As educators, we are responsible for cultivating an inclusive learning environment that values and celebrates diversity. One powerful way to achieve this is by providing students with a diverse reading list that exposes them to different cultures, experiences, and perspectives. Here is a reading list specifically curated for your middle school summer reading list. Each […]
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Posted inPedagogy
Use the World Cup to Score Higher Engagement with Middle Schoolers
Have you signed up for The Educator’s Room Daily Newsletter? Click here and support independent journalism! Studies have shown over and over again that students learn best when they find the content relevant and engaging. Lately, I’ve found my middle school students to be super engaged with the World Cup. Rather than repeating, “Guys, please […]
Posted inMiddle School
Our Middle Schoolers Deserve Better
Anyone who has taught middle schoolers can tell you – it is a time of abrupt and rapid change for students that can cause uncertainty, self-esteem lapses, and academic performance drops. For elementary schools, we see a lot of focus paid to their structure, pedagogy, and support, as is appropriate for foundational learning. On the […]
Posted inCOVID-19
When Teaching Middle Schoolers: The Most Asked Question is, “Are You Insane?”
“Oh, bless your heart!” “Do you enjoy torture and insane little heathens?” “You’d have to be crazy to teach that age group!” These are the questions other teachers ask me when they find out I actually enjoy teaching middle school. Those responses are what I usually hear when I tell people of my occupation, along with […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
In Defense of Middle School
By Sarah Mattie When I tell people I teach middle school (grades 6-8), the response is always the same: “Ugh! They’re the worst! You must be a very special person. I could never do that job.” Please. Stop. I know you mean well. I do. I am making no assumptions about your intent in those […]
Posted inBack to School
Want to Be Ready for Middle School? Start With These 4 Skills
Other than the first day of kindergarten, the first day of middle school may be one of the most anxiety-producing days for students and parents alike. The good news is that you and your child CAN and WILL survive this transition – especially if you help develop these 4 skills your child needs before starting […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
LGBT Perspectives in the Middle School Classroom
There has recently been a lot of buzz around a new short animated film entitled “In a Heartbeat.” I first saw it being shared on Facebook, and since it was posted on July 31st, it has been viewed over 20 million times. If you have not had the chance to view it yet, here is […]
Posted inInstruction & Curriculum
Motivating The Unmotivated Middle School Students
I have been working as an RTI Specialist in my current district for seven years. This means I have helped students who perform below average, or are very close to performing below average (based on Standardized test data) for seven years. Over the course of these seven years, I have noticed a few things about […]