You are finally done with elementary school! One more year and it would have been ugly for all concerned. Congratulations, as you move on to the next biggest phase of your life - Middle School!
Here at Githens, we love introducing sixth graders to this world called middle school. It's fun, funny, and fantastic. The person you entered as will not be the same person leaving, but rather someone more mature due to a plethora of experiences, both academic and social.
The purpose of my blogs will be to help you navigate middle school - all the ins and outs of this interesting world. Some blogs will be my "soap box," advising you through tough yet typical times, celebrating your uniqueness, and yes, many will be academic based. I hope to make blogging an extension of our classroom relationship.
Below are two (there are more) non-academic observations I have about the social life in middle school:
Social Life & Friendships -
Friends are a very important part of your school day. This past year, there were lots of hugging upon seeing each other. While some raised eye-brows, most were the innocent, "I'm-so-happy-to-see-you,- even-though-we-talked-all-day-yesterday,-and-on Facebook,-and-you-texted-me-on-the-way-to- school, hugs. Then you huddle together at the lockers, exchange wardrobe notes talk about others, and require an act of supreme being to separate and get to class. You can recall the details about each others clothes worn last week, yet cannot restate what was just read!
Social Life & Talking -
It seems that each year middle school students talk more than the year before. The ability to socialize with old and new friends is at the top of your list of things to do. Observing students interactions with each other during these moments are interesting. They are listening, focused and responsive. Of course! The subject matter is of high-interest! I want a piece of student engagement, so I create high-interest activities. Guess what? They still get off task and need to be redirected. When not able to verbally speak, you pass notes and attempt to text. Hey, aren't you going to lunch in five mintues???
The on-going battle of the talkers!
Here at Githens, we love introducing sixth graders to this world called middle school. It's fun, funny, and fantastic. The person you entered as will not be the same person leaving, but rather someone more mature due to a plethora of experiences, both academic and social.
The purpose of my blogs will be to help you navigate middle school - all the ins and outs of this interesting world. Some blogs will be my "soap box," advising you through tough yet typical times, celebrating your uniqueness, and yes, many will be academic based. I hope to make blogging an extension of our classroom relationship.
Below are two (there are more) non-academic observations I have about the social life in middle school:
Social Life & Friendships -
Friends are a very important part of your school day. This past year, there were lots of hugging upon seeing each other. While some raised eye-brows, most were the innocent, "I'm-so-happy-to-see-you,- even-though-we-talked-all-day-yesterday,-and-on Facebook,-and-you-texted-me-on-the-way-to- school, hugs. Then you huddle together at the lockers, exchange wardrobe notes talk about others, and require an act of supreme being to separate and get to class. You can recall the details about each others clothes worn last week, yet cannot restate what was just read!
Social Life & Talking -
It seems that each year middle school students talk more than the year before. The ability to socialize with old and new friends is at the top of your list of things to do. Observing students interactions with each other during these moments are interesting. They are listening, focused and responsive. Of course! The subject matter is of high-interest! I want a piece of student engagement, so I create high-interest activities. Guess what? They still get off task and need to be redirected. When not able to verbally speak, you pass notes and attempt to text. Hey, aren't you going to lunch in five mintues???
The on-going battle of the talkers!