American Montessori Society (AMS)
06 April 2026
What do boys really need from the adults who teach and raise them? In this episode of Educating the Human Potential, hosts Biff Maier and Nicole Coman sit down with renowned psychologist and author Michael Thompson, whose decades of work have focused on boys’ development, friendships, emotional lives, and school experiences. Together they explore how developmental differences can shape boys’ experiences in school, why some boys disengage from learning, and how educators and parents can better support their emotional growth and sense of belonging. In this conversation, they discuss: Key developmental differences that can impact boys in schoolWhy some boys struggle with engagement and motivationHow boys often experience and express emotions differentlyThe importance of belonging, friendship, and psychological safetyHow schools can better support boys’ learning and developmentPractical ways adults can better connect with and support boys At the heart of the conversation is a simple but powerful message: boys don’t need to be “fixed” — they need understanding, encouragement, structure, and care to reach their full potential. Contact Us: humanpotential@amshq.org Educating the Human Potential is a podcast about optimizing education for a better society, through a Montessori lens. Hosts Nicole Coman, a licensed educational psychologist specializing in school psychology and child development -- and a "Montessori mom" -- and Biff Maier, an American Montessori Society Living Legacy with decades of experience as a Montessori educator and school leader, engage with experts, educators, parents, and students. Each episode explores strategies to unlock human potential, offering thought-provoking conversations on learning, child development, and the evolving landscape of education. This podcast is presented by AMS, the American Montessori Society. For more information about Montessori education, visit https://amshq.org/about-montessori/ And consider this AMS course for families interested in incorporating the Montessori philosophy into their day-to-day lives and parenting approach: https://learn.amshq.org/parent-course-early-childhood Contact us: humanpotential@amshq.org
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