Managing Middle Schoolers

This blog addresses the following: classroom management, working with exceptionalities, and technology in middle schools. (Know that people will be responding to your posts and offering their insights and advice.)

Welcome back! Your students need you and are so lucky to be in your class! I hope you all have a fabulous year.

As you begin to plan for the year, I am sure you are thinking about how to organize your classroom...rules, responsibilities, building a culture of care within your class and your team works better when there is consistency across the school, how to communicate with children and parents and colleagues. Some middle schools have PBIS which gives structure and expectations to all students. Within your classroom getting to know your students is extremely valuable. Know that they will be very honest with you. Consider starting with an interest inventory and consider how to help your students get to know one another.

One of the first things I teach them is how to line up for fire drills. Each class starts with this. I say, 'You have to line up in alphabetical order. I need to see how quickly you can do this. Once you are in alphabetical order I need you to be absolutely quiet. Go.' I do not tell them how to get in alphabetical order. It is an activity to get them to problem solve. The first time will take a few minutes. I then said, 'Okay, go to your seats.'  They will do this. 'Now,' I say, 'Do it again. Go.' We see how quickly, and safely, they get in line. When we are successful we celebrate with silent celebrations (Students can dance, jump, move with no sound.)

A second routine I teacht my students is how to respond when an adult or student comes to the door. It is important that whatever message is being delivered, we freeze. I tell them to stop, put your head down or stare gently at the visitor, completely silent. We practice it. The best part is when someone comes in. Magic happens when they participate in this routine. When it happens first, I say, 'Fabulous, loo at how effective this is! You all are amazing and we are amazing! Great job. Stay frozen,' then I turn to the visitor and share what we are doing and ask what they need. (:

Celebrate successes!