MMM - Chapter 15 Synthesis

Abstract:
Chapter fifteen of focused on how to get parents involved with their students education. The chapter offered a variety of ways to get parents involved both on the internet and through tangible and personal methods. The book made it clear that not every parent is going to have access to the internet so it is important to keep them updated through different methods. Wormelli mentioned websites such as blackboard where the teacher, student, and parent can all access it in order to stay updated. The benefit of this would be for parents to be able to see what their child is working on and what they have due and they can make sure the student gets it done. Apparently this has been effective, where more students are getting their homework done. Home visits, newsletters, and index inquires were some forms of tangible and personal ways to keep in touch. If a teacher uses a variety of methods such as a website like blackboard and newsletters then a parent can choose to be involved with their child's education and these methods will encourage parents to do so.

Synthesis:
Everyone seemed to really like this chapter and thought the information provided was useful. Also everyone seemed very willing to try a variety of these different approaches.
Personal experiences were shared about the various software and websites used for all to view, and they were found to be both good and bad. It is a good way to get parents involved, but problems can arise when grades are missing. Some people did have their favorites and some leaned towards the more tangible approaches. Everyone agreed with the bottom line that teachers need to find ways to connect parents with their children. Home visits were an iffy subject, which I can see why, but it can be a good way for parents and students to see the teacher as an actual person they can talk to. Reaching out to parents is a good way to get to know the student better.

Book Talk Blog: Team 4 - Boys and Girls Learn Differently

I think that this group did a good job of delivering the information from the book. I really liked having brains with our names on it and putting them on the female and male scale for where we thought we were and then took the test to find out where we really were. I was surprised by my results and thought the test was really interesting. I think that explaining how boys and girls learn differently can be shaky grounds due to sexist issues. I appreciate that the group stated that the book was a little contraditory in itself due to the fact that everyone's thinking can go on a scale like the one we did and some people can be in between male and female thinking but then the book goes on to explain how boys and girls learn differently. I can see how that is very contradictory. The stations were fun and the rite of passage was a great idea because kids these days don't experience any kind of rite of passage and it is important for kids to feel like they are progressing in life. This presentation was definitely a thumbs up.

Meet Me in the Middle - Chapter 15: Parents as Partners in 21st Century Learning

This chapter is about how to keep in touch with students and parents as a teacher. It is important to be able to do it both electronically and personally because some conversations are better off being spoken face to face but help with homework can be just a simple e-mail away. The chapter suggests using a website such as balckboard in which we use here at UMF to connect with students and teachers. Parents are able to access it and see what their students have for homework that night and what is coming up. Apparently, this has really made a difference in students getting their homework done, because it can’t slide by their parents. The chapter offers ways to reach out personally through postcards, home visits, and newsletters. All of these are a great way to get to know both the student and the parents.

I really liked the suggestions this chapter had to offer for both the internet uses and personal uses. I never really thought of using a device such as blackboard in my classroom when I get started. But when teachers have used it in my classroom I have always found it very useful, or even a wiki. I think it is really important to have class information listed somewhere that is easy to access for teachers, students, and parents. Some of the personal approaches that I liked were the home visits, I have always thought of it a little weird having a teacher go to a student house. But teachers are people too, and if a teacher can see a student in their home environment then they have a better chance at understanding that student. I really really likes the quarterly newsletters, I think it would be great to have whatever is going on during that quarter in paper form some parents have something physical to hold on to and look at. I would be really interested in making a newsletter to send out at whatever school I start working at. The index card inquiries are a good idea as well, it’s always good to see what parents feel you need to know about their child.

Turning Points 2000 - Chapter 9: Involving Parents and Communities

This chapter stresses the importance of involving communities and parents in school. Besides the importance of children working with their parents and communities to improve and support their education, there is a political side to it as well. The community in some sense controls the education, and parents want to control their child's education to some extent as well, so it is important to get every party involved that wants to be. But besides the politics it is actually proven that parent involvement does help with student achievement because the student has their parent at their side supporting and encouraging them. Some families drift apart as a student gets older thinking it is to help their child mature, but it is alway important for student to have their parents there to guide them so the schools need to reach out to parents to prevent this from happening. The chapter offers different ways to include parents, such as simply monitoring their child's work. The community can also serve as a tool for educating middle grades students such as career education and after school programs. The extra support from parents and the community can really help a student succeed.

