This session was more about the developing adolescent than creating a positive learning environment. Having read The Teenage Brain, a lot of the information shared was not new to me. One interesting take away - an MRI of a brain after eating sugar is similar to an MRI of a brain on drugs (I think it was heroin). The few examples of creating a positive learning environment included incorporating movement and allowing for interaction. I was hoping to take away ideas on how to get students who are hesitant to join groups and participate more involved.
"Middle School: A Place to Belong and Become" was presented at AMLE by Dr. Laurie Barron, principal, and Superintendent Patti Kinney. I LOVED THIS PRESENTATION!! Some thoughts presented: (Many things we already knew but some new thoughts) . Effective middle schools are where students feel they belong, are safe, respected and valued. . The foundations of middle school have to be strong. . We need to educate the whole child....physical, social and emotional. . The first biggest growth spurt in a child's life is birth to two years of age. The second biggest spurt and most critical time of development is ages 11-14....our middle school kiddos! . We need to focus on the outcome, not the structure. . Remember students are stakeholders too. Involve them and seek their input. i.e., designing a playground. . The first day of school: don't focus on rules and consequences. Instead, make the first day AWESOME! Some ideas presented to...
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