THE IDEAL MIDDLE SCHOOL CLASSROOM FOR BOYS AND GIRLS

FOR THE BOYS It is essential that all middle school teachers are trained in male hormonal and adolescent brain development. Use single sex groups and classes whenever possible. Increase group work and pair work. Teach and integrate emotional literacy and emotional development curricula in all courses, not just in health class. Teach sexual ethics courses in all applicable courses, including gym class. (boys, especially after physical movement, can often be honest and attentive about links between emotional and sexual feelings) Carry out consistently applied discipline systems in all classes, with teachers and administrators working as a discipline team, rather than individual authorities. Encourage more movement in class!

FOR THE GIRLS Use single sex groups as much as possible Be very carful about technology; use fairness, being aware that girls need computer time equal to spatially prone boys. Make sure every girl has at least one female role model in school to bond with, and look up to. (keep in mind that this ma be you) Give girls hands on methods for learning math and science. Have high expectations, both in academic areas and for social maturity. Call on girls equally as boys. Girls tend to be shy in class. Don’t allow attention seeking boys to overtake a class discussion. In all content areas, find appealing topics that will interest girls, especially in history, math, and science.

FOR THE PARENTS AS TEACHERS HELP THE PARENTS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE! Stay very involved in the life of middle school students. Attend parent teacher conferences, volunteer, and mentor! Gain training in all aspects of adolescent biological development, especially brain and gender material, to aid the middle school students gender based learning experiences. Become familiar with aggression nurturance, and help direct it in early adolescence so as to increase strength, focus, attentiveness, and hierarchical success. Provide consistent discipline, especially including rewards and consequence for all actions. Develop and consistently apply a media plan with the early-adolescent child. Offer regular training on sexual ethics, and social intimacy. Spend more time with your children!!! Advocate for smaller middle school classrooms, and above all for single sex education in middle school.