As Turning Points says, it’s a given that parents and the community needs to be involved in the education of the students in their area for many reasons. I really think having the support of the community and parents can really benefit a child. If a child does not have a strong family atmosphere then a teacher can either try and get these parents as involved as they possibly can in their child's education to promote family bonding and support. If parents just don’t want to then I think it is the job of the teacher to supply ample support from elsewhere to make up for the lack of family support. Any kind of support is better than none, and that is where the community can step in as well. Students can learn from going out in their community and experiencing what it’s all about, it just allows for a different way of learning and looking at things and is a sort of adventure outside the school walls.

Turning Points 2000 - Chapter 8: A Safe and Healthy School Environment

A healthy learning environment is such a vital part in education. Students need to feel safe and comfortable when at school so that they won’t be distracted when learning. Within a classroom a teacher has to be consistent with their rules and discipline so everyone knows the consequences of certain actions and there are no exceptions. It’s important to promote bonding amongst students and teachers so that everyone can work well together. Mediation and peer support groups are a good way to prevent and resolve problems within school. It is important for students to know just how important their health is at this age. A school can play a big role in helping to promote and build healthy lifestyles.

I am a very strong believer in creating a very healthy and safe environment for all students. Based on my personal experiences in high school I think in order for a student to be able to focus in school any negativity needs to be removed. Teachers need to show their students that they are someone they can trust and turn to when things get rough. I envision a school where bullying is non existent and the whole school is happy and works together as a team. I know this isn’t all that realistic. I just think that teachers can really make a big difference in their students experiences in school. You need to help students to form bonds they would be unlikely to do outside of school. When everyone can get along in a classroom it can be a very powerful thing.

Turning Points 2000 - Chapter 4: Designing Instruction to Improve Teaching and Learning

This chapter on designing instruction to improve teaching a learning first mentions the backward design model that we have all become so familiar with. Learning should start with what exactly you want students to gain from what you are learning and go from there. Instruction needs to coincide with other aspects of teaching like the curriculum and assessment. The chapter discusses tracking, which is now being put on the back burner. Instruction can take place without tracking students and grouping them into categories, it can take place by making little tweaks here in there in the instruction for every individual student. As teachers we are not taught to teach to one specific category of kids, we need to reach out to all students. The chapter mentions differentiated instruction, which can be really effective when carried out properly by both teachers and students. Also technology is a form of instruction in todays world and we have to learn to adapt to it and use it in our classrooms.

This chapter was more of a refresher than anything. There are so many different aspects of teaching, but they all become intermingled in order to create a well balanced and organized learning experience for all students. I believe that instruction is the biggest aspect of teaching that needs to be tailored to each individual student because is the part in teaching where you have the most freedom. This is where teachers get the chance to tailor their teaching to get through to all students. I think it is so important to create instruction for students that everyone can understand. I do not believe in tracking, I think it labels students and causes more problems than answers. If all teachers can create instruction to reach individual students then there is no need for tracking. Every student is going to be different whether they are gifted in a subject or have some sort of learning disability. Every one learns differently because everyone is different and that is the biggest thing to remember when providing instruction.

Meet Me in the Middle - Chapter 8: Effective Assessment

I like that the beginning of this chapter states that “assessment should promote learning, not just measure it”. Students should be excited about their assessment, or at the least be interested in it. Students may understand something very well, but may have a hard time conveying their understanding in certain ways. It is mentioned that involving students in their assessment is a good route to take. The chapter then lists the characteristics of good assessment which are: defining clear goals, rigorous and motivating, focusing on essential knowledge, using multiple disciplines, valid indicator of students’ knowledge, source of reliable information,using vigorous formats, and easy to grade. This list of characteristics shows that assessment is all about the specific student and how they learn.

I find this chapter similar to differentiated instruction, and I’m sure that’s why they are situated in the book one after the other. Assessment should reflect the initial instruction. If we are tailor our lessons to meet the needs of all students in our classroom then our assessments need to be tailored in the same manner. I really enjoyed the story at the beginning of this chapter. I think it is really great to see that a student really enjoys creating musics and being able to utilize this talent in music to assess the student. His assessment may have not been as straight forward as everyone else's but he provided all information needed in order to show that he understands the novel and it’s different elements.

