When I substitute middle school kids in a predominately black school system. It's a mental challenge. Since I don't know each and every one of their names, they assume they can take advantage of the situation and become so hyperactive like 2 year old children almost. How many times do they think I'm going to say, "Sit down!" "Take a seat!" "Stop talking and work on your assignment", "Don't make me call the principle in here!"
I had sixth grade today, this age group is confused as hell. The ages are about 11 and 12. They talk while I'm going over the lesson plan. I stood at the podium today and literally went over questions 1 through 17 and helped those, who were paying attention, find the answers. How about the select few students who take school seriously and I were on number 10 on the worksheet and one of the highly confused students had the nerve to yell out, yes I said yell out, middle school kids have the tendency to always want attention, they don't know how to raise their hands before speaking to the "Sub", but anyway, we're on number 10 and they yelled out "What did you say number 2 was? I looked at them like they were crazy and I said "We did that one already and you will have to wait until were done and I'll get back to you". They had the nerve to huff and get upset.
Another thing about middle school kids is that they will call each other rude names in a heart beat. Names like stupid and dumb to name a few. Believe me when I tell you, there is a full gamut of names that they will use. I find myself constantly defending the kids that just sit there and "take it". Teach your middle school kids to throw those words right back at them to shut them down and shut them up because the principals, believe or not, are not always available to handle the situation.
Middle school teachers are dealing with some seriously hormonal, attention seeking kids. Pray for them. Support them. If you have a middle school kid, I just want you to know they are going through a thunderstorm of emotions. Please help them channel it and help them cope through their confusing view of the world at this time in their lives.
