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.