1) Introduce students to teacher and other students with a series of group icebreaker games.
The icebreaker games could include “Two Truths and a Lie” where students are given a note card and write down two TRUE interesting facts about them and/or their family as well as one FALSE item. Then, go around the room, have each students read his/her card and have students guess which of the three items are a lie. This is also a prime opportunity to tell students this is the only time they are allowed to lie to the teacher. They have had their warning. You can also discuss worthy punishments for lying.
2) Collaborate with students to develop rules and procedures which meet your expectations for behavior.
Most of the rules in a school are handed down from district and school administration. But, each team within a middle school and individual classroom teachers have more specific regulations for classroom behavior. The students should be part owners in the rulemaking. This develops a since of fairness and democracy within the classroom. This is not to say the students should have full reign to ignore needed procedures. They should have an input and should be held accountable for the punishments they decide on.
3) Let it be known to students it is okay to be wrong only if there is the desire to correct it.
Part of education is finding right and wrong answers. But in a middle school, I believe it is more important for students to explore subjects and give their best effort. In order for students to develop an intrinsic motivation of mastering and exploring content, they must also know that wrong answers are okay during the process of learning. What is most important is the perseverance to improve each day.
4) Build a grouping community which is conducive to the students
Students in middle school are more motivated to work and learn more when participating in group activities. But many elementary schools may not incorporate the same grouping models as middle schools. It is important to slowly help students adapt to participating in groups.
5) Ask the students what they want to learn during the year. Make a list and keep it in the room to reflect on throughout the year.
This also allows students to take ownership of their learning. They will find most of the information they want to learn is already going to be taught, but this also allows the teacher to gauge the interests and motivations of the students. Try to incorporate students’ interest with the state educational standards.
6) Make it clear that also students have your ear for any problems in and outside of school
It is important to build a strong relationship between teachers and students. There must be high levels of trust and a freedom to share ideas, issues and solutions.
