For the past few years, as a 6th grade teacher, I have used a Middle School Fears project, where students argue what the scariest part of middle school is, as a springboard to creating a culture of care and respect in my classroom. By making everyone vulnerable in the first few days, we were able to build a sense of community and understanding, and the uncomfortable conversations that happened as we dove in to the content were easier to have. With my transition to 8th grade, the same proejct won't work, but I attempted to recreate the spirit of the Fears project with a This I Believe project. The idea came about after speaking to a new colleague about finding a vehicle to create vulnerability and then understanding in the first few weeks. I am sharing below for 2 reasons:
1. Sharing is caring
2. (and more importantly) I am looking for more feedback. I have sent this to colleagues in my building, but always value the insight of others. Feel free to leave me any feedback in the comment section below!
1. Sharing is caring
2. (and more importantly) I am looking for more feedback. I have sent this to colleagues in my building, but always value the insight of others. Feel free to leave me any feedback in the comment section below!