Why Early Education Needs Movement, Challenge, and Male Role Models and Boys’ Natural Development
I want to put a tree in every preschool classroom, so that every child, especially energetic boys, can experience learning through active play and physical challenge.
Do you remember being really young and finding adventure in the backyard, or in the woods down the street, or at the park at the end of the block? The center of attraction was often a tree that presented the ultimate challenge: climb me.
When I was growing up, our neighborhood had the perfect challenge tree. We called it the “wiggly tree.” Its shape was bizarre—rising out of the ground about four feet, then taking a sharp turn to run parallel to the ground for another four feet, and then shooting up toward the sky. What caused this tree to grow that way will forever remain a mystery. But the challenge was obvious.
When you were very young, getting up those first four feet was nearly impossible. Once you gained the height that allowed that climb, you were golden. You could scoot along the trunk to the next challenge, keeping your balance so you wouldn’t fall off and have to start over. Of course, we’re not counting how many times your brother pushed you off while laughing.
Once you conquered the section parallel to the ground, you were ready to climb. The branches seemed arranged to invite you upward. Right foot, left foot, repeat. The challenge was to see how high you could go. Fortunately, no one ever fell out. That feels like a miracle, because broken bones, or worse, could easily have happened.
Let me explain why I believe every preschool should have a tree.
A tree offers children—especially boys who often struggle to sit still during story time—an engaging way to focus and learn. By letting them balance and move in a tree, we can channel their energy into attentive learning without forcing them to remain seated.
The educational system often favors learning styles more common among girls: sitting quietly, listening, staying still. Boys frequently need movement, challenge, and physical engagement to learn effectively. This difference is rarely reflected in how classrooms are structured.
I also want to put a male teacher in every preschool classroom.
The early stages of school are critical. They set the stage for a child’s future in education. An investment here pays off for years to come. Every classroom should be staffed by both a male and a female teacher. Young boys especially benefit from seeing and learning from male role models in their earliest educational experiences.
Helping children climb trees at a young age builds their confidence and physical skills, making other challenges—like climbing ladders—easier to handle later in life.
For more reflections on boys’ development, movement‑based learning, and early childhood education, explore articles on Psychology Today and research from Greater Good Science Center.
If you want support advocating for boys’ emotional and developmental needs, or navigating early childhood challenges, learn more about individual therapy in Maryland and DC or explore therapeutic approaches that help families and educators support boys’ natural strengths.
By Dr. Gloria K Vanderhorst