insight on this important topic! Checking in from rural North Carolina
Hi everyone! HS principal joining you from hot and humid VA!
Hi there... nice you have you in tonight.
Glad to join in! Looking forward to this topic.
Q1: Why do schools need to consider the needs of boys separately than girls?
A1: I think that so often boys are taught that its not "cool" to be smart or to try in school from a young age.
Why do you think that is? How can we make smart the new cool? https://t.co/MwSexxgpTA
A1: I think that so often boys are taught that its not "cool" to be smart or to try in school from a young age.
A1: If you are around boys and girls, you will find differences, like it or not. We need to address all differences.
A1: Girls and boys both function differently and need their needs catered differently. We need to encourage equality!
A1. How about the difference in maturity levels?
A1: It's our responsibility to meet all of our Ss needs, boys often have a different learning style than girls.
A1 All kids today get too many mixed or negative messages from media & marketing. Boys esp. need guidelines, guidance & role models
Schools need a mindshift. Always telly boys that reading helps them get girls https://t.co/XwglfcFbtX
Why do you think that is? How can we make smart the new cool? https://t.co/MwSexxgpTA
A1: I think that so often boys are taught that its not "cool" to be smart or to try in school from a young age.
A1. I grew up w 4 brothers. They needed alot of extra attention in those early years. The good news- they are now successful adults!
A1: Is there such a focus on making classrooms "cute' that boys lose interest?
A1: It's important to strive to meet the learning needs of all students.
Ditto...How is your summer! Time is going too fast
Schls in every soc context benefit when they view gender dominant or passive measures 4 creating curric & soc prog.
A1 ummmm Boys ARE different than girls. And each boy is an individual with his own needs https://t.co/WJwKd291zW
Q1: Why do schools need to consider the needs of boys separately than girls?
Could be... so can that be overcome?
good seeing you here...thanks for joining. Attn for boys comes in many ways.
A1 - Sometimes we're afraid 2 acknowledge that there are differences btwn Gs and Bs. It's not a bad thing. We need 2 embrace it.
It is important that we also consider them as individuals. Not all boys have the same needs either.
Self-fulfilling prophecy? Boys are told they aren't "trying" b/c they aren't complying. They make that cool. https://t.co/SarvXL5ZoY
A1: I think that so often boys are taught that its not "cool" to be smart or to try in school from a young age.
A1 many teachers are women and the educational system is created by the majority "fish in water
great point! I agree...mentors are crucial for young men.
Q2: What comes first? Motivating boys or supporting and motivating Ts?
Q1: personally in my community boys lack access to quality male role models and in education we need to bridge that gap
my two boys very different...even with same parents! Then Ts expect a class to be the same..
that's a challenge most places...so we need to put on our thing caps to fill the gap.
Middle school is esp. difficult for boys. Some are girl crazy, some not yet, some never will be. Fitting in is hard & Ts must help.
A2: I think teachers always need to be supported and given the freedom to do what is best for their students.
A2: A mindshift for Ts comes first. Ts need to learn about how and WHY to adjust our approach for boys.
A1: personally in my rural community most boys lack positive male role models and as educators we need to bridge the gap some way
A2: Great question- engaging lessons is the key.
A1. We have 2 motivate boys first. That in turn supports teachers. I created this for my ๐players yesterday. https://t.co/m01dXKB2Lj
..wow! I'd love to convene a conference on tacking that point made by the researcher.
A2: In my opinion, it's best to motivate the Ts so they actually give a damn about their students. It's all about passion
A2: Can they happen together, alongside each other?
Haha.... My daughter is upstairs having a drama attack right now. I think this is not unique to boys. https://t.co/ERIfosn12Z
Middle school is esp. difficult for boys. Some are girl crazy, some not yet, some never will be. Fitting in is hard & Ts must help.
A2 Motivation = meaning, passion, & purpose. But boys need to see it's okay to feel. Sensitivity is crucial for empathy & release.
Is "no difference in achievement" the same as "no difference in needs/style?" 2 me, 1 is result, 1 is process
A2: We don't need to motivate boys. We need to stop crushing their motivation when it presents differently than some would like.
setting expectations and modeling it..I Love it!
A2: both can be done at the same time. Don't dump all the boys on the only male teacher. "He just needs a male teacher"
I agree this must come first. How can you decide what is best for a S if you don't know them well enough?
