Five Truths About Middle School Students

I came across this while reading some material sent to me by another teacher. I found it very interesting and very true. The material came from a book by Ruth Culham titled Traits of Writing: A Complete Guide for Middle School. See if you recognize your student (or another middle school age student):



Five Truths About Middle School Students



1. They have a hard time remembering things. They don't remember to put their names on their papers even though they did this automatically in elementary school. They don't remember where they put their papers, their backpacks, or that all-too-important permission slip. In fact, they remember hardly anything they consider mundane, no matter how desperately the adults in their lives wish they did. (You can apply this to home - "Where's my backpack? shoes? I was supposed to water the dog? I forgot!"



2. They don't like to do ordinary, repetitive tasks. They detest homework. They like to be occupied with work that matters to them. They like being active. (At home this could apply to doing the dishes, chores, etc.)



3. They must talk to learn. Talking is as essential to middle school students as breathing. Talking is how they process their world and make sense of it. (Are there days you wish they would just be quiet for 5 minutes? Other days when they don't talk at all except to friends?)

4. They adore technology. They "get it" in a way that we, as adults, never will. They will gladly show us what they know if given the opportunity to use computers, iPods, cell phones, interactive white boards, and on and on. (Do your children seem lost without their cell phones, iPods, computers, etc?? They can be a valuable tool if used correctly; however, we cannot just assume they know what is appropriate and what is not.)

5. They aren't high school students. Their strengths and weaknesses are different from older kids'. Yes, they have pasison and energy, but with these come moodiness and unbridled emotion. They should be taught for who they are now, what works for them now, what is meaningful now.

I know it seems that these Five Truths apply only to education, but I can see them also applying at home. Believe me, I have seen moody pre-teens at my house! All I can say is that it really is a fun age - enjoy them! They will be grown and gone before you know it!