Spin-off to "boys" post....Question for teachers, out of curiosity...

To all the educators/childcare providers:

Do you find one gender over the other more challenging ? If so what ages do you generally deal with ?

I myself am a daycare provider ( on a very very extended maternity leave )...A step-mom to a girl-age 11, have a DS(almost 4) and a DD (8 months) of my own....

I will honestly say, that in general the toddler/pre-k age I find boys to be more "active" ( which can often times = more challenging)...Including my own DS At the same time I love little boys adventurous ways....

This is purely my past experience and was wondering what others in the field who have been exposed to many different children and genders would say....

Re: Spin-off to "boys" post....Question for teachers, out of curiosity...

I'm a middle school teacher....so they're all crazy at that age! Boys are hyper and immature, girls are chatty and self-absorbed.
But I do love them all!!

Re: Spin-off to "boys" post....Question for teachers, out of curiosity...

That totally depends on what aspect of personality we are discussing.

I've been teaching in the primary grades for 12 years and here's my take on the 4 - 8 year old set:

Boys are more active and are harder to settle down. They are also more prone to temper tantrums out of frustration. They fight physically with their friends more often, but they also forgive and forget more quickly and easily. Physically speaking, boys are more challenging.

Girls have more personality quirks and are more likely to cop a 'tude or cry at the drop of a hat. They also have more social issues and drama about friends. Their conflicts are harder to settle and grudges are often carried. Emotionally speaking, girls are more challenging.

Message edited 8/31/2009 7:00:06 PM.

Re: Spin-off to "boys" post....Question for teachers, out of curiosity...

I teach middle school and I have to say the girls at the age can be challnging. I think it's the messages they get from the media that it's OK to be a ditz (thanks, Britney, Lindsay et al for that!). The clothing for that age pushes them to be sexy which is scary! My 13 yr olds hate that I keep the classroom windows open year round (kills germs), but maybe it will keep them from wearing skimpy tank tops with bra straps showing I find the girls are the ones who will roll their eyes and have an attitude.

My middle school boys can be rambunctious, but will usually stop if asked and generally don't have the "sassiness" (man I feel old using that word ) that the girls might.

I've certainly had some lovely, bright girls in class, but the boys are actually easier to manage.

I worry about raising a girl today and hope that I can keep her interested in books, school and learning! Needless to say I want her dressed age appropriately.

Re: Spin-off to "boys" post....Question for teachers, out of curiosity...

I think it depends on the grade level and what you teach. I teach HS special eduction and the boys tend to be more challenging. Although oftentimes more boys are classified than girls, sometime for behavioral reasons.

Re: Spin-off to "boys" post....Question for teachers, out of curiosity...

Wow ...so interesting !!