A2 Support & motivate Ts to motivate boys. Meet them where they are. Sorry 4 jumping in late.
AHA...so us older gents need to show empathy!
A2 If a teacher needs motivation to support a boy...huge problem Ss first...even the boy ones. https://t.co/KdlbFEbTVG
Q2: What comes first? Motivating boys or supporting and motivating Ts?
That's what I was thinking too. Showing Ts how to motivate boys will help support & motivate the them. Jump right in!
hi . I'm Sara from North Lake Tahoe, NV. Teaching kinder next year and a bit late to the chat tonight!
Right don't want boys screwing off?? Give them something they'll want to do.
I agree that we often expect boys to behave a certain way that is unfair to them, and it IS crushing.
Just in time, Saran, we're just about to tweet out Q3.
A2 motivating and supporting Ts ... If motivate boys and instruction doesn't change ... Motivation dies https://t.co/6ViQQVNTgQ
Q2: What comes first? Motivating boys or supporting and motivating Ts?
Q3: How can we identify unique needs male learners have?
Boys who are scared of showing sensitivity tend to explode, close off, or self-medicate in harmful ways. Boys must express feelings!
Great! I'm still catching up on Q1 -- my class is super boy heavy this year
A3: Observe, take note, have conversations, look at data (all kinds)
In my high school, it seems drama is much more prevalent with the girls than the boys.
I have seen some female staff have a hard time relate to boys
Teach boys it's OK to say, I'm scared, worried, sad, mad... This is STRENGTH & release, not weakness. & girls must support this!
A3 Boys need to move, invite more movement into your classroom.
A3. We need to take the time to get to know our male students. They are so much more than a test score! https://t.co/MO8uQZgIlU
They ALL need to move. I need to move. https://t.co/825cO6Zv3F
A3 Boys need to move, invite more movement into your classroom.
I have seen the same! How can we educate female staff to be able to better relate to and empower boys? https://t.co/5iFD2VSVGh
I have seen some female staff have a hard time relate to boys
A3 Read the research ... Study/observe our S (male & female) ... Try to DI https://t.co/zmEiMipN20
Q3: How can we identify unique needs male learners have?
A2:Support and motivate the Ts on how they might motivate boys and that in turn will get the boys motivated. https://t.co/X0XLx9uedq
Q2: What comes first? Motivating boys or supporting and motivating Ts?
A3: To identify needs of boys, look at research, science, and gender data. Here's one place to begin: https://t.co/bvBkrvFFDH
A3: To identify needs of boys, look at research, science, and gender data. Here's one place to begin: https://t.co/3TcbMQRVRZ
Awesome ... Talk with them!!! ๐๐๐ https://t.co/ATcJcWbcC9
A3: Observe, take note, have conversations, look at data (all kinds)
Get to KNOW your students. Inventory their interests. Make lessons relevant for students.
Our district provides a PD course on Gender Differentiation ๐
A3: Listen and pay attention to our boys without judgement!
A3: Ask them. Observe them. Ask their parents. https://t.co/VTs1tK0UMo
Q3: How can we identify unique needs male learners have?
find the commonality...ask questions about things boys like...
A3 - Relationships are key. Take the time to learn about their interests. This is true for all Ss.
which is great! and proves the point that not all Ss are the same.
I think it's claiming that their capabilities are equal, but it does agree that B and G learn in different ways.
Buy magazines that focus on the topics they are interested in reading. Build relationship, discover interests
A3 The key is teaching all Ss that as humans we all have 4 universal needs: social, emotional, soulful, & academic. Equal & balanced
A3 Boys don't like face to face conversations as much as shoulder to shoulder....they open up more s2s
I agree! What will work for some boys will also work for some girls. Best practices for each student https://t.co/JLZxtHFVTF
A3 - Relationships are key. Take the time to learn about their interests. This is true for all Ss.
Sorry gotta go! Thanks for an amazing chat, keep up the great work all!
Does that perpetuate the stereotypes? (not rhetorical, truly curious)
Q4: What are some strategies you use to intentionally reach boys?
Thanks for popping by James!
Embracing the whole child solves most problems https://t.co/vPmzaofkJM
A3 The key is teaching all Ss that as humans we all have 4 universal needs: social, emotional, soulful, & academic. Equal & balanced
Hi, Kyley here from Ottawa!
