Synopses & Reviews
Following on the heels of the bestselling
Fires in the Bathroom, which brought the insights of high school students to teachers and parents, Kathleen Cushman now turns her attention to the crucial and challenging middle grades, joining forces with adolescent psychologist Laura Rogers.
As teachers, counselors, and parents cope with the roller coaster of early adolescence, too few stop to ask students what they think about these critical years. Here, middle school students in grades 5 through 8 across the country and from diverse ethnic backgrounds offer insights on what it takes to make classrooms more effective and how to forge stronger relationships between young adolescents and adults. Students tackle such critical topics as social, emotional, and academic pressures; classroom behavior; organization; and preparing for high school. Cushman and Rogers help readers hear and understand the vital messages about adolescent learning that come though in what these students say.
This invaluable resource provides a unique window into how middle school students think, feel, and learn, bringing their needs to the forefront of the conversation about education.
Review
"This book brings out the essence of what, and how, middle school kids think. Teachers can learn from themnot just new teachers, but those who have been in the field for a while."
—Deborah Kasak, Executive Director, National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform
Synopsis
The highly anticipated sequel to the bestselling Fires in the Bathroom--filled with practical, honest advice from middle school students to their teachers Following on the heels of the bestselling Fires in the Bathroom, which brought the insights of high school students to teachers and parents, Kathleen Cushman now turns her attention to the crucial and challenging middle grades, joining forces with adolescent psychologist Laura Rogers.
As teachers, counselors, and parents cope with the roller coaster of early adolescence, too few stop to ask students what they think about these critical years. Here, middle school students in grades 5 through 8 across the country and from diverse ethnic backgrounds offer insights on what it takes to make classrooms more effective and how to forge stronger relationships between young adolescents and adults. Students tackle such critical topics as social, emotional, and academic pressures; classroom behavior; organization; and preparing for high school. Cushman and Rogers help readers hear and understand the vital messages about adolescent learning that come though in what these students say.
This invaluable resource provides a unique window into how middle school students think, feel, and learn, bringing their needs to the forefront of the conversation about education.
About the Author
Kathleen Cushman is the author of Fires in the Bathroom (The New Press). She lives in New York City. Laura Rogers, EdD, has a doctorate from Harvard University and twelve years experience as a school psychologist working with adolescents. She teaches at Tufts University and lives in Harvard, Massachusetts.
Table of Contents
ContentsPreface xi
Introduction: Journey over a Bridge 1
Middle school still teaches you, but its a part of growing up.”
1. Everything Is Off Balance 14
Were not really sure whats expected of us.”
2. A Teacher on Our Side 39
An ideal teacher understands and pays attention to the kid.
They should be friendly, but not too friendly.”
3. Social Forces in the Classroom 66
Everybody grew up together but still, we dont talk to each other
as much as you would think.”
4. Helping Us Grow into Confident Learners 103
Sometimes I want to ask the question, but I dont want to seem
like Im dumb.”
5. Using Our Energy to Help Us Learn 132
Its not going to be boring because youll be doing something
that you like to do.”
6. Make Way for Parents 151
Parents should change when you get to middle school.”
7. Our Transition to High School 170
Thats all I was thinking about all summer long, staying up late:
Whats high school going to be like?”
Epilogue: Through the Kaleidoscope 193
Teachers dont know what the kids are thinking,
they only make a guess.”
Resources for Middle-Grades Teachers 201
Acknowledgments 206
The Student Contributors 209
Index 215