Understanding the Quirks: Embracing the “complex mix of inconsistencies”
As a recent interim, 8th grade middle school assistant principal, I delved into the captivating world of middle schoolers, both at school and home. Their unique blend of childlike
innocence and mature insights, often described as a “jumble of contradictions,” became an integral part of my daily interactions.
In my recent role as a middle school assistant principal, I immersed myself in the fascinating realm of middle school students, both within the school setting and beyond. Their distinctive combination of childlike innocence and surprisingly mature insights, frequently characterized as a “complicated mix of inconsistencies,” became a natural aspect of my day-to-day interactions.
Let Your Light Shine: Connecting with Middle Schoolers
One of the top strategies I found effective was letting my face light up when interacting with middle schoolers. This simple act of warmth and encouragement can profoundly impact their self-esteem and sense of belonging. Among the several effective strategies, I discovered expressing genuine warmth when interacting with middle schoolers. It’s not just about loving them, but also conveying that they are genuinely liked. As the discipliner in chief of 8th graders, I had to be sure to separate the behavior from the person. If I had to call a parent, I would make sure to tell the parent the positive in addition to the infraction. Be authentic! This creates a positive and nurturing environment for their growth and development.
Handling Outbursts: Don’t Take it Personally
Middle schoolers are notorious for their emotional outbursts, but it’s crucial not to take these personally. Often, their anger or frustration stems from issues unrelated to those around them. By validating their feelings and setting appropriate limits, we can help them navigate their emotions more effectively. One of my favorite repeat offenders spent lots of time in my office. Although I would categorize his behavior as childlike and a disregard for any rules set by the teacher, time spent in my office by the student made time for relationship building. He could be a sweetheart and lovable when one on one, but reality is that he belonged in the classroom. My conversations would always speak to him not having a right to disrupt the education of others. The one thing I would say is to ignore the bad behavior as much as possible but make time when appropriate to address it in private and not in front of others.
Always Listening: Middle Schoolers Value Guidance
Despite their occasional defiance, middle schoolers are always listening and seeking guidance from adults they trust. Leveraging this desire for approval, we can affirm their worth and foster a strong, positive relationship.
In essence, my experience as an interim middle school assistant principal has taught me that navigating the world of middle schoolers requires patience, understanding, and genuine care. By embracing their quirks and providing unwavering support, we can help them navigate this disruptive phase of their lives with confidence and resilience.
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