A3: We need more people like and leading conversations like this one in our schools.
A3: most men in my life stop actively listening after 1-2 mins. Def could be I talk too much or maybe men prefer other modalities.
A4. When boys are upset ask quietly if they need a few minutes - get down on their eye level.
Thank you for the kind words! CH is the real champion here!
A4: I try to know them all as individuals. Sometimes I bring in something I think will appeal to boys, and the girls embrace it.
A4: I like to get Ss look at a celebration. There is always a day that is being celebrated somewhere.
A4: I have used boy small group reading groups It seems to make a big difference
I think nurturing the whole child is the only way we do right by kids.
this is especially true for male Ts.
A4. I attend some of their extracurricular activities and ensure they know I have an open door policy! https://t.co/jskdKyrGPR
A4: More movement, less verbal tasks, connect reading & writing to their interests, LISTEN, appreciate them for who them are.
A4 Silent Ball Quiz, Kahoot! Talk to them directly with transparency! Be real and understanding.
A4 Peer Discussion Walks, Stand Up-Hand Up-Pair Up (& other structures) https://t.co/6m4Xeb3KIw
Q4: What are some strategies you use to intentionally reach boys?
How long have you been using that practice and have other Ts followed suit?
A4. Distraction works well too until they calm down and are ready to talk.
smart move...I do the same! And it makes a difference! I like how you roll!
A4: humor, acknowledge their interests by sharing my experiences with their passions or lack thereof.
That's awesome, it's sometimes a task to get boys to read. Great work!
A4. First day of school a teacher brought in a mystery bag that contained items that spoke about her interests - Ss loved it!
Thanks, Sara, there are actually more ideas in the article, I didn't map them all.
A4 - For some of my tough ones, it was important I showed them respect. They wanted to feel valued and respected, like all of us.
first find their interest and then ask them to share or read a story about it.
A4 teach to all learning styles good not only for boys but for girls too
A4.b She built excitement and interest as she slowly shared each one and let Ss share details w/ their experiences about object
Are there certain ways you speed up the process of earning respect? https://t.co/aQmkgSGRz4
A4 - For some of my tough ones, it was important I showed them respect. They wanted to feel valued and respected, like all of us.
Q5: How does race, socio-economic factors, etc., have an impact on how you motivate boys?
This sounds like a great activity for my kinders! I'm excited for us to do a lot of oral sharing
listen and observe more than talking at times with boys
After you brought in your mystery bag you could have Ss bring in their own. https://t.co/QJoRLB9oGZ
This sounds like a great activity for my kinders! I'm excited for us to do a lot of oral sharing
A great novel that allows boys to decide for themselves what makes a real man and a true friend. https://t.co/NeLZClxROY
A5 sometimes these compound the problem... Sometimes it makes the path easier b/c it reveals the unknown https://t.co/geBLDN7Eta
Q5: How does race, socio-economic factors, etc., have an impact on how you motivate boys?
A5: Need to consider ALL factors, including socio-economic. Many things affect who children are. Family culture is top of my list.
A5 It should affect the way you teach a student, approach a student, redirect a student...
A5: The variety of class systems means that I make a classroom that's for all. Right down to pencils and paper
Q5 again. https://t.co/0jB5pNlsip
Q5: How does race, socio-economic factors, etc., have an impact on how you motivate boys?
sometimes, we just have to break it down into needs which at times detract from the labels.
Pls elaborate on family culture!
A5 It's about equity, opportunity, inspiration, & empowerment. The neediest kids deserve extra attention & resources.
And that family unit can look very different with each consideration- culture, economics, etc https://t.co/id1KyvrikB
A5: Need to consider ALL factors, including socio-economic. Many things affect who children are. Family culture is top of my list.
good to see you here..thanks for joining!
A5: We need to tune out or minimally acknowledge our biases as to not let them interfere with expectations for Ss.
A5. I think it goes back to getting to know your students and their needs. Relationships are key!
A5: It's really about knowing your Ss, and sometimes breaking the bank to pull off an experiment that inspires!
I was intentional on having quick side convos and recognizing efforts. Asking for input early on creates buy-in.
Yes ... ๐ We need to be curious! https://t.co/RGkAF0jBFS
sometimes, we just have to break it down into needs which at times detract from the labels.