Meet Me in the Middle - Chapter 7: Differentiated Instruction - Fitting the Lesson to the Learner

This chapter goes on to explain just how difficult it is to get across to every student in a classroom because students abilities are going to widely range. The beginning of knowing how to alter a curriculum to make every students needs is to get to know them and how they learn. You have to constantly assess and reassess them and observe how they work. Keeping an eye on every student is a difficult task but is very important. Instead of varying the the amount of work for certain students, our lessons should vary in the ways students can find and express their knowledge. Each students needs do not have to be met for every single student during every single lesson, but you can meet different students needs throughout the span of a week or unit. They list the characteristics of successful teachers of differentiated instruction and these characteristics work for what a successful teacher looks like in general.

I know that meeting the needs of every single student in my classroom is going to be a very complex task. First I will need to get to know my students in order to understand how I should tailor specific lessons and assignments for them. Grouping students together based on how they learn could be a good method as long as students do not catch on to this and get offended because they could see it as tracking. I think it is important to meet all students needs and will be willing to tackle this task. I just really think it is a matter of knowing your students well and being able to be versatile. Knowing my students will involve not only knowing and observing what goes on with them at school but even with what goes on with them outside of school.

Meet Me in the Middle - Chapter 6: Acountability for High Standards

This chapter explains how and why setting high standards is important for your students. First of all it explains that if you expect great work then your students need to know what great work looks like, so examples are a great tool for this. Displaying their work is another way to motivate students to do their best. Eliminating extra credit can help students to focus on the work at hand so you will get better quality assignments. The chapter explains you should hold your students accountable for things they may not likely do on their own. In other words you need to push them, I see this pushing as support and guidance. Another important thing the chapter had to offer is that as a teacher we need to show our students we are extending our learning and learning from them, and then they will be more likely to want to extend their learning as well.

Accountability for high standards seems to be all about modeling exactly what you want your results to be. Students are not going to know what you want from them if you cannot create concrete models and examples along with modeling a passion for learning yourself. The one aspect that really caught my attention in this chapter was suggesting not to have extra credit assignments. I really like the way they portrayed extra credit assignments and find it to be too true. Extra credit assignments allow students to slack off on the big assignments because they know they can make it up. I really like the idea of allowing students to edit their work to improve the grade rather than do some extra credit, because in that way they will always be focusing on the most vital parts of the class.

Book Talk Blog: Team 2 - A Whole New Mind

A Whole New Mind first discusses the left brain and right brain where we determined what kind of thinkers we are based on the left and right brain. This then related to the six characteristics that one needs in order to succeed in life according to the book. These six characteristics are design, empathy, symphony, play, story, and meaning. These characteristics can easily relate to the teaching profession. These characteristics are all very different but equally important. Students should be well rounded like these characteristics are.

I really liked how the group presented their information. I liked the activities that we completed for each of the characteristics. I especially liked the fill in the comic bubbles on the comic strips. It was a fun activity to see what everyone would come up with for the same comic strips. I appreciate that they used actual activities from A Whole New Mind. It seems like a good book to read, and I like how they mentioned that it wasn't really in a text book form but in more of a novel form. I think I could enjoy reading a book such as this because I tend to shy away from reading books in text book forms.

Book Talk Blog: Team 1 - Student Oriented Curriculum

I really thought the information from the Student Oriented Curriculum was very useful and provided a lot of different and innovative ideas. I don't know if I would actually want to go along with a integrated unit such as the one described in the book. I would be afraid that what the students should be learning from each class would get too intermingled. I think that it would take a very well structured and collaborative group of teachers to pull off a learning experience such as this one. I liked that the students were offered so much variety through this curriculum, but the variety may allow them to stray away from what they need to be learning as opposed to what is fun and interesting to them. Learning should be fun and interesting but some structure is needed so that learning is not a big mess.

The presentation went really smoothly. The information in the book about how the integrated classes worked was very confusing. I think they did a good job of explaining it to us because it was a very complex and different way to create a unit. I liked how we did a think pair share type of activity. My only critique is that it was a little noisy and hard to hear our instructor in the beginning with others talking. I also really liked the ending activity where we got to respond to a quote that we liked the most pertaining to the book.

Meet Me in the Middle - Chapter 3: Brain Research Applied to Middle School

This chapter brought up a lot of interesting information about teaching while keeping students brains in mind. Our brain is where we store all of our knowledge so it is important for teachers to understand how to utilize students brains. The chapter says that our long term memory stores information based on the interaction with the knowledge. Students need to interact with what they are learning and not have in droned into them through a lecture. Learning needs to be memorable in order for it to be a memory worth storing, it seems they call in memory for a reason. As teachers we shouldn’t call on just one student but turn it into a discussion or interaction among students. Also when asking questions providing wait time can be a very powerful thing.

