How Do You 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. 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%. 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. 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. Set up a restroom pass system. Middle schoolers love any reason to get up and go. H
