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.