I really enjoyed this chapter because my group read the brain based teaching book for a our book talk so this tied in really well with it. I was surprised to see logical fallacies in this section. I never thought to teach this to middle school students because I never really learned about them until I took a college class on it. I do think it is something important to learn so that students know how to analyze and perceive information properly so as to avoid misconceptions in the first place. I think it is important as a teacher to make sure that my students do not have any misconceptions on the content that I am teaching them so I need to take time to brush up on my lessons and make sure everyone is on the same page. I also really liked the information on water. I think it is a great idea to have a water cooler in you class. I try to drink a lot of water throughout the day and so should my students so it only makes sense to have it easily accessible in the classroom.

Meet Me in the Middle - Chapter 13: Outdoor Adventures

This chapter is all about taking your students on a trip in the outdoors. They mention camping as the main activity and list numerous activities that can take place during a class camping trip. There really are so many possibilities that I never thought of. As an english teacher I really like the idea of using nature and the wilderness as an inspiration for their writing. Giving students time to sit down outside while camping and write a story while they are immersed in the setting of it can be really fun. I also like all of the activities centered around water because I know students could have a lot of fun with that. Survival skills seems like something all students should learn while camping because a lot of then haven;t even been camping before and don’t really know any of the basic camping information.

The first thing that the chapter mentioned was that outdoors activities with students allows students to see their teacher as a real person. This stuck in my head throughout the whole chapter because I never really thought of my teachers and people, they were just teachers in my mind. I remember I saw some of my teachers at the bowling alley one night having fun and laughing and I was shocked at this scene. Apparently I wasn’t aware that my teachers had lives outside of school and could actually have fun with one another. Now that I am going to be a teacher I look back on that and find it funny, but I also want to find ways for my students to see me in a different light other than a teacher and all the outdoors activities provided in this chapter can really create a strong relationship amongst teachers and students. I would absolutely love to go on a camping trip with my future students someday.

Turning Points 2000 - Chapter 3: Curriculum and Assessment to Improve Teaching and Learning

This chapter discusses the importance of backward design and assessment. It seems that backward design and assessment go hand in hand in a way because backward designs stars with what kind of assessment will be used and what the teacher ultimately wants the students to learn. Backwards design suggests that teachers start by creating a unit based on what needs to be learned in the end. Basic forms of assessment should be used sparingly if not at all such as quizzes and tests. The chapter suggests that authentic assessment be used which is a kind of assessing where the students demonstrate what they know instead of trying to remember it and writing it on a piece of paper. Students are assessed in a way that is true to the real world because they won’t be given written tests at work each month to show their improvement in most cases.

I have had some experience with backward design after my practicum experience and believe it to be very helpful. Usually people tell you to start from the beginning but when it comes to learning it does make so much more sense to start with the end and work your way to the beginning. If you think about it, it makes no sense for a teacher to pick out books, materials, and assignments to create a unit if you don’t really know what students are going to learn in the end. My favorite part about this chapter is the authentic assessment portion. I really despise quizzes and test, because I feel like they really hinder the learning process. Students should be given multiple opportunities to display how and what they have learned thus far. Assessment should be made interesting just as you would want a lesson or unit to be interesting.

Meet Me in the Middle - Chapter 4: Active Learning

This chapter points out exactly why it is so important for us as teachers to understand what our middle school student are going through, especially physically. Incorporating active learning in the classroom is great for students because they are constantly growing. Students are uncomfortable sitting through a whole class, so it is best to get them up and moving around at any chance you can get. A physical activity always has to be tied into the curriculum otherwise you won’t have any light bulbs lighting atop students heads. The chapter offers all kinds of ideas for active learning from handing in homework by shooting it in a hoop to maintaining bulletin boards. These ideas could be translated into any classroom with any subject.

I noticed that a lot of the ideas for active learning involved using big sheets of paper for student to draw an assignment on. I think this is a great idea for any group assignment in class such as a time line or a list of things. It will get them up and moving around and they can better interact with their group members. I also really liked the idea of allowing students to crumple their homework and shoot it into a bin. I know in a lot of classrooms that shooting trash into the trash can was a big no no. But I think it could really lighten the mood in your class and show them that it is okay to do something like that if it is your homework that you are turning in. It is a really laid back idea and I think could be really effective, and wouldn’t waste much time. I would be willing to try any of the examples in my own classroom in the future because I myself like to get up and move around and would love to do it with my students.

