Early this summer, I made a huge decision. That decision was to go back to middle school. No, not in the Billy Madison fashion, but to teach middle school social studies after teaching it at the high school level for 15 years at Benton Community. After teaching 15-18 year old students for so long, there couldn’t be anything that would surprise me with middle schoolers, right?
The experience so far has been very enjoyable. I have learned A LOT in this short time of entering the unexpected world of the preteen to early teen. Below is a list of things that I have learned that are now normal to me:
- Water bottles are toys. Ever try to see how many cringe-worthy things you could do with a simple water bottle? You should, there are hundreds!
- TikTok is real life! Anytime that something is said or done and I just feel confused……it's because of TikTok.
- Chaperones are a must! If thinking 12-14 year olds would like some independence, you thought wrong. If your friend needs to sharpen a pencil, the whole group needs to be there to witness it.
- Questions about questions. Why do we need to do this? Ok, but why? What do you mean? Why do you sound angry? Ummm, nevermind?
- The “Be Real” just dropped?!?!?! Will you be in mine?
- Natural noise makers are funny again.
Believe it or not, I have thoroughly enjoyed my new position! I really think the middle school students have taught me more than I have to them at this point.
Go Bobcats!