One Teacher's Adventures

One of my favorite things about teaching middle school math is when students’ curiosity drives the lesson. It doesn’t always happen on its own; sometimes I need to create the conditions for wonder to bubble up. Over the years, I’ve leaned on two approaches that consistently spark inquiry: Which One Doesn’t Belong? and Show Me Your Math . Which One Doesn’t Belong? Inspired by Christopher Danielson’s books, this routine invites students to look at four numbers, shapes, or images and decide which one doesn’t belong. The beauty of this activity is that there isn’t just one right answer.  In the image below, students might say that D doesn't belong because it's the only circle, while C doesn't belong because it's the only blue shape, and A doesn't belong because it's the only shape broken into thirds. Once students can find reasons why one item doesn't belong, you can challenge them to find a reason why each of the items doesn't belong. What I love about ...

  The start of the school year always feels like a fresh notebook, crisp, full of possibilities, and maybe just a little overwhelming. Over the years, I’ve learned that the routines I set up in those first few weeks shape the tone of the entire year. Middle school students thrive on structure, but they also need room for independence. The trick is finding that balance. Here are a few back-to-school routines I’ve found make the biggest difference: 1. Entry and Exit Routines How students enter and leave the classroom sets the tone. I always establish: Where to put backpacks and devices so walkways stay clear. In my school, students have lockers outside the room, so their backpacks stay out of the classroom altogether. A starter activity (a question on the board, a quick reflection, or even a riddle) to get them engaged right away. Consider Rebus Puzzles as a great thinking activity! A clear exit process so students aren’t rushing or leaving behind chaos, this could be ...

I don’t know about you, but I’ve noticed that my students live in a world where news doesn’t just come from the evening broadcast or the front page of a newspaper. Instead, it comes through TikTok videos, Instagram posts, YouTube clips, and memes shared at lightning speed. And while our students are more connected than ever, that doesn’t mean they’re better at figuring out what’s real, what’s biased, and what’s flat-out fake. That’s why I make a point of teaching media literacy in my classroom. Why Media Literacy Matters We’ve all seen how quickly misinformation can spread, whether it’s a miscaptioned photo, a sensationalized headline, or a “news” story that turns out to be satire. For students, who may not yet have the critical thinking tools to question their sources, this can be overwhelming. When I introduce media literacy, I don’t frame it as “don’t believe anything you see online.” Instead, I teach students how to ask better questions : Where is this information coming fr...

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...

As middle school teachers, we know that math can be a challenging subject for many students. The abstract concepts, the layers of operations, and the sheer volume of practice required to master skills can sometimes overwhelm even the most diligent learners. This is where math routines come into play. By incorporating structured, predictable math routines into your classroom, you can create a supportive environment where students build confidence, deepen their understanding, and develop essential problem-solving skills. Why Use Math Routines? Math routines are consistent practices or activities that students engage in regularly. These routines help establish a classroom culture where math is seen as a daily habit rather than a daunting task. Here are some key benefits of using math routines: Builds Mathematical Fluency: Regular practice through routines helps students develop fluency with numbers, operations, and problem-solving strategies. Over time, students become more comfortable a...

As the summer winds down, the back-to-school season looms large. For middle school teachers, the challenge is to reignite students’ interest in learning while creating a classroom environment that feels fresh and exciting. We all know that the typical icebreakers and get-to-know-you activities can feel a little stale, so let’s explore some ideas that won’t just survive the first week back, they’ll thrive. Here are some creative, effective, and - most importantly - not-boring ways to kick off the school year with your middle schoolers. 1. The Classroom Redesign Challenge Instead of walking into a fully set-up classroom, invite your students to help design the space. Give them the freedom to arrange desks, create bulletin boards, or even choose themes for different corners of the room. This activity not only helps students feel a sense of ownership but also serves as a great team-building exercise. Plus, you won’t have to spend your time in the summer planning and decorating your classro...

As middle school teachers, one of the most challenging tasks is fostering a love of reading in our students. Almost all of my Grade 8 students last year told me they hated reading, but I’ve heard that if kids don’t like reading, they just haven’t found the right book yet. Enter the concept of "book tasting"—a creative, engaging way to introduce students to a variety of books and genres, all while making the experience fun and memorable. What is a Book Tasting? A book tasting is an event designed to give students a “taste” of different books. Think of it as a literary buffet where students sample a variety of genres and authors in a short period. The goal is to spark interest in reading by allowing students to explore books they might not normally pick up. Typically, a book tasting is set up in a classroom or library, with tables arranged to resemble a café or restaurant. Each table features a selection of books—these could be themed around a genre, topic, or author. Students ...

Middle school is a crucial period for developing students' writing skills and fostering a love for self-expression. As educators, finding innovative ways to engage students and make writing enjoyable can be challenging. One effective tool that has gained popularity is the choice board. A choice board typically includes 5-10 writing prompts centered around a common theme, allowing students to choose one (or more) to write about. This approach not only sparks creativity but also supports diverse learning styles and fosters a sense of autonomy. Here are some key benefits of using choice boards in middle school writing. 1. Encourages Student Engagement When students have the power to choose what they write about, they are more likely to be invested in the task. Choice boards provide a variety of prompts, ensuring that there is something that appeals to every student. This sense of ownership over their learning can increase motivation and enthusiasm for writing. 2. Fosters Creativity Ch...