Deja Vu

I read the following post on Ms. Pohanka's blog called One Student at a Time (link). Everything she said was true of my own experience in Middle School. I am going to keep these observations in mind when I revamp my curriculum this summer. I couldn't say it any better, so I used her words.

1. They like to talk.

• I think they like to hear the sound of their own voices. They will talk anytime, anywhere about anything. If they raise their hands, ask first what they are going to say. If not, you may be sorry.

2. They rarely are still.

• They give new meaning to the phrase “movers and shakers”. They can somehow climb into a chair and sit in positions that I didn’t know were even possible. Don’t expect them to sit still for very long; it won’t happen.

3. They eat strange food for breakfast.

• Seriously, a Mountain Dew Slurpee? I’m not kidding.

4. They are opinionated.

• They love to argue…about anything. They will need reminders that they don’t have to argue everything that everyone says. If you give them a debate to do as a project in class, they will put that to good use and will learn everything so they can argue.

5. They all have amazing and often unseen talents.

• Fencing, horseback riding, soccer, music, acting, and more are all things that they can do, and do well. Get to know what they like to do outside of the classroom and you will be shocked at their wide range of interests and talents.

6. They are compassionate.

• They will ask how your weekend was; they will notice a slight limp and ask how you hurt yourself. They remember everything you tell them about yourself and will bring it up later to your delight.

7. They are 21st Century Learners

• They get it. They love to collaborate and work together. They get that it makes sense to work to each persons strengths and get the best out of everyone they can. They aren’t afraid of anything you can throw at them that is new. They will figure it out and make it work.

8. They will make you a better teacher if you choose to rise to the occasion.

• Teaching them is hard if you expect them to be just like all of your other classes. They aren’t like all of your other classes. If you try to put them into that mold, it won’t work. They will drive you crazy. But, if you rise to the occasion and take the time to figure out what works for them, you won’t be sorry. You will be a better teacher.

References
Classroom picture from Flickr (link)