Dear Zxlair,
I'm so sorry to hear that your students are misbehaving. It is very hard to be a new teacher following a well-liked and experienced one who left. Also, middle school students can be really hard on new teachers/students/themselves. In my experience (34 years teaching in middle school, now retired), here are some things that may help:
First, you need a mentor teacher. No matter how many courses you took, no matter how smart you are, no matter how well-intentioned you are, you need to talk (repeatedly) with someone who's been there and done that. Your school's administration should already know that and should have assigned you a mentor teacher. But, sigh, they didn't. Oh, well -- search one out. Is there a teacher's lounge? Is there a group of beginning teachers? Is there a sympathetic face in the office or the halls? Any experienced middle school teacher Knows that new teachers need help and almost all are more than willing to give it if you ask. Really.
Second, you need thick skin and a heaping sense of humor. (Not to mention patience, prayer and perseverence.) I know it's hard to remember that your students are just "normal" kids, not monsters or enemies. (Though no middle schooler is actually "normal."
) They love stuff that's fun and funny and they'll admire you for not giving up on them. At least you're teaching a cool and lively subject that they can really enjoy learning. If you can give them something to do that'll make them (and you) laugh, it'll help break the cycle of feeling nervous and uptight.
Third, it'll help if you can streamline getting class started and keep it full of short, meaningful, hands (or mouths)-on activities. If school policies allow it, maybe you could use a camera or your cellphone to take pictures of the noisy, disruptive kids and post them on your bulletin board to be class or group or activity leaders. Loud middle schoolers love to be important and recognized. Quiet middle schoolers love to be quietly noticed and appreciated, but not dragged into the spotlight. It is useful to keep in mind that most of your students will experience rapid changes of mood and emotion and have teeny-tiny attention spans and memories. Each day will be a new adventure--you'll never be bored
Have you considered incorporating: music? art? food? teaming with other subject matter teachers on a project? team games?
I hope some of these suggestions are helpful. The first year is so hard. You're still learning how to be you and discovering what works for you (and them), and what doesn't.
Feel free to write again if you wish. -- Jo
