Old Veteran Here

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Old Veteran Here
By Theresa

After being in middle school for 13 years and STILL loving it, I think I can help you a bit.
1. Do NOT call your new home the "roughest school in that district." Something as simple as a positive outlook makes ALL the
difference in the world.
2. Have no more than 5 rules and stick to them like glue! Make sure they are rules you can enforce EVERY time.
3. Tell the students what you expect, how you expect it, when you expect it, and why you expect it. They will appreciate the fact that you trust their budding maturity enough to do all four of these things. Example, on our first spelling test, I have

a poster size sheet of paper or transparency to demonstrate EXACTLY how to number the paper, record their answers, etc. I tell them that not following the directions precisely will cause them to REDO the entire test (that gets the attention!).
I realize this is an example in instruction but really it is an example of being the adult in the classroom. Following directions (rules) is the number one requirement for a classroom to function.
I recommend a book by Lee Canter called Behavior Management in the Middle School Classroom. It is loaded with information.
I also want to encourage you to reach out to the veteran teachers at your new school. They've "been there, done that, lived through it." Don't be shy about asking what works for them. Most would be honored to help.
Good luck!