Positive Solutions To Get Your Son Back on Track Why is your smart, perceptive son suddenly struggling at school? Are daily arguments about homework turning your home into a battle zone? It is no secret boys are falling behind in education, with fewer young men graduating from high school and enrolling in college every year. Filled with reassurance and support, "Jump-Starting Boys" has heart-warming true stories, take-action checklists and over 200 helpful tips. Educators and mothers themselves, authors Pam Withers and Cynthia Gill, MA, LMFT, turn fear and guilt into can-do confidence through easy techniques and achievable solutions. Finally--a book that truly targets concerned parents and helps you work with your son to make sure he beats the odds and becomes a lifelong learner! LEARN HOW TO: - Determine your son's learning style and how best to help him learn - Strengthen your child's memory - Encourage him to appreciate math and science (even if you don't) - Engage your reluctant reader via book clubs, graphic novels and kinesthetic activities - Limit his screen time without coming across as a tyrant - Use his interest in technology to foster excitement about learning and forming good homework habits

Table of Contents Introduction...page 4 About the authors... page 5 Chapter One: Who's underachieving now? Yes, boys. Who says and why? ...page 6 Chapter Two: The literacy link: Why reading and writing skills are key...page 16 Chapter Three: Math, science and underachievement: Making the difference...page 26 Chapter Four: What holds smart kids back? Physical issues ...page 37 Chapter Five: Dads and other alpha males: The role model factor at home...page 49 Chapter Six: School shortcomings: What parents can do...page 60 Chapter Seven: Wise guys: The importance of mentors...page 71 Chapter Eight: Real boys read: What and how do they want to read?...page 82 Chapter Nine: Real boys write: Making it happen, making it fun and effective...page 92 Chapter Ten: Real boys talk: Winning with words...page 102 Chapter Eleven: School's out: Transitions to adulthood...page 114 Appendix Endnotes...page 120 Bibliography...page 134 Additional recommended books for parents...page 147 Parenting, literacy and education websites (including Cynthia's picks)...page 149 Finding books for reluctant readers...page 155 Publishers of books for reluctant readers...page 155 Websites for preteens and teens...page 157 Mentoring and reading-buddy websites...page 159 Acknowledgments...page 161