Middle school is a world of its own. If you’ve ever taught in grades 6-8, you know exactly what I mean. These students are somewhere between wanting independence and still needing structure. They’re dealing with physical, emotional, and cognitive changes—often all at once—and keeping their attention can feel like a juggling act. But here’s the thing: I love teaching middle school. And with the best teaching tips for middle school, it can be one of the most rewarding experiences as a teacher.
Through all my years of teaching, I’ve discovered five tips that have truly transformed my classroom. They’re not just helpful tweaks; they’re total game changers. Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or a newbie, these strategies are some of the best teaching tips for middle school that can make a huge difference in your teaching life—and in the lives of your students.
1. Build Relationships Before Rules
Why It’s a Game Changer:
You might think the first week of school is all about going over the syllabus, seating charts, and classroom rules. But trust me, the first few days (and weeks!) are much more valuable if spent building relationships. Middle schoolers are hyper aware of social dynamics, and they need to know you care about them before they care about the rules.
I learned this the hard way. In my first year, I was so focused on “establishing authority” that I missed the mark on building connections. By the third week, I had more behavior problems than I could count. It wasn’t until I started having real conversations with my students—asking about their interests, families, and even what TV shows they liked—that things began to shift. Students began to see me as someone who valued them as individuals, not just a disciplinarian.
How to Build Relationships
- Start with personal introductions: On the first day, skip the syllabus. Instead, introduce yourself and share a few personal stories—kids love learning about your pets, hobbies, or your most embarrassing moment in school.
- Get to know them: Use activities like “two truths and a lie” or “All About Me” posters. These may feel simple, but they open the door for deeper connections later on.
- Check-ins matter: Every Friday, I ask my students to write me a short note about how their week went. These informal reflections help me catch issues early and offer support when needed.
2. Embrace Student Choice
Why It’s a Game Changer:
Middle school students need to feel like they have control over some aspects of their lives. After all, they’re becoming more independent and want to make decisions on their own. Offering choice in the classroom not only empowers them but also motivates them to engage more deeply with their work. That’s why offering choices is one of the best teaching tips for middle school.
This became clear to me a few years ago during a unit on ancient civilizations. I’d always assigned the same report to every student. But when I switched things up and gave them options—create a video, build a model, or write a report—suddenly the quality of work improved dramatically. Some students who never turned in assignments before were now submitting detailed video documentaries or intricate models.
Ways to Incorporate Student Choice
- Offer assignment options: Give students different formats to show their learning. Some may prefer artistic projects, while others want to write essays or create presentations.
- Let them choose their reading materials: If possible, allow students to select their own books during reading time or research projects. Creating a classroom library with varied genres and reading levels works wonders.
- Give them decision power in classroom routines: Even small choices, like allowing students to pick their seat for certain activities or choose the order of tasks, can boost their engagement.
I’ve found that when I intentionally incorporate SEL, students are kinder to one another, more respectful, and more willing to collaborate. Conflict decreases, and when issues arise, they’re often resolved more quickly.
3. Incorporate Movement into Lessons
Why It’s a Game Changer:
Middle schoolers are energetic. Sitting still for long stretches is tough for them (and for us, to be honest!). I used to get frustrated when my students started fidgeting 20 minutes into a lesson, but now I’ve learned to embrace movement as a teaching tool.
Incorporating movement is one of the best teaching tips for middle school because research shows that it boosts brain activity, memory retention, and focus. By weaving it into lessons, you’ll notice students becoming more attentive and on-task. In my classroom, I’ve added simple activities like gallery walks, station rotations, and even brief “brain breaks” to help my students reset.
How to Add Movement to Your Classroom
- Use station rotations: When covering multiple topics, set up stations around the room where students can rotate every 10-15 minutes. They stay physically active while getting through more content.
- Try a gallery walk: When students create projects or posters, have them display their work around the room. Then, let everyone move around to view and leave feedback.
- Incorporate brain breaks: Every 30 minutes, pause for a quick stretch, a walk around the classroom, or even a fun dance break. It’s amazing how refreshed students feel after just a few minutes of movement.
4. Use Authentic Learning Experiences
Why It’s a Game Changer:
One question middle schoolers often ask is, “When am I ever going to use this in real life?” Authentic learning experiences help answer that question. When students see how the content applies to their world, they’re more invested in learning, which is why this is one of the best teaching tips for middle school.
A few years ago, I started a project where students acted as historians investigating a “lost civilization.” They had to piece together clues from primary sources, write a report, and present their findings like archaeologists. The excitement was contagious—students who usually didn’t participate were suddenly leading group discussions and conducting independent research.
Ways to Create Authentic Learning Experiences
- Make real-world connections: Tie lessons to current events, local community issues, or everyday life. For example, when teaching about economics, simulate a classroom “market” where students have to budget and spend resources.
- Use project-based learning: Design long-term projects where students solve real-world problems. Let them dive deep into research, collaborate, and present their findings.
- Integrate guest speakers or virtual field trips: Invite professionals related to your unit to speak or organize virtual tours of museums or historical sites.
5. Prioritize Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)
Why It’s a Game Changer:
Middle school is a critical time for emotional development. These students are navigating peer relationships, discovering who they are, and dealing with sometimes overwhelming emotions. Prioritizing social-emotional learning (SEL) in your classroom is a must, and it’s one of the best teaching tips for middle school because it supports both emotional and academic growth.
SEL isn’t just about teaching kids to “be nice.” It involves helping them manage their emotions, develop empathy, set goals, and establish positive relationships. Research shows that students with strong SEL skills do better academically and socially. And honestly, it makes your classroom environment more positive and cohesive.
I’ve found that when I intentionally incorporate SEL, students are kinder to one another, more respectful, and more willing to collaborate. Conflict decreases, and when issues arise, they’re often resolved more quickly.
How to Incorporate SEL
- Start with daily check-ins: Use “morning meetings” or quick check-ins at the beginning of class. Ask questions like, “How’s everyone feeling today?” or “What’s something you’re looking forward to this week?”
- Teach mindfulness and emotional regulation: Spend time on techniques like deep breathing, mindfulness exercises, and journaling. These are simple but powerful ways to help students manage stress and anxiety.
- Focus on empathy: Incorporate activities where students put themselves in others’ shoes. Role-playing or “what would you do?” scenarios help build empathy and problem-solving skills.
Conclusion
Middle school teaching isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s a journey full of opportunities to shape young lives. These five game-changing strategies—building relationships, embracing choice, incorporating movement, using authentic learning, and prioritizing SEL—are among the best teaching tips for middle school that I’ve discovered. They’ve revolutionized the way I approach my classroom.
If you implement even one of these best teaching tips for middle school, I guarantee you’ll see a difference in student engagement, behavior, and overall classroom atmosphere. So go ahead—try them out, tweak them to fit your style, and watch your middle school classroom transform for the better.