Meet Me in the Middle - Chapter 9: Planning for Block Scheduling

This chapter explains the benefits of block scheduling, and how ultimately it provides longer class periods, but that’s not just it. Longer class periods provide time for students to learn and explore the topics covered in class rather than rushing through them and tying everything up right when it gets started. Not only that but it leaves less time throughout the week that the class is settling in, getting out any supplies or homework, and cleaning up at the end. This chapter also mentions that there are five levels of instructional objectives that should be covered in a lesson. I don’t think that coverage, activity, involvement, mastery, and generic thinking skill could all be covered in a fifty minute class period. Kids need time to absorb what they are learning and internalize that and block scheduling can help with that.

All through middle school and high school I experiences block scheduling. What the book mentions that I have not experienced is having the block classes Monday through Thursday and then Friday could be the day that students have all their classes in shorter periods. I really liked this idea because every week will always have the same schedule and no one will walk into school wondering if it is a silver or blue day. Plus the Friday classes could be used as a workshop, or way to tie up the week, or to simply cover something that was missed throughout the week. I experienced block scheduling in my practicum as well and I saw it as very beneficial to teachers as well because it gave them more time to prepare for their lessons and speak with other teachers on their team. Teachers have some free time in which they can really benefit from especially if a lesson goes wrong with one class you will have time to rework it for the next class that day. Block scheduling seems to benefit both students and teachers greatly.

Turning Points 2000 - Chapter 6: Organizing Relationships for Learning

A student shouldn’t go to school unnoticed by everyone especially adults. It is important for student to have at least one adult at school that knows them just a bit better than the rest. In doing so, a large school may not seem so big to students if they have an adult they can rely on. It is also important for a large middle school to be transformed into a school that is large in all actuality but appears small due to teams and relationships. Teams will allow for a smaller and closer environment for students and also give then special attention from their teachers on their team. Teachers on a team can work together to provide each student with a good education that works best for each student.

I strongly believe in team teaching. I experienced it at the middle school that I went to, and at that time I never thought anything of it, but looking at it from a teachers perspective I can clearly see all the benefits. Team teaching can allow teachers to compile their thoughts on students and their lessons in ways that can really get through to all students. When there are any problem the teachers can work through it as a team to get the best result. When I was in middle school I knew all my teachers on my team pretty well each year and I always had one teacher that I could relate to a little better than the rest. I think it is really important for a student to have one adult in the school that pays a little extra attention to them because that can go a long way. No student should feel alone at school with no where to turn.

Meet Me in the Middle - Chapter 12: Teacher Advisories - A Proposal for Change

The chapter begins by telling a story of a teacher and students going on a hiking trip where they meet some hostile weather. During the inclement of weather the whole group came together to help one another and in the end students saw sides of one another that they have never seen inside of school. Most students were glad they went on the trip despite the weather and it seemed to be a very powerful experience. Advisory groups are a good way to get students together who might not normally hang out outside of school. These advisory groups can help to open the door to students interactions so that they do not stick with with same group of friends. It allows for all different kinds of students to hang out and become friends.

I have never heard of advisory groups before I read this chapter and now I am really excited about them. I really hope that the school I work at in the future will offer this kind of program because I can see how powerful it can be. I think it is so important for students to bond together and have a group that they belong to out of the confines of school. Students who don;t normally talk to one another can get to know each other and form new friendships which can create a close and comfortable learning environment at school. If the school I work at does not offer this type of program I will be sure to mention it and possibly get it up and running. I really like the idea of devoting a whole day to these groups throughout the school year. Bonding is such an important part in these students lives and you want to bring them together at a time where they will be forming cliches and labeling one another.

Meet Me in the Middle - Chapter 11: Teaming

Teams are implemented for a variety of reasons, but the biggest and most important reason is to offer students with the best and most supportive teachers, and together the teachers are like a force. On a team teachers for the different content areas can integrate their lesson and units to compliment each others so that students are working on something from each class that in one way or another can be related. It is important for teams to meet on a regular basis to discuss what is going on in their classes both with materials and students. There is no point to a team if they are not acting like and working as one. As a team teachers no longer view their students and curriculum as an individual teacher but view their teaching through the eyes of all their team members.

