Student teaching in an all boys classroom?

Question

I just recieved my first placement in student teaching and I will be in an all boys 3rd grade classroom. The cooperating teacher is also male and I am excited and nervous at the same time. Has any had any experience with single s*x(all male) classrooms. What are the challenges? Are there any websites where I can get male friendly learning center ideas?lesson plans, etc? (or even books)

I think this is going to be a truly unique learning experience. I really don't know what to expect. Any tips or advice on single s*x classrooms or even student teaching in general would be greatly appreciated!

Answer 1

How neat that you get such an interesting class to do your student teaching in.  :)  I can't offer too much advice as the closest I've come is a 3rd grade class with 4 girls and the rest boys, but I CAN offer up a handy website.  Http://www.guysread.com has resources and lists of books that guys (young and old) like.  I've heard boys complain that teachers always pick books where the main character is a girl, or the stories are boring, etc.  This site shows them that reading can be for them too, and it was created by male authors.  

I don't know about your state's curriculum for 3rd grade, but in NC, fairy tales are a genre we cover.  Most boys that age would gag at the very idea, but you can actually find a lot of entertaining fairy tales that are boy-friendly.  My personal favorites are Bubba, the Cowboy Prince (Cinderella character is a guy) and The True Story of the Three Little Pigs.  

As for things my boys have been interested in, bridges (different types and how to build them), the Titanic, anything war related or historical, potty humor, rock and roll, etc.  You just have to think outside the box a little more because they're more vocal when they don't like something.  Present it as a challenge (whatever "it" is), and they love it.

One thing to be mindful of is how you dress.  I've heard principals complain time and again that younger teachers and student teachers aren't dressing appropriately.  My principal said she could tell us what sort of thongs various teachers wear.  Longer shirts are in style now, so take advantage of that.  :)

Good luck with your student teaching.  I hope you get some more helpful answers on here.