Document Type

Graduate Project

Date of Degree Completion

2011

Degree Name

Master of Education (MEd)

Department

Education

Committee Chair

Steven Schmitz

Second Committee Member

M. Ross

Third Committee Member

S. Nourse

Abstract

The purpose of this project was to develop a guide for elementary teachers to improve writing strategies and motivation of boys. Nationally, boys are more likely than girls to struggle with writing in the elementary classroom. Teachers need to understand the differences that boys and girls bring to their classroom and develop strategies and lessons that make writing more inviting to boys. The project discusses current research about why boys are more likely to struggle than girls, because of innate differences in the brain, the classroom arrangement, and issues of motivation. It also provides a guide of activities and strategies that teachers can use in their classroom to promote enjoyment and motivation for boys who struggle with all aspects of the writing process. This includes idea brainstorming, editing and revising, and handwriting skills. By implementing ideas from the guide, teachers may find that boys in their classroom are more excited about expressing themselves through writing and experience success in writing that is vital to their education in the future.

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