by Neil Farmer
Anybody working with young boys will agree that they think differently, act (at times) bizarrely, do some odd things, have strange fascinations, take risks, be boisterous and loud and will need stimulation and genuine sensitivity.
Overall boys and girls develop slightly differently and at different rates, when compared (favourably or unfavourably to girls) their bodies are full of different levels of varying hormones and this will affect the way in which they learn and act. You might have noticed that young boys are very tactile, they are cuddle monsters (doesn’t change as they get older really) this is because for many young boys emotions are expressed through action, they love the security of touch – it is comforting. This why they clamber all over each other, stand next to each other, engage in rough and tumble, push and shove. This is complex play, through it they are telling others how fond of them they are or finding out where they sit in any emerging hierarchy, how strong they are – all primordial actions and linked to there sense of self. There is nothing wrong with this, it is natural. Boys probably need more cuddles than they receive – all about well being and mental health.
In terms of physiological and chemical make up boys have, in general, higher levels of testosterone and this makes them competitive and boisterous. They have lower levels of serotonins, so they are more likely to take risks and assess after the event – this is an important fact to remember. With boys the learning is in the process and too often any exciting adventure will be curtailed by an adult who is looking at potential risk. At times like this the adult needs to assess the learning potential against the risk and take a step back, only interjecting when support might be needed. They also have less dopamine, and this affects the hearing.
By and large boys hear 70% less than girls, they talk around 30% less too, which can have a negative impact on speaking, listening and emotional development. When talking to boys, chunk out the conversation, two or three things at a time, do not give too many instructions otherwise they will forget them, and this does have a negative effect on dispositions to learn and self-image.
It is interesting to note that within the physical makeup of the brain for boys the language centre is removed from the emotional base. Within girls it is very close. This results in the clear fact that girls generally find it easier to talk about feelings and are more emotional intelligent.
A rule of thumb is, although, obviously, not all boys and girls are the same – boys are interested in movement and learning through action, whilst girls are very adept at learning through words.
When you look at the physical development – boys are behind here to. Their large joints do not fully fuse until they are 5 -6 years old, the thumb (the thing that always for greater dexterity) does not fully fuse until 6 ½ to 7. Within girls this can be a whole 2 years earlier so do think about expectations and what you have on offer to support development.
Thanks for reading – enjoy, have fun.
The question is therefore, what kind of person do you want them to be role playing?
Neil Farmer
Educational Consultant
