Middle school students have very different needs than elementary aged students. Children who are entering the adolescent years yearn for independence, freedom, and responsibility, but still need guidance and leadership. The classroom should physically reflect these needs.
Classroom Rules, Consequences, and Materials
Classroom rules should be succinct and clear, and posted in the front of the classroom. Rules should not only include expectations for the student, but also expectations for the teacher. Explaining teacher expectations on the rule chart helps adolescent students understand that learning is a partnership. Examples of appropriate classroom rules are the following:
Students Will be Expected To:
- Come to Class Prepared and On Time
- Respect Everyone in the Classroom
- Follow Directions the First Time
The Teacher is Expected To:
- Come to Class Prepared
- Be Respectful
- Encourage and Inspire
All schools have a discipline policy that should be followed, but usually the classroom teacher has a few strategies to use before a child receives a detention or visit to the principal. Highlight these on a large poster as well.
Middle school students have a tendency to come to class without important materials, such as a pencil or book. Therefore, the teacher should place a large poster outside her door that reminds students of the things they need in order to enter the classroom. This strategy helps to remind students of necessary materials without nagging them, which is a source of frustration for adolescents.
Student Desk Placement in Middle School Classrooms
Student desks can be placed in groups, rows, or one large semi-circle or rectangular shape with a smaller one inside. All students should be able to see the board, and not have their view blocked by another student if the teacher roams around the room.
Change students seats at least once a quarter, more if there are behavioral issues. Students at this age may beg to sit by friends. To encourage trust and responsibility, the teacher could allow this in the second quarter, with the warning that if the students talk or pass notes, this privilege will be removed.
Behavioral Management for Middle School
In 6th and 7th grade, students respond to team competitions. Tape a poster on the wall with each team name. Give stickers to teams who follow the classroom rules each day, and provide incentives such as homework passes, prizes, or treats for lunch or snack for the teams who receive a certain amount of stickers. Assign a team captain to keep track of stickers earned for each team, and take away stickers from a team who is not following classroom rules.
Friendly Classroom Environment
Decorate the classroom with academic posters, sectioned off to make learning centers for each sub-topic. Change decorations with units to keep the classroom fresh, says Rand Briggs, author of "Setting up your Middle School Classroom." Showcase student work on the walls, and create interactive wall decorations. For example, a book recommendation notebook at a reading center allows students to read and write book recommendations for other students.
Middle school is about teaching responsibility, awareness of others, and leadership skills. With a well organized classroom, the teacher will be off to a successful start.
Sources:
Mrs. Lowe's Classroom Rules
Setting up your Middle School Classroom
Sarahlynne Davis - Sarahlynne has been a professional educator for 8 years and a freelance writer for two years. She holds an MEd in Language, Literacy and ...
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