How to Teach Middle School Students

Middle school students are an interesting breed. Not yet grown up enough to make all their own decisions, but not young enough to depend entirely on parents and teachers, middle schoolers present an interesting challenge. Educators that can find a balance between nurturing and independence will have success teaching middle school students.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

1. Have very clear expectations written up for parents and students at the beginning of the year, including how the student will be graded. For example, homework 30%, quizzes 30% and tests 40%.

2. Develop a homework schedule and don't deviate from it. This helps students schedule their time. It also eliminates student's excuses for not knowing about homework. Try homework every Tuesday and Thursday with no homework on Fridays.

3. Publish homework assignments in three places: the front of the classroom, outside your door and on the Internet. This also helps cut down on excuses.

4. Set up a restroom pass system. Middle schoolers love any reason to get up and go. Having a pass system in place that is fair and equitable will alleviate too many disruptions. Make sure your students know you always have the option of taking away restroom privileges if they are abused.

5. Require students to use a daily planner or provide them with an assignment sheet for your class. At the end of each class tell students to get out their assignment sheet and write down the following, giving that day's assignment. This encourages organizational skills.

6. Remember that middle school students often just have bad days. There are so many changes they are experiencing and the more understanding you can be the better.

7. Be organized. One the biggest challenges for middle school students is staying organized. An organized teacher and classroom sets a good example and encourages a sense of confidence. Middle schoolers need to feel safe and cared for even though they want their independence.

Tips & Warnings

• The best way to gain the respect of middle school students in your classroom is to remember that you are first their teacher and then their friend. Establish strict behavioral guidelines early and then loosen up as you see how each class develops. Some groups you will need to keep a tight reign on all year and others you will be able to give a little.
• Middle schoolers are very intuitive and can tell right away who really cares for them and loves being with them everyday. If you don't relate to this age, consider teaching at a different level. It takes a special person to love middle schoolers and teach them well.

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[sarahpb]

on 8/31/2009 I would also recommend the importance of showing them who you are and what you're into. It establishes common grounds and shows that you're a real person.

[vrogers]

on 7/24/2009 Great advice for a teacher who is returning to this age group after many years! Thanks!