First Day of Middle School Must Do's : Teacher Edition

First Day of Middle School Must Do's: Teacher Edition

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You know what they say about never getting a second chance at a first impression? 

That applies to your teaching too! 

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Managing Make-up Work in the Middle School Classroom

Managing Make-up Work in the 

Middle School Classroom

If there is one thing that we can count on as educators, it is that not every student will be in your classroom, every day, for the entire year.  So, how do you manage the work students miss while they were gone?

Have you ever had a student come to you and ask,

"Did I miss anything when I was gone?" 

Or, even worse...

"Did I miss anything important when I was gone?" 

These are my LEAST favorite student questions! However, I love that my middle school students understand my sarcasm...well, most of them do! So, sometimes I joke around with them and tell them that we couldn't possibly go on without them, or we just sat around and cried because we missed them so much! It usually gets a laugh, but then, they really want to know what they missed. 

What then?  Explain every missed assignment to each individual student while the rest of your class waits patiently?! Or, get the rest of your class started on an activity while you explain the work they missed? Then the student who was absent is falling even more behind because they are missing the work their classmates are currently doing!

I teach 7th grade and spend a lot of time encouraging and providing opportunities for my students to practice what I call, owning their learning. For me, that means taking responsibility for themselves and their education. It looks like making good choices on where you sit, who you sit with, who you choose to be in groups with, how you conduct yourself in the classroom, how you manage your time, etc. It took me a couple of years to find a system for dealing with absent or makeup work that really fit with my personality and my classroom philosophy. The "What did I miss?" system not only encourages independence but models planning and organization, an area in which most middle school students need support.

The "What did I miss?" calendar:

The "What did I miss?" calendar is posted at the front of my classroom. I keep the current month and the previous month posted at all times. Each day, I, or a student helper update the calendar with the activity(ies) we completed AND where to find them. 

The "What did I miss?" crate:

The "What did I miss?" crate sits below the calendar and is home to any hard copy assignments we do. The crate is set up with a folder for each day of the month and the folders are set up in date order. 

The "What did I miss?" paper:

The "What did I miss?" paper is a handy way to summarize a list of assignments a student missed. I use this if I know a student will be gone for a lengthy period of time, if a parent contacts me to request work, and as an accommodation for students who may struggle to manage the system alone.

                                        

  

The "What did I miss" system is definitely not full proof. Like any other system, it may work well for some and not for others. I would love to hear about the systems that work in your classroom. Leave a comment below!

See my Teachers Pay Teachers store for the products mentioned in this post.

                            

Middle School Rewards That Don't Cost You a Penny!

Middle School Rewards

Are you searching for a way to motivate your middle school students? Found a way to track positive behavior but not sure what to do now? Treasure box? No, that's too elementary. Prizes? No, that's too expensive. Reward coupons are the way to go! Your students will love the opportunity to be rewarded with things that matter to them. Plus, these no-cost options will cut down on the amount of money you need to spend on your classroom! Or, really, just allow you to spend it on other things because let's be real, you'll probably need more pencils or tissues soon!



Check out the reward coupon options I provide my students:

1. Choose your seat for the day

This is one of the most sought-after rewards in classrooms with seating charts. If you do not use seating charts, you can still use this reward; simply let students choose the type of seat they sit on. If you are REALLY flexible, you could even let your seat (at your desk or anywhere else in the room) be a choice. 

2. Free assignment pass

My students LOVE this reward. It becomes especially popular close to the end of the grading period. Weird, right?! #procrastinatorsunite 

3. Assignment extension

This one can be really helpful for student-athletes. In my 7th grade classes, it's often their first time trying to balance practice, games, AND school work. I'm thankful that my school supports students' interests but still holds them accountable.

4. Extra credit points

I find it funny that the students who like extra credit the most, are usually the ones who don't need it! Don't tell anybody, but I was that kid! 🙋

5. Drop the lowest grade

Some teachers use this practice routinely, but if you don't this can be a great reward. You may want/need to add some qualifying information to this reward; like it must be a daily grade, not a test or project grade.  Please make sure you abide by your district/building policies regarding grades.

6. Work in the hallway 

This is a reward because of the freedom. Middle school students love to feel free, like they have control, and that you are not watching their every-single-move!

7. Listen to music while working

This reward is easy if you are in a district/building with 1-1 devices or if you are a little more lenient with your cell phone policy. I do include a couple of qualifying statements with this reward - It can ONLY be used during independent work time and the student MUST have headphones.

Image by Karolina Grabowska 

8. Work with a friend

Who doesn't like to work with their friends?! The social aspect of middle school life is central. Sure, this probably shouldn't be redeemed on test day, but on daily work, why not?

Clipart from Pigknit

9. Bring a snack to class

I have a snack DRAWER in my desk, so I am definitely not opposed to snacks in the classroom. I know some people worry about mess, if you are one of those people...add some guidelines to this reward.

10. Bring a drink to class

I would recommend that you tell your students that their drinks should have a screw-top lid. Less chance of spillage. 

Image by Kaleb Tapp

                                   

11. Chew gum in class

Gum is precious commodity. I don't know about your school, but at my school, if you are the kid with gum, you are the most popular! 

12. Eat lunch in the classroom 

This is something that often happens at the elementary level, but sometimes we forget that older students want to build those connections with adults too.

13. Wear a hat in class

At the middle school level, you may not have the authority to say that a student can wear a hat all day long, but the hat reward can be redeemed when that student is in your classroom.

14. Take off your shoes in class

I know some people find this gross but think about how you get comfy.  I don't know about you, but one of the first things I do when I get home is slip off my shoes!

Image by Jacob Owens 

15. Free time

A free time reward can come in many formats to fit your classroom environment. Some free time rewards I have used include time to read a personal book, draw, play on technology, play board games, do puzzles, and just time to chat with friends (as long as it doesn't interrupt the rest of the classroom.

You can purchase a set of ready-made reward cards from my Teachers Pay Teachers store - Here

Amazing Prime Day Deals for Teachers!

Mowder's Middle School Muddlings is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Please note that this post contains affiliate links.

I frequently see posts from teachers who "stalk" their local (and some go to multiple) Target stores to see when the back to school items are out. There are also teachers who spend HOURS at Hobby Lobby or Michael's. Man, I admire their dedication to having a well supplied, super cute, classroom. I just don't have the time or energy for that! Anyone else in the same boat?

Amazon Prime is more my speed.  A few clicks on my phone and boom, classroom supplies delivered to my door in a couple of days! I usually do this while I'm watching my daughter's gymnastics class or soccer game, sometimes while she is in the bath...if she's not splashing water on me! I can even do it during my plan time at school, when I notice something is running low.

Prime Day is my favorite and this year Amazon are giving us 2 days to shop these great deals. July 15th and 16th. Not only do I get to shop quickly and easily, but I also get great discounts on stuff I need to start the school year.  Here are a few of the AMAZING deals I've found for Prime Day 2019.

Don't worry if you are not an Amazon Prime member, they are offering a FREE 30-day trial! Click here to sign up - Amazon Prime sign up You can cancel your membership at any time.



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