1. Class Reminders… Celebrate differences!
Everything said is confidential. 
Share what you want, when you want.
You have the option to pass.
Be respectful.
Be a good listener.
Celebrate differences!
Teacher Tip: Remember that we are mandated reporters – if you have a concern that a student(s) is in danger, then you need to report it. 

2. Adjusting to life in your new home
Middle School!
MATERIALS:   students need paper and writing utensil
Adjusting to life in your new home

3. Listen Up! #1 Middle School: The Middle
While watching the clip, think about similarities and differences between elementary school and middle school.
After watching the clip, ask students what similarities and differences our school has with Hills Village. This can be done with a shoulder partner or class discussion.
Similarity: both have rules, can’t ride bike on campus (have to walk it)
Difference: there are many! No died hair, no outside food, no talking, no laughing, we all students to express themselves!

4. Whole Group Discussion Small Group Discussion (3-4 students)
OPTION 1
Think/Pair/Share
OPTION 2
Whole Group Discussion
OPTION 3
Small Group Discussion (3-4 students)
Dialogue Options
Let’s Talk…
STRUGGLES
What were you nervous about on your first full day of school?
What stigmas surround middle school?
What class(es) are you most anxious about?
What rules/expectations confuse you the most?
STRATEGIES
How can you help with the “beginning of the year nerves”?
If you don’t know an expectation or rule, how can you find it out?
How can you balance keeping old friends but making new ones?
TEACHER TIPS:
Struggles – 1. This can vary between classes, friends, getting lost, etc.
2. After students list out stigmas, ask them if they were/are true for our school.
3.  This question will help students realize that they aren’t alone when being nervous about a class…many of them will have the same anxieties.
4.  When students state some of these, you can go over answers for them.
Strategies – 1. Talk to friends, talk to 7th or 8th graders, know that you aren’t alone, practice locker combination, walk through class schedule, get involved in a club or sport, etc.
2. Ask teacher, friend, 7th or 8th grader, administrator, secretary, etc.
3.  Sit with both types of friends at lunch, introduce old friends to new friends, hang out with both types after school, etc. Reinforce that at our school we are inclusive

5. WRAP UP!
EXIT SLIP:
What clubs, activities, or sports are you going to get involved in this year?
What can you do if you see someone looking lost or confused?
TEACHER TIPS:  Students will turn their exit slip into you.