A5 HUGE! You've got to meet Ss where they are, help Ss get to their dreams. Ss has different needs, begins with showing an interest.
Q6: What role do extracurriculars play in motivating boys?
Q5 dynamic curriculum and instruction I think can transcend many cultural factors
Families set the tone for what is valued in life & how children face and handle challenges, regardless of S-E status.
Kaboom! Bullseye...which means you need to engage and interact with them. https://t.co/CZbNlyJrJR
A5 HUGE! You've got to meet Ss where they are, help Ss get to their dreams. Ss has different needs, begins with showing an interest.
and how do we gets boys to interested in more than sports and video games?
That's what I was thinking. Although economics can present challenges, how families tack them is what matters.
A6 for most, I think it gives them a chance to invest in schools and a reason to "sit through" classes https://t.co/Pfywc6xCCY
Q6: What role do extracurriculars play in motivating boys?
A6: Extra curriculars can provide drive for students, then that attitude can be transferred to learning. https://t.co/ZQlmNZGhv1
A5: Are those barriers a factor when building relationships? When there's a relationship,they're motivated. https://t.co/83Vo3QrXhJ
Q5: How does race, socio-economic factors, etc., have an impact on how you motivate boys?
A6 - Sometimes the extracurriculars are the only reason they want to come to school.
its a process as you know... models it! Show why it matters when you get that intersecting point of what they care about.
You can't say "act how your parents raised you" when Ps chose drugs and S is raised by GrandPs https://t.co/ByeAF6EWSM
That's what I was thinking. Although economics can present challenges, how families tack them is what matters.
A6: It can provide a sense of belonging and give them support that may not be present at home.
Q6:Motivation comes from a sense of accountability, extracurriculars achieve that and Ss learn a new skill. Teach
A6 So much development can happen after school and not just in athletics. This is where Ss can really show brilliance.
A6:Motivation comes from a sense of accountability, extracurriculars achieve that and Ss learn a new skill. Teach
Q7: How can we encourage boys to be confident and share their stories in order to build positive relationships?
Why sit? Can't we bounce and learn at the same time?
A6. Every student has to be connected at school. I admire our . 100 boys tried out for our ๐team. He is not cutting any!
allowing them to show their identity is huge!
Q7 againn. https://t.co/FJPjf4jJy1
Q7: How can we encourage boys to be confident and share their stories in order to build positive relationships?
A7. Praise them for their accomplishments, find their strengths, and give them leadership roles in schools! https://t.co/rXBQwXG6Ku
Q7: How can we encourage boys to be confident and share their stories in order to build positive relationships?
A7: Daily writing tasks & giving the chance to read aloud. Eventually everyone wants to share-> remember the right to pass!
A7: don't judge boys' stories. Celebrate them.
that's great! they are investing themselves into the program and he can use peer(team) system
A7 - Provide outlets for them to share their stories with others. Help them recognize the value of their voice to encourage others.
DOn't embarrass them! That is the best way to never hear from them again.
A7: See them for who they are, not for who you want them to be or how you want them to behave.
A7: Allow them to be leaders and decision makers. Give them the social tools they need to speak, share and reflect. Celebrate them
A5 Stereotypes that put them down are the ones I encourage them to break. My boys are not a statistic
A7 I attended extracurricular events ... Made them feel impt then they were willing to share w/ my learning https://t.co/nhyxVzRJPr
Q7: How can we encourage boys to be confident and share their stories in order to build positive relationships?
A7 many boys respond well to technology
A6 There bigger problem is when a boy is bad at English....so he gets two sections...yuck...btw this does not lead to improvement
Do you find any special programs or apps that are faves?
A7 Have the convo, get 2 know them, inspire them, then show them their impact on their friends, school, and community. True 4 all Ss
. thank you Connie..interesting and fun topic that is relevant! Thanks to all who participated. I learned a ton.
A7 Make boys confident with who they are..care about who they are..then sharing their story will come.
A7: I had to learn how to play Clash of Clans. Gave me something to talk to my son about besides "Did you do your homework?"
that's a really big one! it works..let them know you are coming if possible.
Thank you for a great this evening!
TY for sharing your insight!
great stuff!
Thank you for an engaging chat! I will have over 1000 boys this year. These tips have been great! https://t.co/IxHemjYlPf
my pleasure...thanks for being present!
