Middle school kids.. long By Trish

I LOVE this age group. My absolute favorite grade is 7th.

I try to remember what I felt and thought when I was that age. Think about it. It was really hard. You are not an adult but are constantly being told to grow up. You are not a little kid but still like all that kiddy stuff but CAN"T admit it, if you do you get.. You are too big for that! grow up!

I tell my kids 'Don't grow up" BE YOU. I expect my kids to goof up and I tell them that. But after they do that, they better learn from that goof up, you know?

Be yourself with them.. if you don't they will know and eat you up! Kids can spot phony a mile away. If you are nervous, tell them.. If you are having a bad day tell them. They will become comfortable with you and respect you for your honesty.

If you have any more specfic questions, feel free to email me. I would be more than happy to help you in anyway I can.

ALso, if you can get Harry Wong's First Days of School. There are so many great tips in there and they really work.

Another pointer, don't give them too much idle time (free time.. I rarely give this.. like once in a blue moon) These kids will get themselves in trouble with free time.

You mentioned you are teaching science.. Do LOTS of hands-on activities. Don't just read out of the book and have them copy vocabulary words. They will have better behavior if they know a lab is coming up. I use labs as part of my behavior management. If you misbehave during lecture, you loose lab.. I can't trust you to do it.
There are so many labs out there. My first year, there were no supplies in my lab, I did simple things that I bought myself. I can help you with ideas if you want here.
Also, I am part of a mailing group that targets middle school science. If you are interested, I'll give you that email address.. just email me and let me know.

You'll love this group. They will push you, but they need you. This is the age that parents tend to leave them alone more. Hug them, listen to them, let them know you respect them (even in their worst times) and they will respect you.

Hope this helps.
Sorry to get carried away.. I really love these kids

Trish