One Teacher's Adventures

Every September, I look forward to rolling out hands-on science experiments with my students. But before the goggles go on and the Bunsen burners come out, I know we need to build a strong foundation: lab safety . Let’s be honest, middle schoolers can be equal parts curious and impulsive. They love the idea of “real science,” but sometimes forget that science involves risks if we’re not careful. Over the years, I’ve realized that the way I teach safety at the start of the year makes all the difference in how seriously students take it later on. Why Lab Safety Matters in Middle School I’ve had students ask, “Do we really need to go over this? I already know not to drink the chemicals.” And sure, most of them understand the obvious rules. But what they don’t always think about are the smaller details, like leaving a backpack in the aisle (hello, tripping hazard!), or wearing long sleeves near an open flame. Those little things can lead to big problems if we don’t practice safety consi...

Spring is finally here! The days are getting longer, and we’re in the home stretch of the school year. I'm back to school tomorrow after a 2-week Spring Break. This is the perfect time to refresh your classroom and shake up your teaching routine to keep things feeling fresh for both you and your students. A little bit of spring cleaning can go a long way in making the last few months of the year smoother, more organized, and more enjoyable. Here’s how you can declutter, refresh, and reset to finish strong. 1. Declutter and Organize Your Classroom A clean, organized space makes a big difference—for you and your students! Here’s where to start: Clear out the clutter. Go through those piles of papers, broken supplies, and unused materials. If you haven’t used something all year, chances are you won’t need it next year either—toss it, recycle it, or donate it. Reorganize your materials. Group things together in a way that makes sense for how you use them. Label bins and drawers so yo...

Let’s be honest—parent-teacher conferences can be stressful. As middle school teachers, we often have marathon evenings of back-to-back meetings, sometimes with difficult conversations in the mix. But with a little preparation and the right mindset, they don’t have to be something we dread. In fact, they can actually be rewarding! Here are some practical tips to help make parent-teacher conferences smoother, more productive, and maybe even enjoyable. 1. Be Prepared (But Don’t Overthink It) Preparation makes everything easier. Before conferences, take a little time to: Review student work – Have recent assignments, tests, and progress reports handy. This could be done in class with the students. Ask students to select assignments that reflect their current ability and create a portfolio to share with their families. Make notes – Jot down key strengths and areas where the student might need support. Anticipate parent concerns – Think about what questions might come up and be ready wit...

March Madness isn’t just for basketball—it’s also a super fun way to bring energy and engagement into your classroom! Bracket-style competitions can turn review sessions into exciting challenges, making learning way more interactive and enjoyable for students. Plus, a little friendly competition never hurts, right? Here’s how you can bring the madness into your lessons! How It Works It’s simple: students compete in rounds where concepts, ideas, or their own answers face off against each other until there’s one final winner. You can go with single elimination, class debates, or voting—it’s totally up to you! How to Set Up Your Classroom Bracket Pick a Topic – Think about what fits your curriculum and gets students excited. Some ideas: Math : Greatest Mathematician Ever; Most Effective Problem Solving Strategy Science : Coolest Scientific Discovery; Most Useful Cell Organelle/Body System Language Arts : Best Book or Character History : Most Significant Historical Event Music/Art : Great...

  Let’s be real—most middle schoolers aren’t thinking about their future careers. They’re thinking about what’s for lunch, their next soccer game, or how to convince their parents to extend their screen time. But that doesn’t mean we can’t plant the seeds for career exploration in a way that actually feels relevant and exciting. Middle school is the perfect time to start these conversations. Students are discovering what they like (and don’t like), developing skills, and beginning to see the connections between school and the real world. So how do we make career exploration engaging instead of just another assignment? Here are some tried-and-true activities that get students thinking about their futures without making it feel like a chore. Start with Themselves: Interest & Personality Quizzes Students love learning about themselves, so why not start there? Career interest surveys and personality quizzes are a fun way for them to reflect on what they enjoy and what they’re...

We've all heard it: "I hate math!" Whether it's frustration, past struggles, or just disinterest, some students come into our classrooms with their minds made up. But as teachers, we know that math isn't the enemy — and we can change the way our students see it. By making math hands-on, relevant, and interactive, we can help them develop confidence and maybe even enjoy it. Here are some strategies to make math more engaging in middle school: 1. Get Hands-On Math can feel abstract, but giving students something to touch can make a huge difference. Use manipulatives like fraction tiles, algebra tiles, and pattern blocks. Bring in real-world connections like planning a trip on a budget, doubling or halving a recipe (then having students make the dish!), or designing a dream bedroom with area and perimeter. I've had students plan field trips that they'd like to take - looking at bus schedules, budgets, and timetables. Not only did it engage them in their le...