Middle grades is a bridge between childhood and early adulthood. When teaching in middles school, I believe in teaching to the cognitive, physical, and social and emotional development of the adolescent. When considering the uniqueness of a middle school student, they will reach their educational and personal goals. Teaching should be flexible, variable, and individualized to reach all learners in the class. When all students are reached, they develop an understanding of how the world around them works. Students should be challenged for them to grow to their full potential.
While in my classroom, I want students to have freedom of creativity and expression. They should know that my classroom is a safe space for them to express themselves. My learners will be able to express themselves whether it is emotionally, socially, or physically. It is important, that my student’s parents, colleagues, and the community see me as a person that students can approach without being discriminatory.
With my experiences with working with adolescents, I know that the environment of my class will be one that is motivating and enjoyable. Motivation is the key to learning, if the content does not motivate the students, they will not be engaged in the instruction. Using collaborative learning is one way to motivate a group of adolescents. Students will be placed in groups, and each student will have a responsibility to fulfill within the group. It will give my students the opportunity to interact collaboratively with their peers. I use explicit teaching in my lessons. I will open most of my lessons with a demonstration that relates to the lesson for the day and then continues with asking my students open-ended questions about the presentation. There will not be right and wrong answers during the discussion. All answers will be rewarded with positive reinforcements. Positive reinforcements are another way to motivate students to learn. Overall, a middle school classroom should be informational, exciting, and motivating. Without these essential elements, the classroom is a complete fail.
While in my classroom, I want students to have freedom of creativity and expression. They should know that my classroom is a safe space for them to express themselves. My learners will be able to express themselves whether it is emotionally, socially, or physically. It is important, that my student’s parents, colleagues, and the community see me as a person that students can approach without being discriminatory.
With my experiences with working with adolescents, I know that the environment of my class will be one that is motivating and enjoyable. Motivation is the key to learning, if the content does not motivate the students, they will not be engaged in the instruction. Using collaborative learning is one way to motivate a group of adolescents. Students will be placed in groups, and each student will have a responsibility to fulfill within the group. It will give my students the opportunity to interact collaboratively with their peers. I use explicit teaching in my lessons. I will open most of my lessons with a demonstration that relates to the lesson for the day and then continues with asking my students open-ended questions about the presentation. There will not be right and wrong answers during the discussion. All answers will be rewarded with positive reinforcements. Positive reinforcements are another way to motivate students to learn. Overall, a middle school classroom should be informational, exciting, and motivating. Without these essential elements, the classroom is a complete fail.