I really like how this chapter states in the beginning that middle schools can be a big and overwhelming place and that teaming can help to make the middle school seem smaller and friendlier. Students on the same team can be supportive of one another and school events and activities can allow friendly interactions between different teams and maybe even some friendly competitions like I had in my middle school. Due to my practicum experience I got to see a team of teachers at work, where I attended their meetings. At their meetings they discussed mostly specific students and how they can better understand them and help them based on all of their opinions. I saw this to be very helpful because you get a well rounded solution from all the teachers that interact with these students on a daily basis. I think that team teaching is a very powerful concept in a middle school because it can provide students with a close and caring environment.

This We Believe

Ages 10 through 15 are such vital points in a students life. They are going through dramatic changes with their bodies and minds. At this age they could decide the fate of the rest of their life based on the good and bad decisions they are going to make. I want to be a teacher that will be there for my students and help them to get through all the rough spots so that their main focus can be their education. I know that all students are going to be different and that a lot may be difficult but I want to make sure that since they are so impressionable at that age that I make a god impression on them. I think it is important to know anything and everything about a student because what shapes their life is ultimately going to shape their education.

Being a middle school teacher or a teacher in general is about collaboration with everyone and anyone that is involved with the school. Teachers, students, schools administrators, and everyone in between need to work together to create the best environment possible for these students. It is important to know that as a teacher you are a role model for students and need to set an example as to how you want them to behave. This is why the mission statement is so important, because it really needs to reflect the school. It can be some generalized statement that could apply to any middle school, it really needs to reflect and influence the school that it represents. I really like that this book mentions that positive encouragement needs to be seen more than disciplinary comments. Students are going to thrive if their teachers can point out their strengths. It is better to tell students what they are doing right, even if it is slim picking, rather than telling them what they do wrong.

I like how This We Believe defined curriculum as more than just what is being taught in school but everything that encompasses it as well such as guidance and clubs. A very important thing for middle school teachers to do is design curriculum that can be made relevant to any students life if the teacher can tie it together in that manner for them. In the section dealing with the 21st century I was surprised to see no mention of technology. I think that technology plays a vital role in the world of rapidly expanding knowledge. Some kids are very technology savvy and can learn best through technology, and some students may not. Knowing how a student learns best is something a teacher has to take into account and constantly be aware of. Also students need to know what to expect from an assignment. It is best to give them a list of things that will be considered when grading the assignment so they know exactly what to include. Assessment and evaluation may be different but work together cohesively, so when one method changes so should the other.

The last sections deals with ways that various people involved in the middle school, such as principals, teachers, and parents can step aside and think what needs to be changed based on reading this book. Basically if you are not following any of their suggestions in the book then they recommend that you figure out what you are not following and implement it into the school in your own way. I agree with a lot of the points they make in this book but I do not think that a school has to follow their instructions exactly. Each school can implement some of these suggestions in ways that work with their individual school. Next the end of the book explains the different characteristics that make up a student at the middle school age. These characteristics should be taken into consideration when dealing with their education. It is important to better understand them in order to truly get through to them on an educational level. Without understanding there would be no point to education.

Meet Me in the Middle - Chapter 17: The Truth About Middle School Students

This chapter is about focusing on the good that young adolescents can do. A lot of the times only the bad stuff is being presented about young kids and that is not right. Not every ten to thirteen year old needs to have a bad light shed on them. These kids can accomplish some great things and amaze you. Apparently it was said that zero brain growth occurs during the middle grades, which is completely false and ridiculous. The chapter introduces a graffiti wall that a teacher used in the classroom and the chapter includes some quotes from it. These quotes show the uniqueness of these young adolescents minds.

I think it is so important to really flaunt students achievements bot inside and outside of school. It will help them to feel proud about themselves and continue with the good work. I like the fact that the author wrote that him and his wife hire middle school students to babysit given the choice, because they are so apt to impress people and show them that they are responsible. Looking back at the time I was that age I find that to be very true, it’s when kids want to prove their independence and reliability. Although they may try to prove their independence they are still kids and will act like them, but that can be the fun part. Middle School students can be a lot of fun, a teacher just has to know how to deal with their growth and quirkiness.

