In my experience teaching middle school, students respond well to praise and survive on relationships. I try and make personal connections to my students at the beginning of the year, letting them know I am human and that I do have a life outside of school. Usually they ask me about what it was like when I was in middle school and they all get a good laugh out of that!! Building relationships with the students at this age is more about trust. They question a lot; authority, homework, their choices, but this helps them create a since of stability with you their teacher. I have also found that distraction also works well :)
Stickers! Yes even middle school kids like stickers. I use a sticker system in my class for doing the right thing, answering difficult questions correctly, staying on task, and other random things to get them to stay on track. After so many stickers, the students can earn a reward once a month. I can be anything really, but make sure it is something that peaks their interest. I have done smoothies in the morning where I will provide the blenders, ice, and cups and the kids bring in their fruit and yogurt that they want in their smoothie. I have also done pizza lunch where I bring in the pizza (education discount) and the students bring in their favorite drink!! I know that this seems like a lot, but the students really get into it. Has helped me tremendously on behavior issues. All I have to do is get out my sticker book! I am always for rewarding good behavior!
Another way to conduct classroom management is remember that they are just little kids in big bodies! They want to feel needed. Give them jobs to do around the class that helps make them responsible for their environment. Let them put up the bulletin board, hang papers, or refill the paper. Hold them accountable for the cleanliness of the room. They will thank you for it.
Stickers! Yes even middle school kids like stickers. I use a sticker system in my class for doing the right thing, answering difficult questions correctly, staying on task, and other random things to get them to stay on track. After so many stickers, the students can earn a reward once a month. I can be anything really, but make sure it is something that peaks their interest. I have done smoothies in the morning where I will provide the blenders, ice, and cups and the kids bring in their fruit and yogurt that they want in their smoothie. I have also done pizza lunch where I bring in the pizza (education discount) and the students bring in their favorite drink!! I know that this seems like a lot, but the students really get into it. Has helped me tremendously on behavior issues. All I have to do is get out my sticker book! I am always for rewarding good behavior!
Another way to conduct classroom management is remember that they are just little kids in big bodies! They want to feel needed. Give them jobs to do around the class that helps make them responsible for their environment. Let them put up the bulletin board, hang papers, or refill the paper. Hold them accountable for the cleanliness of the room. They will thank you for it.
Cartoon by David Sipress