🐴 Why Boys Are Falling Behind (#126)

From movement-based microschools to the science of paper vs. screens. Plus: Is a new AI reading app promising 2nd-grade reading levels for toddlers worth the $500/month price tag?

Author

Charlie Deist
February 03, 2025

In today’s edition:

  • The movement movement in education that’s helping boys focus

  • New research on why paper beats pixels for learning and retention

  • A $500/month AI reading app (worth it?)

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💡 THOUGHT

“We are not dispensers of all the knowledge”

If you ever feel overwhelmed trying to be the perfect teacher for your kids, you’ll find Connor Boyack’s message in this video refreshing: stop trying to be an expert at everything.

The Tuttle Twins author reminds us that our job isn't to have all the answers – it's to help our children find them. Think of yourself as a learning facilitator rather than an all-knowing instructor.

What does this look like in practice?

  • Be a great resource finder (aka "professional Googler")

  • Ask guiding questions rather than giving lectures

  • Help them develop independent research skills

You're not failing if you don't know everything. You're succeeding when you show your children how to learn anything.

Boys, Books, and Breaking from College

Boys Need a New Playbook → Boys are labeled with ADHD 2x more than girls, reports Kerry McDonald. Soar Academy claims that movement is the solution that has allowed 90% of their previously medicated students to stop taking their ADHD medication.

Gen Z's $30k Reality Check → 1 in 4 college grads over 25 are earning less than $30k/year, and 6 in 10 employers are firing recent grads within months. Is it time to normalize trade schools, apprenticeships, and entrepreneurship as first-choice options?

Paper Makes Perfect? → A new meta-study shows we process information more deeply when reading on paper versus screens. This advantage holds across ages and has actually grown stronger over time.

🛠️ TOOL

Mentava: Teaching Toddlers to Read... But at What Cost?

A new AI-powered reading app has caught the attention of both high-achieving parents and Silicon Valley investors. Mentava claims it can teach 3-year-olds to read at a second-grade level using adaptive software and real-time feedback.

What Parents Love:

  • Phonics-focused approach with 44 English sounds

  • Short, manageable 15-minute lessons

  • Progress tracking and fun "dance party" rewards

Concerns:

  • High price point ($500/month)

  • Some parents report bugs and technical issues

  • Questions about screen time for very young children

For families seeking an alternative to private tutoring ($1000+/month) or elite preschools ($2500+/month), Mentava might offer an intriguing tech-driven option. But the steep price tag and mixed reviews suggest trying the 7-day free trial before committing.

(Meme) Monday

That’s all for today!

– Charlie (the OpenEd newsletter guy)

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