Meet Me in the Middle - Chapter 2: Motivating Young Adolescents

Chapter two involves ways to keep students motivated. You can’t go through a whole school day without any means of motivation because kids will get bored very easily if you don’t take it up a notch every now and then. Various ways include creating an environment that students feel comfortable in so that they do not feel afraid to speak up in class. A lot of student may have something to say in class but need that extra push in order to spit it out. Another way is to act out something that is being taught such as the Aunt Sally example to remember the order of operations in math. You can use games or build suspense on an upcoming lesson. All of these methods will help to create a fun and interesting learning environment.

I feel that when thinking about teaching I get caught up in the rules and just teaching aspect of it. But in order to motivate students and teacher should be kind of fun. You should have a few giggles here and there with your students especially if it can benefit a lesson. I like the idea of letting loose a bit where students could even run down the hall yelling something. I mean, it seems a little ridiculous and border line breaking some sort of rule, but it sure sounds fun. I think that allowing students to listen to music in the classroom when working on certain assignments is a good idea because for some people it can really keep them focused. As a teacher it seems you need to let your hair loose every now and then.

Meet Me in the Middle - Chapter 1: Stoking the Fires Within

This chapter begins by explaining that teachers need to set a good example for their students. If a teacher comes in the room excited and happy to be there then that will wear off on the students in one way or another. It is important to have a positive attitude at all time with your students. Do not bore student with time filler activities, their time at school needs to used as effectively as possible. Helping them to build connections to the outside world and broaden what they know is important and fun. Because of this it is important to always listen to a student, but do not take anything they say too personally. Some students may need you to talk through a situation with them.

The example of the bumper stickers in the beginning of the chapter surprised me. I found them to be pretty insulting to teachers, especially the one that said “the three best things about being a teacher are June, July, and August”. Sure vacation is nice, but that’s an insult to teaching, I would never been seen with a bumper sticker like that on my car. Also another thing that caught my interest in this chapter is the touching portion. I do believe that touching should be allowed between a student and a teacher, but it is such a risky thing. Some people could interpret it differently or students may feel too comfortable. I’m not sure how I feel about the touching, but I am sure it would ensure a kind of comfort to students.

Turning Points 2000 - Chapter 2: A Design for Improving MIddle Grades Education

First of all, this chapter is to explain the differences made from their original book to this one in their recommendations list. They recognize that things have changed and that they have learned more so they need to add and revise some of their original recommendations. This shows readers that change is inevitable in education and so ideas are going to expand and change as the years go on. The seven recommendations they offer in this book should be used together to insure success. Their recommendations focus a lot around the students and caring for and noticing them. Also they recognize that to get good results with any system that you have to keep going and working off the good results that are coming forth. The purpose for change needs to be kept in mind and everyone needs to focus until the end.

I think it is important to know that when dealing with a strategy for change like Turning Points that schools may just do it “half assed” as some may say. But in all reality a school needs to embrace these suggestions for change and go with it completely to get the best results possible, otherwise it is pointless to even try, because who wants “half assed” results. I really liked when the chapter mentioned that curriculum, assessment and instruction need to be thought of as one because you can’t change one without changing them all. Turning Points also recognizes that schools are not blank slate implementing their recommendations but that a foundation for the school already exists and their recommendations need to be based around this. Their recommendations seem to be very practical and are based around the students and their teachers. I agree that a middle school teacher should be an expert with young adolescents in order to be effective with them, and that caring for an noticing students is very important.

Turning Points 2000 - Chapter 1: A Decade Later

Chapter one begins by letting us know that this book stems from its original Turning Points, and that the original has been implemented in schools and has been successful. It is good to hear that the information and techniques this book will be providing can be successful. Also it lets us know that Middle Schools have kind of been ignored, but in all actuality it is a prime time for young adolescents to learn and develop. Turning Points is about creating change within the Middle Schools so as to provide a better education for students. Change seems to be key in this book, which is great. This world and children's minds are constantly evolving and changing, and so should education. Education has to keep up with the times.

I think it is a great idea to transform middle schools. I have actually heard before that middle schools are kind of like a limbo between grade school and high school. No education should be a kind of limbo, it should always provide a chance for students to grow and learn. I really think that the age students are at while in middle school is a vital age. It is the age where you can make or break them, where they discover what school really means to them. I really like the fact that the ideas in this book have been applied to schools already. It shows us, as teachers, that this stuff from the book really does work so we should really take it into consideration. Change is great, especially when you know you can get good results.