Take 5 w. Reza Rites The #AmbitiousBlackFeminist And 3 AM IS THE NEW BLACK March 21, 2023 Full article at www.AmbitiousBlackFeminist.com Most of my classrooms 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 with teaching and supporting middle school-aged youth and adolescents. Below are five approaches that work for me when instructing Middle School youth: 1) I never just look over a kid’s shoulder or at their screen. I ask first. “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 tricky.” 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.” 4) I show a skill or technique that works for me, and explain my rationale or process. I then invite them to show me an approach or skill that was taught to them - or that they developed. 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, and it can be especially helpful for the disengaged kiddo. 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 READ ARTICLE IN FULL www.AmbitiousBlackFeminist.com #3amblack #wear3amblack #shop3amblack #rezarites #ambitiousblackfeminist #poetry #art #blackownedbusiness #blackwomanowned #buyfromblackwomen #blackgirlmagic #blackwriters #blackwomenwriters #blackpoets #blackwomanpoets #blackartists #onlineshop #collageart #writingwhileblack #carefreeblackgirl #digitalart #askmeaboutit (at Providence, Rhode Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/CqDVAeNMWyJ/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=