About Boys - The Southport School

the left or right hemispheres of the brain
and the differential development of these
hemispheres in males and females. Some general
observations of learning patterns of boys find
that in the early years they do better at those
subjects that are based in logic, with fact and
formula. Boys are practical problem solvers and
have good spatial reasoning and mechanical
ability. These are right brain attributes. They
learn less well by listening but excel at rotating
three-dimensional objects in their heads. They
are generally slower to develop language skills
and are less able to articulate their feelings
or empathise with the feelings of others (left
brain functions) than girls at the same age.
Generally boys are more active in their learning,
they learn more by being shown and actively
participating or doing.
Boys prefer clear boundaries and parameters
for their learning. They want to know what
the rules are and perform best when these are
enforced fairly and consistently be that in a
Physics classroom or the playground.
Much has been written about boys and literacy
problems. Boys are generally over represented
in remedial literacy programs worldwide. It
has been suggested that areas of the brain
responsible for language develop more rapidly in
girls than boys. Studies have shown that parents
talk more to baby girls and are rougher and more
active in their play with little boys.
Effective educational environments, be that of
the school or the home, should take into account
these unique characteristics of boys’ learning.