Finding Nuance in the Middle School Classroom

Stephen Davis@rushtheiceberg

www.rushtheiceberg.com

Collaborative Google Doc

Finding Nuance in the Middle School Classroom - Google Docs http://bit.

ly/filRDg

This AND That

Middle Level Students…

…are experimenting with life

…can smell fear a mile away

…vacillate along a scale of deep depression (for both real and imagined reasons) and pure

jubilation (for both real and imagined reasons)

Today’s Takeaways

Allow students to move

Allow students to think

Allow students to be emotional

Allow students to be social

Once our students enter Middle School, it is like they

are walking inside an amusement park.

You Do Not Have to Be Like This Teacher!

Allow your students to move

Physical Needs of AdolescentsAdolescents experience more physical changes than at any other time in their lives, except the first two years of their

of life.

Practical Applications

Students can sit on the ground or stand

Students can work outside

Students can brainstorm while walking the track

Students can pass back papers

The Nuance

Students need to be free to move around, yet still have constraints and organization

just like a rollercoaster.

How Can You Allow Your Students to Move in Your Class?

Allow your students to think

Intellectual Needs of AdolescentsAdolescents begin to increase their ability

to execute abstract thought processes, though often overlooked because it’s not

as obvious as physical changes.

Practical Applications

Thinking takes time

Time shift “Exit Slips” with Wallwisher and Answer Garden

Questions are evidence of thinking

Well meaning sarcasm is powerful

The Nuance

Students think differently than teachers. Students will get to an answer even though it

may not be a straight line, just like this rollercoaster.

How Can You Allow Your Students to Think in Your Class?

Allow your students to be emotional

Emotional Needs of AdolescentsAdolescents exhibit intensity and unpredictability

because they’re attempting to navigate their developing identity as an adult, while maintaining

credibility with peers.

Practical Applications

Students are moody. You are, too!

Show students your emotions

When you are tired, tell them

When you have other things on your mind, tell them

The Nuance

Just like this rollercoaster, students’ emotions will be all over the place and upside down. Don’t fight it; enjoy the

ride!

How Can You Allow Your Students to Be Emotional in Your

Class?

Allow your students to be social

Social Needs of AdolescentsAdolescents desire to be in a group, with

increasing importance placed on being associated with other adolescents rather

than adults.

Practical Applications

Students learn when they talk with each other

Group work does not have to be a long, drawn out process. Three minutes works well!

Talk with your students in between classes, on the way to lunch, at after school activities

Google’s 20% Philosophy

The Nuance

Like standing in line at an amusement park, school is often boring, but more enjoyable and meaningful for students when allowed

to talk with others.

How Can You Allow Your Students to Be Social in Your

Class?

Suggested WebsitesMiddleweb

Fires in the Mind

Social Voice

The Line

Middle School Matters

A Teacher’s Desk

#midleved

Today’s Takeaways

Allow students to move

Allow students to think

Allow students to be emotional

Allow students to be social

Closing Thoughts

Like roller coasters, each class will be different…

There will be bumps…

There will be tunnels of darkness…

…but there will be joy burned

into your memories for

the rest of your life.