Comments on: Three Ideas To Help Boys Succeed at School

By: John Mowat

John Mowat — Mon, 25 Nov 2013 22:03:59 +0000

David

I’ve enjoyed your blog for a long time, and am eventually compelled to write (belatedly) in response to this post.

I too remember Alec McVake – from watching him play on the wing for Pollok Juniors at Newlandsfield in the early 80s – brightening up dull, Glasgow Saturday afternoons. I’m sure he also supply taught at my school (Shawlands Academy) around that time.

However, my main reason for writing is to tell you that Mr McVake just retired from my children’s school (Woodfarm High School – your alma mater?) in June this year. His reputation as a popular teacher remained right up to his retirement – even making a positive impression on my (unathletic) daughter!

Thank you too, as the father of a son, for the encouragement and prompt to patience in the wider point of your post.

By: Monday Challenge 11.11.13 – Includes the Article of the Year!! (In My Opinion)

Mon, 11 Nov 2013 16:59:42 +0000

[…] 1. Another article from David Murray. Here’s some advice on how to help boys succeed in school. […]

By: Mykel Parle

Mykel Parle — Wed, 06 Nov 2013 09:28:48 +0000

hi, im doing a project on what makes a teacher influential, eventhough this is vaguely related to your article, i think you may have some good views on part of my project? do you think male students are more influenced and inspired by male teachers? are female students more influenced by female or male teachers? and who do you think influence a childs values and believes more,k a primary or a secondary school teacher?

thanks
Mykel Parle

By: Kara

Kara — Fri, 01 Nov 2013 20:02:38 +0000

Loved this article! I think it’s worthwhile to add to the discussion the decline of male teachers in the schools, particularly private schools. Many men are forced (if they cannot find supplemental income to bring in on the side) to either switch vocations or their wives are compelled to return to work to sustain the family. As a result there are less and less male teachers and staff largely consists of non-primary wage earners (usually wives!). Too many great role-models have left private schools out of necessity of providing for their families.

By: David Murray

David Murray — Fri, 01 Nov 2013 09:37:22 +0000

Nancy, that’s a beautiful and deeply moving story that’s so full of God’s grace toward you and your boys. So thankful that you have seen our heavenly Father work so powerfully in your boys’ lives.

By: David Murray

David Murray — Fri, 01 Nov 2013 09:36:09 +0000

You just described by school years perfectly Anne. I love the idea of more physical activity in the school day. I felt like I was imprisoned most of the time.

By: David Murray

David Murray — Fri, 01 Nov 2013 09:34:40 +0000

That’s a great point Patrick, and I agree, these ideas could help such guys too.

By: Patrick Chan

Patrick Chan — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 06:08:58 +0000

Thanks for your post!

I think at another end of the spectrum are those boys who are introverted and geeky, and not as physically gifted. Some of them may suffer from social isolation among their male peers. Perhaps they’re made fun of by jocks. They’re picked last for any sports team. Maybe they’re not as attractive to girls since they’re not considered manly. They may even get made fun of by others. They may find refuge with the math club or academic decathlon or somesuch, but if so this may only add to their already less than masculine image by their male peers.

However, I think these three ideas could also help them. They’re a possible way to help them out of their shells and help better fit them into a community of regular guys.

Otherwise, they may end up in Vegas and then maybe prison a la Bringing Down the House: The Inside Story of Six MIT Students Who Took Vegas for Millions! Just kidding.

By: Joseph Kamps

Joseph Kamps — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 03:08:40 +0000

Another role I think that a father plays an invaluable part in as the son is leaving childhood and entering the youth years is a protector…”protecting” him from a mother that is used to caring for him as a child and perhaps isn’t conscious of how her treatment could be disrespectful of her son. Treating men with respect is neglected in our day even in the pulpits of good churches in spite of Ephesians 5:33. We would and should be sensitive about treating any young lady in an unloving manner, but sometimes even their own mothers do not think twice about showing disrespect for their sons. This is where the father could really help I think – being an example of how to show respect for their sons.

By: Homeschool on the Croft

Homeschool on the Croft — Wed, 30 Oct 2013 20:01:19 +0000

I think the whole concept of school is weighted so much against the natural psyche of boys, that they are at a disadvantage throughout their school years. For (most) girls, sitting at a desk with a lovely new notebook and coloured pens is a delight. They love to draw patterns and keep things neat. (Most) boys couldn’t care less what the cover of their notebook looks like, and their primary teachers (almost always female) discourage them by constantly telling them they’re untidy, messy and careless just because they don’t keep things like the girls do.
These discouragements that begin at age 5 have a detrimental effect on boys all the way through school and consequently through their lives in many, many cases.
But whilst I wouldn’t say the school setting is ideal for boys, I reckon there are ways in which boys could, and should, be catered for in a much greater way … for example, with lots of physical exercise in their early years – short, sharp bursts at academic work interspersed with go-go-go exercise and games. Boys thrive on competition, I think,

That’s only one suggestion, but my comment is far too long already!