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GURIAN INSTITUTE > ​Elementary Education: Learning through A Gender Lens

Elementary Education:
Learning through A Gender Lens

Brain Facts for Elementary Ages

The cerebellum is the “doing center” of the brain. In the male brain, it tends to be larger. This may be one reason boys tend to be more physically active and have a bit less impulse control. Sometimes we find a boy getting into trouble at school (and at home) because he “just can’t sit still!” He may just be responding to his biology. More movement in the classroom and out will be a big help for elementary age students (for both boys and girls)!

The Need and The Gurian Institute Solution

  • Gender gaps in learning are significant in many school districts.
  • Many boys—especially boys of color—are dropping out and/or failing in the traditional classroom.
  • Many girls face continuing challenges in math, science, and technology.
  • Core areas such as math, science, and literacy are not often taught in the most effective way possible for global competitiveness.
  • Graduation rates, discipline, drop outs, suspensions and expulsions are concerns in many districts.
  • Parents and community support systems are searching for meaningful and proven ways to enhance learning for boys and girls throughout the spectrum..

Educators and parents intuitively sense that boys and girls grow and learn differently, but are taught too little about these sex, gender, and behavioral differences in professional development, parenting programs, college classes, and teacher certification.

Teaching educators and parents about the neuro-biological and biochemical make-up of boys and girls throughout the spectrum, as well as cultural and societal expectations, leads to profound understanding of the challenges faced in both families and classrooms from preschool through high school.

The Gurian Institute team works with schools, districts, early and special-education programs, and mentoring agencies and communities throughout the United States and around the world—teaching them how boys and girls learn differently across the gender spectrum.

Our focus is the development of best practices and innovative teaching strategies, and implementation of professional development programs that ensure boy-and girl-friendly environments in homes, schools, and communities.

Helping Boys and Girls Reach Their Potential
Helping Schools Close Achievement Gaps

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The Gurian Institute Solution

  • The Gurian Institute teaches parents and early childhood educators about the neurobiological and biochemical make-up of boys and girls to assist them in nurturing the development of their children in the context of their family and culture.
  • Gurian Institute materials and trainers help instill a sense of collaboration between the home and early childhood programs.
  • The Gurian Institute provides customized professional development for early childhood educators, with strategies that align with the current program values, performance standards and curriculum.
  • The Gurian Institute provides planning that works with your current needs and develops a plan that is comprehensive, systemic and sustainable.

“Staff response to this training was overwhelmingly positive! They immediately put the information they learned to work in their parent meetings, socialization events, classroom experiences and home visits. Thank you for this valuable professional development experience. This has increased the capacity of our program to provide meaningful, individualized services to girls and boys alike! You are welcome to share my thoughts with other people who may be interested in learning more about what the Gurian Institute Trainings can do for their staff.” – Carolyn Sola

Contact the Gurian Institute at info@gurianinstitute.com for information on how a professional development plan can be designed to meet the needs of your organization and the families you serve.

​Elementary Education: Learning through A Gender Lens - GURIAN INSTITUTE