Thinking of Students' Needs

Time goes by too fast and before you realize, you are in another decade!  I have been retired for several years, and still have dreams at night about being called back to work, taking on one more year, or trying to get my foot in the door at a new job. I left teaching and tried another aspect of service to the community.

I worked for a family support agency and learned so much about families, the dynamics, and the challenges teens encounter before they even get to school in the morning. And now that we all are trying to navigate the pandemic, I can guess that many of the clients receiving services are in situations that are not going to help them and are probably causing feelings of hopelessness.

I know this is not true for everyone and I am not sure what the percentage would be for this group of adolescents. What I have learned, in the short time I was employed, is that if you are a teacher, you can probably figure out quickly which students are coming from situations that are chaotic, unpredictable, and unlike anything you have experienced for yourself.

Teachers should try to be mindful of the situations at the homes of our students. Schools can work with agencies to find out what is happening in homes that may present roadblocks to student learning and success. Home visits can provide additional insights. During a home visit, parents/guardians are able to sign releases of information for agencies and/or doctors treating the teen. Those roadblocks are real, happen frequently, and deny students' ability to have their basic needs met. 

When  talking about basic needs, I am referring to Maslow's Hierarchy. 




https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html

We need to try to make safe and secure environments at school for all students. Teachers cannot take a negative attitude towards the students who are lacking the basic needs. Until those needs are met, students are not ready to learn.

Think positive thoughts...

     Let me ask you a question. When in school, what are your thoughts when you are given a new task to learn? Are you the kind of student who thinks, "I can do this," or are you the kind of student who thinks "Oh no! I don't know how to do this. This is too hard!" And then, maybe, look for ways to get out of working? In middle school, I see many students who are not sure about trying new things. Sometimes they are afraid they will get a bad grade. Sometimes they think other kids will not like them if they can't do the work.

     I want to make a suggestion. What if you practiced thinking positive messages? Last year, some students were having trouble with their negative thoughts. Here is what we did. The students made a list of positive messages to use when they had a difficult task. We wrote them down on poster board and hung the list up in the work area. When the students began to feel stress, they looked at the list to remind themselves of positive messages. The students also helped each other to remember.

     The following statements are the ones we wrote down. Which positive messages do you like best? The next time you begin to think "This is too hard" or "I can't do this," tell yourself: "STOP". Choose a positive message to replace the negative one. Can you think of some new positive messages to add to the list? Type your ideas in the comment section. I will read your ideas and share them with the class. Good Luck and I will see you on August 15th!

Z.H., P.W., and J.J.'s List:

When I have to learn something new, I will tell myself:

1. I'm gong to try.

2. I have the ability to learn.

3. I will tell myself (in my head) that I will try to do it because it is a new thing.

4. New things are hard to learn sometimes.

5. I can learn new things.

6. I am confident.

7. Maybe if I try, I can be good at it.

8. I CAN do it!

9. I can ask for help.

10. We can help each other on the parts we don't understand.

11. My teacher is here to help me.

Snack and Drink

Classroom Guidelines and Expectations

Welcome new 7th graders and returning 8th graders!  The following guidelines and expectations are to help you have a successful start to the school year.  As you go to your classes, your teachers will tell you their own classroom guidelines.  We all have the same goal: to help you be successful!  We will go into more detail the first day of classes.  If you have any questions, please don't hesistate to ask.

MILLS GUIDELINES AND EXPECTATIONS

BE RESPONSIBLE:

• Be on time, in your seat, and ready to learn when the bell rings.
• Come to class with the materials you need: notebook, folder, textbook, writing utensil, student planner, free reading book, and most importantly, your completed homework.
• Use the restroom, get drinks of water, go to your locker, and sharpen your pencil during passing periods or before class begins.
• Once class has started, do not leave your seat without permission.
• If you are absent, ask the teacher for your make-up work.

BE RESPECTFUL:

• Listen, do not talk, when other students are participating in class discussions.
• If you have questions, raise your hand, and wait (without talking) to be called on.
• Keep your hands and feet to yourself at all times.

BE KIND:

• Treat other people the way you want to be treated.
• No namecalling
• No teasing
• Use a polite, low voice at all times.

BE YOUR BEST:

• Learn all you can.
• Stay on task in class.
• Ignore distractions
• Keep a positive attitude.
• Learn and use the Boystown Skills.

As a class, we will go over the guidelines again and I will answer your questions.  We will also spend time reviewing the Boystown Skills. Enjoy the rest of your summer!