Boys in the Classroom ft. Dan Hodgins
Dan Hodgins
Meet our guest
Daniel Hodgins is an early childhood consultant, international presenter, and author of a popular two popular released books titled: Boys: Changing the Classroom, Not the Child and GET OVER IT, Relearning Guidance Practices. His new book, What the Hell, Where Did You Get That Idea? is being completed. As a consultant, he has a unique grasp of children and family issues learned from over 36 years of experience working as a teacher, director, educator, and parent in both private and public sectors. Much of his work involved children at risk; special needs populations and families with diverse challenges. In addition to his work as a consultant, Daniel has worked as a Director of Child Development Center; Parent-Child Cooperative Nursery School Teacher; Teacher in Elementary School and retired as Coordinator of Early Childhood Education at Mott Community College, in Flint, Michigan. He has given keynotes, seminars, and presentations in over 48 states, Canada, Europe, and Japan.
To learn more about Daniel and his work, click HERE to go to his website!
““Every child is looking for what they are good at.””
Teacher Takeaways
Boys…
We spend a lot of time telling boys (and children) what they shouldn’t do; we should tell them what they can do.
Have Moveable parts for children.
“Moveable parts” include: Broom, rake, shovel, blocks
Criteria when buying items think: Real, Relevant, Hooked to an emotional experience
Send a letter to parents listing typical, developmentally appropriate behavior so they know they are not alone and these things happen! Sample letter in Daniel’s book “Boys, Changing the Classroom, Not the Child.”
Pause state vs. active state.
Pause state: protection for boys. During a “pause state” they take longer. Think washing hands, and they are playing and not focused on washing, that’s a “pause state.” Or when gluing and they get lost in making ‘glue pools’.
What to do for pause state: provide more action for boys. For example, have them jump, climb, run, carry something heavy.
Resources
Referenced in the Interview
