Joe Said:

What eighties couple dances could i teach middle school students?

We Answered:

A nightclub two-step might work well. It is easy to learn (basically consists of two rock-steps), and can be done to a ton of ballads (think Air Supply, George Michael, Phil Collins). It is primarily a casual, social dance, so there isn't a huge amount of technique to worry about teaching.

There are a ton of intro video lessons on youtube. Here is one example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKjDnGJ4N…

Good luck!

Ray Said:

Can you think of any ways to reward Middle School Students after State Testing?

We Answered:

A big party? After I finished CST in 6th grade, the teacher threw a party for us. Though in your case, it's gonna be a little difficult as it includes all three grades.
Or a dance. That's the best option if it's all three grades.

Hope that helps ;P

Francisco Said:

How to motivate middle school students?

We Answered:

I am not a teacher, I am actually a high school student. But I had a excellent English teacher back in the 8th & 9th grade. What she did was all of the students sat at a table, and she sat at the front of the table, and she basically just connected with the class on a level of our understanding. She made lectures fun and learning fun. All that she did was put herself in our shoes, and help us all learn at our own pace. We also did occasional games and writing essays on fun subjects. We did board games on fun days, reading on Wednesdays ( where you could bring in a pillow and relax while read on the floor or lean against the wall), and writing, literature, grammar on other days. It is a shame the class was only 50 minutes, I wish it was the whole day. But those are some things she did, that you might be able to apply to your Math Class. ( Not the reading part, but maybe for homework) just make sure nobody sleeps. As for lectures you can try that. Also try computer games. Math computer games. What makes Math boring is always doing stuff out of books too. Try using the computer, chalkboard, or lectures. Mix it up. Have fun with it. Maybe have a fun day too. For example, have a math competition. Whoever can solve so many problems in so much time correctly wins this, but the prizes have too be well worth it. Have a nerd dress down day. Review the basics of math for those students struggling to. Use flashcards to review basics. Most important do not push any student unless you feel that they are lazy. They might get overwhelmed if you press too much homework or are learning impaired/slow learners. Make sure everyone is understanding the concepts and working at his/her pace. Make up creative ideas and use them. Make class fun. Good luck. Also having a pizza day once every nine weeks is a great way to reward a group of hard working students.

Betty Said:

What would be some good PowerPoint presentation topics for middle school students?

We Answered:

Such as lesson plan, after school programs, safety tips, test pre and so on~~

P.S. Here are some free PowerPoint templates you can download.

http://www.dvd-ppt-slideshow.com/powerpo…

Steve Said:

What is the best educational resource for teaching middle school students with special needs? math deficit.?

We Answered:

Michael Eaton math has very good materials related to teaching math. http://www.michaeleatonmath.com/ However, I do not know if one can purchase just one of the materials or if one must purchase a class set.

Also, give him something to actually move around. You state that he has a deficit in visual-spatial-but what are his strengths. If he is good at crafts or manipulation than try to use blocks, clay etc in addition to the visual aids. If he is good a verbal, then a have him keep a math journal in which he explains in his own words how to solve various types of problems. If he is good at music, he can make up his own songs and chants about solving math problems and math facts. Dominoes (if you can get some giant dominoes that would be great) are great for math games and drills. Turn them all over and have him pick one up. He must add, subtract, multiply, or divide the two numbers. Dice are good for this as well.

Also, remember to relate everything to real world problems and have him try his hand a cooking simple things, using money to plan purchases, making simple crafts (especially those which require measuring and cutting).

Real world objects-----then visual aids---then "paper and pencil." is a good progression for teaching students with special needs.

Rick Said:

Deciding between teaching elementary or middle school students... Help!?

We Answered:

middle school. you can still do some field trips, theres less crying and "thats mine" going on, and they dont need you as much for every little thing. and if your passionate about something and dont drone on and on, they have a greater chance of being passionate about it as well.... which means you'll be creating higher test scores and giving them a bit of confidence, which is what we all need at that age.

Christy Said:

Teaching Blind Middle School Students?

We Answered:

I would do a lot of role playing activities with them and have them act out the roles using their English. Some examples of ideas include: meeting and greeting an English speaker for the first time, going shopping, going to the movies, going to a concert, going out to eat, calling a friend on the telephone and asking him/her to go out.

First, I'd teach them the vocabulary and idioms that they could use. Next, I'd teach them the roles, using easy English. I'd bring in props for their activities. Since your group is small, and it's a volunteer position, I wonder if you can take the students on field trips so they can practice their skills. Can you take them to an American fast food restaurant (McDonald's) and have them order in English?

Find out what music they like, The Wondergirls and 2 p.m. are a couple of examples, Use the lyrics, where appropriate, to teach them idioms and phrases. There are some translations of Korean songs by the Wondergirls on YouTube (but please listen to the lyrics first to make sure they are okay). The teens are also very interested in American pop culture. They would love to hear and learn songs from some American groups (but be very careful with this. Choose happy, family-friendly songs).

You can also ask them to write letters to pen pals (other kids in the U.S.) If you have access to a computer and the Internet in the class, you can allow the teens to speak to an American through an Internet phone call.