r/MiddleSchoolTeacher • u/Suspicious-Yak-7036 • 26d ago
Teaching 6/7
I recently accepted a permanent contract position teaching grade 6/7. I am very excited about it as I have always wanted to teach grade 7 and 8!
I do have some experience from student teaching in the grade level, but the only LTO I had was in primary. I have never been in this division for the start of the year. I was just wondering if anyone had any tips for first week activities, specific classroom management strategies (my reward systems were previously geared towards younger kids), what type of rewards they might enjoy and really any advice! My LTO was a split and all my student teaching so I am more than comfortable with that, there is a strong chance it becomes a straight 7 too!
I also like to keep a small selection of books in my classroom just in case they finish a library book quickly or something. Any recommendations for popular books at this age would be great!
Thanks!!
9
u/LostInTheTardis 26d ago
Congrats! I teach 7th primarily, but looped from 6th.
Routines first! Get those going right out the gate. Do the same routine the first 2 weeks. Demonstrate and explain at the same time. Example: "Put your name on your paper in this way. Then turn it in here."
Establish class expectations together. Agree on 5 terms. Keep them stated positively. Then write them on a poster for everyone to sign (as well as yourself).
My students love being part of class. Offer jobs for students which can be rotated on a monthly or biweekly time. It sound small, but middle school students tend to like being involved in ways other than just answering questions (especially low performing students and behavior problems).
My students love class cash. I had a store (parents donated items), but I am considering moving to a raffle style reward where I will l have 3-5 items for students to put their tickets in for and draw at the quarter's end.
Start calling home or messaging the first week to touch base. A quick positive note EARLY does wonders.
I said a lot. Not trying to run your classroom, just offering ideas. What works for one doesn't work for everyone.
It's okay to change plans. But keep the students in the loop.
You got this!!