'big kids'

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'big kids'
By jasm

Hi. I've been teaching 7th and 8th grades since January, and I love this age group! I can't imagine myself ever being with 'little ones' day in and day out; middle school kids are challenging, but so funny and interesting!
In my experience, class management of this age group depends on RESPECT. You need to show them that you respect them and make it clear that you expect respect in return. They like to try to draw you off-topic into their own discussions, and, in my own opinion, sometimes they need an adult to discuss (in an open-minded, tolerant manner) the things that are on their mind (gender relations,

race relations, parent relations, teacher relations, all kinds of friendship topics- not to mention drugs, drinking, smoking, etc.). But beware that they don't get you to go off-topic so often that you can't get your lessons taught. They really need a sympathetic ear, but they also need to know that their teachers are the adults, and they are still children, and the teacher is the ultimate authority in the classroom. I don't use stickers with my students, but I do write notes on their papers (great work! impressive! nice effort! you need to follow directions.....), and I have a set of stampers that have similar sayings on them. You may also want a stamper that says 'Please sign and return' because most parents don't check through the bookbags of older children in the same way that they do with younger children. Another big issue with middle school kids is organization- gosh, do they lose and forget things! This is something that you should anticipate, as you need a plan to support them in learning organzational skills while keeping your own sanity. Good luck this year- I hope you enjoy the challenges of this age group as much as I do!