The #AmbitiousBlackFeminist
And 3 AM IS THE NEW BLACK
I have a confession to make: despite my grades 7-12 certification, most of my classrooms, and the spaces where I’ve felt the most success as a teacher, are those containing high school students or adults. But over time, as I’ve embraced my silliness and discarded discomfort with my own awkwardness, I’ve gotten better and better with teaching and supporting middle school-aged youth and adolescents. And this is the theme of today’s Take 5 “essay.”
It was day 1 for me this past Saturday, with a group of middle schoolers working on their writing skills, and I left feeling accomplished after the following developments: learning about a young man’s crush; identifying then laughing with my twin (she likes cold beverages and sunsets, like I do, lol); and receiving the honor of several kids showing me their drawings and writing samples. And all of this was within 50 minutes; not too shabby, I’d say!
And let me be crystal clear: I am thoroughly appreciating the difference between teaching in innovative and inclusive spaces vs in classrooms and buildings where I am relentlessly bullied for my creativity and/or sabotaged for developing relationships and teaching responsively. It's been tough. On the other hand, I accept that some of the lessons and victories I've experienced come with the consistent practice and wisdom that happens with aging. More maturity has also meant that I feel more comfortable and fluid with my responsibility to share information and best practices. To that end, below are five approaches that work for me when instructing Middle School youth, and with students in educational spaces, in general (including my current GED classroom).
1) I never just look over a kid’s shoulder or at their screen. I ask first. And if I realize I have looked without asking, I am transparent about the situation, eg. “Sorry, I usually like to ask before I just look at someone's screen. Do you mind if I look over your shoulder or look on?”
2) I remember what it was like when I found academic subject matter difficult, and I channel that while affirming something a student is finding difficult. “Ohhhhh this one is kind of difficult for me too or I can see why it’s tricky. Let’s just both give it our best then check the answer.”
3) Similarly, I model the struggle. “Maybe it’s this, maybe it’s that. It’s frustrating not knowing, but I won't be harmed if I guess wrong, so maybe I’ll pick this one. Maybe. Okay, yes!”
4) I show a skill or technique that works for me, and explain my rationale or process. But then, I make clear that there are different teachers and methods, and that I respect all of them. I invite them to show me an approach or skill that was taught to them - or that they developed. If they come up with a response, I might probe a little further about how they use it or how it helps get through a project or lesson. I usually end by affirming their techniques, and reassuring them it’s not mandatory for them to use the technique I've just shared - or even remember it!
5) I like to put energy into ending a task, and creating a vibe where we as a community work super hard right before reaching a break or dismissal. It's a bit like the sprint at the end of a marathon or long-distance run. I use techniques like talking faster and louder (like an excited coach), setting sequential alarm locks, creating and vocally signalling countdowns (7 minutes left! 4 minutes left!), and other approaches so that it feels fun or competitive to reach the end. This can be especially helpful for the disengaged kiddo. Consider this: if you can convince a student who has been disconnected to join the last 5 minutes before break, hell, that’s five more minutes of learning than what was there before AND it’s something that both student and instructor can build upon. Am I encouraging “participation trophies” with this one? Well I am not against those, but what I am talking about is making progress with the big bad wolves we call Middle Schoolers.
What works for you as far as working with 11-14 year olds and/or teaching in general? Feel free to share a tip or word of advice in the comments. Sunshine and laughter. - Reza Rites
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