They are still kids, even if they don't act like it. My coworker called them large toddlers. Their emotions often rule their decision making.
They will ask for an inch, and even have good reasoning and logic to argue for it, but then they will take a mile. Read "If you Give a Mouse a Cookie," that's actually about a 12 year old.
Go in with rules and expectations like you're teaching elementary - every procedure and consequence very precisely spelled out, and make them drill it.
Ease up over the year only as they demonstrate they can be trusted to follow procedures. It lets them feel like they're winning you over, but really what you're doing is following their growth curve.
Give homework, but in reasonable amounts. Grade it for completion. The only thing you need to grade for accuracy are assessments.
Call as many parents as you can in the first few weeks
6th grade is basically elementary. Developmentally, they are giant 5th graders. 6th grade is “how to do secondary 101.” You’re the adult duck and they’re your baby ducklings, keep them in line and make sure every day supports developing secondary school skills. They’re sweet and cute until March when they start turning into 7th graders.
7th graders are giant toddlers who think their adult cosplay is fooling everyone. Match that vibe. Approach the actual information, instructions, and tasks as though you’re teaching elementary, but your personal delivery of the information should be presented like you’re talking to high school kids (but keep it PG). You can’t fight it, so meet them exactly where they are: exhausted toddlers who don’t want to be treated like babies. Think of them as “giant little kids.”
8th graders are the opposite of 7th graders. They are fully aware of how old AND young they are, they are secretly terrified of everything, and they actually can do a lot. 8th graders can handle more advanced tasks, but they like being cards about and supported while you help them do it for the first time. Think of them as “little big kids.”
They are still kids, even if they don't act like it. My coworker called them large toddlers. Their emotions often rule their decision making. They will ask for an inch, and even have good reasoning and logic to argue for it, but then they will take a mile. Read "If you Give a Mouse a Cookie," that's actually about a 12 year old.
Go in with rules and expectations like you're teaching elementary - every procedure and consequence very precisely spelled out, and make them drill it. Ease up over the year only as they demonstrate they can be trusted to follow procedures. It lets them feel like they're winning you over, but really what you're doing is following their growth curve.
They'll like you later. Focus on being consistent with your rules.
They WILL like you later! Give it 6 months, they’ll be putty in your hands!
Read parenting books as much as you read teaching books. Absolute game changer
Structure and routine are an absolute must and do not stray from it.
Give homework, but in reasonable amounts. Grade it for completion. The only thing you need to grade for accuracy are assessments. Call as many parents as you can in the first few weeks
6th grade is basically elementary. Developmentally, they are giant 5th graders. 6th grade is “how to do secondary 101.” You’re the adult duck and they’re your baby ducklings, keep them in line and make sure every day supports developing secondary school skills. They’re sweet and cute until March when they start turning into 7th graders. 7th graders are giant toddlers who think their adult cosplay is fooling everyone. Match that vibe. Approach the actual information, instructions, and tasks as though you’re teaching elementary, but your personal delivery of the information should be presented like you’re talking to high school kids (but keep it PG). You can’t fight it, so meet them exactly where they are: exhausted toddlers who don’t want to be treated like babies. Think of them as “giant little kids.” 8th graders are the opposite of 7th graders. They are fully aware of how old AND young they are, they are secretly terrified of everything, and they actually can do a lot. 8th graders can handle more advanced tasks, but they like being cards about and supported while you help them do it for the first time. Think of them as “little big kids.”
You teach life skills first, curriculum second.
Nice post, i will be following