There are many things we can do to support boys who are Sensitive, Gay, Gifted, or ADHD to Prevent Dropout
Sensitive Boys: Are boys who typically do well in school but do not fit into the typical male world due to little or no athletic ability... they maybe writers, artists, etc and are commonly referred "Gender Atypical". Many of these boys are victimized and lonely, with over protective mothers and absent fathers. Most school shooters fall into this category.
Gay Boys: Students today may show a greater tolerance for gay youths than they did 10-15 years ago but these boys still face great obstacles. Most who are different feel shame. They are nearly 3x as likely to be assaulted or be in physical fights, 3x more likely to be threatened or injured with a weapon at school, and nearly 4x as likely to skip school due to feeling unsafe.
These boys need FOUR things to establish emotional security:
1.Parental Acceptance-- especially from dads
2. Religion or spirituality
3. Community acceptance -- including school community
4. Tolerance in the workplace
Gifted Boys: By the time many gifted boys have reached middle school, they find themselves labeled as geeks & nerds and feel excluded from most groups. The risk of social isolation, inappropriate educational response, and lack of authentic interaction is particularly troublesome.
Don't allow exclusion of others. Foster these special boys' gifts. In poverty, giftedness is not admired. We must be an advocate for these boys.
I even had a young man tell me that he couldn't go to college, because his family would be "jealous!" I was astounded!
ADHD Boys: Boys in general, as well as children born to parents who have low educations levels, are at an increased risk for developing ADHD. Hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity are all normal boy behaviors...it is the degree to which these manifest themselves. The side effects, costs, and risk of addiction are all concerns with this subgroup of boys.
Our young men need drug education as they prepare to leave school. Many times the dependence on ADHD meds creates a dependence on drugs later in life.
This weekend, a letter from a Father to a son went viral. It made me think of the need of young men to have supportive fathers... Gay, straight, sensitive, "jocks", etc. BOYS NEED STRONG, LOVING MALES in their lives!
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| No matter your beliefs, a father's love is such an important thing for boys! |
It is interesting to read that some of the same characteristics that may lead boys to dropout are many of the same reasons that I read in my book have led boys to school shootings. We really do need to support our students and make our schools safe places for them.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the first two pics aren't loading. It may just be my computer though.
I couldn't see the pics either...but I loved the information...I have personally witnessed what you mentioned about jealousy with the boy who would not go to college because of the family. I listened as a grandmother told her grandchild they didn't need to keep going to school they needed to stop that nonsense and get a job! I agree with the job part, but not the stop school!! It was so sad...the mindset that keeps the poverty cycle going. I have made it my mission to encourage my students to pursue their dreams whatever they are. Too many children do not have that encouragement at home...I feel like as educators it is our responsibility!
ReplyDeleteI reposted the pictures... thank you ladies!
ReplyDeleteFamilies really are so important! As I read this I couldn't help but feel sad when I read what these kids need support more than anything to succeed and in so many cases, they won't get that support. Why are people so intolerant of people who are different?
ReplyDeleteAfter reading this I thought of some of my former students and can could see the look and concern in their eyes. The sensitive kid you come to me wanting to do more girl stuff, I really don't feel like he was gay. However, his mom was always concerned that he would be and talked with me about getting him involved with boys. This is very hard on a teacher. However, like you mentioned in all of the types you mentioned that they needed support the most, I think that is true, because we all are different and need that sense of its okay.
ReplyDeleteLove the letter. I haven't seen that. I think the most important thing we can do for our students is to make sure they feel safe and accepted.
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