On an average, many toddler boys have difficulty in school than toddler girls. Because of this, poor performance in school plus minimal exposure to physical activities occur which can hinder toddler learning.

The Reasons Behind The Struggle

Developmental Differences

While many toddler boys are excellent students throughout their school years, the language center of a boys brain develops later than girls. Because of this, toddler boys cannot talk as quicker and as clearly as toddler girls which makes them acquire reading and writing skills at a later time.

Toddler boys also interact differently especially in groups. For instance, a little boy alone may be content finishing a jigsaw puzzle, looking at a book or watching television but once he spots other boys around, competition and action usually erupt leaving the activity he was previously attached to behind.

Boys Are More Active and Aggressive Than Girls

Toddler boys are generally more abstract thinkers than girls. Meaning, they strive best when they are active. Compared to girls whose common notion of being active is sitting down and listening, toddler boys are spatial learners. Little boys feel the need to unleash their energy, hence the reason why they can never sit still during a class discussion and do things repetitively. They always crave for action and movement. Recent studies conducted in a preschool in the United States have proven this theory. Among the 70 students enrolled, a good 45% of the toddler boys in that preschool pay more attention to subjects that involve hands-on interaction and they are more likely to participate during playtime and other physically demanding activities.

Different Style of Learning

Research show that boys and girls rely on different parts of the brain when it comes to learning. Toddler girls rely on speech, either oral or written as their main source of information. While boys on the other hand have a sensory approach to learning, which means they comprehend and process information better when they can manipulate the material or when things are demonstrated. For instance, when a teacher gives a demonstration to the class, boys are more likely to understand the information better than if the teacher began the class by giving verbal instructions.

Ways to Support Toddler Boys

Timing Is Everything

Never push your little boy especially if he is not yet ready. If he gets nervous when you mention the word school, do not pressure him. Take it slowly. Prepare him by talking to him about it and ask what scares him. Visit a preschool around your area so he can see what goes on,  the people around and the things he can do. Let him watch shows about kids starting school. Once he sees how great school can be, he will be ecstatic to start his first day,

Look For Literacy Programs

Inquire about various hands-on learning and problem-solving opportunities that are part of the school day. Look for a school with literacy-based computer programs to ensure your little boy can actively participate, enjoy, learn and thrive at the same time.

Show Moral Support

Be your son’s cheerleader. Give him lots of hugs, kisses and encouraging words. Talk to your little boy. Ask him how his day went, his favorite things about preschool, his friends and if there are any problems he would like to tell you. Commend him for doing such a great job in school. By diverting the attention to the good things, you erase the pressure he feels and encourage good behaviour instead.

Boys are not better than girls and girls are not better than boys. But boys and girls are undoubtedly different. Parents and teachers need to be aware of these dissimilarities to give toddlers the best advantage in learning.