ABSTRACT
Chapter Four interrogates the myth of male emotional mutism and looks at what is preventing men from engaging in the talk that could help them articulate their feelings. The chapter helps teachers to prepare boys to communicate effectively. The chapter outlines and challenges men’s reluctance and inability to talk about their concerns and the impact on male mental health this has. The chapter summarises the research into the differences between how girls and boys talk socially, respond to problems, and question each other. The chapter challenges the perception of banter as fun, explaining how damaging banter can be to boys and men; in particular, teachers are urged to avoid resorting to banter as a means of communication with male students. Case studies from secondary schools are presented on how to teach students, and in particular boys, to talk to each other kindly and more effectively. Multiple solutions and resources, including ‘I Feel, I Need’ cards as a photocopiable resource, are offered on how to encourage more extensive and emotionally nuanced student talk and how to model and teach this to students. An adaptable lesson plan for teaching and practising listening skills is included as a resource for teachers.
