If middle schoolers could learn about anything, what would they choose? At Arthur Morgan School, we ask our students this question every year. During the 18 Day Field Trip unit, our students help develop their classes by providing input on what they want to learn. Our teachers then create engaging courses and 18 day long […]
Getting students involved in governing their school is a pretty new concept. In the early 20th century, teaching the concept of democracy suddenly became a global concern. Student councils were one mechanism that emerged, inspired by the writings of John Dewey. Teaching students good decision making skills and involving them in the running of their […]
When I first heard about some middle schools’ potential ban on best friends, I have to admit I was a little dismissive. Why were administrators putting themselves in the middle of middle school friendship issues? I didn’t believe the idea would catch on and thought it would be impossible to enforce. However, when Barbara Greenberg […]
School communities often struggle. Students become tired and stressed. They may lash out or act insensitively with their peers. As tensions increase and students respond with defensiveness or retribution, the ideals which tether a school community can start to unravel. As a result, any kindness that a teacher may be trying to build in their […]
For many, the cold days of winter are a time of reflection and goal setting. New Year’s resolutions are made with the hope that the next year will bring positive change. At Arthur Morgan School, we start the year reflecting upon the school’s mission and vision. As stated, our goal is to help middle schoolers […]
Winters can get long here in Appalachia. Freezing temperatures and piles of snow mean it’s time for our cows to huddle up in the barn and our chickens to snuggle down in their coop. But for our students, cold weather means it’s time to hit the road! Field Trips Ahead School resumes this week with […]
The debate over whether teachers should use grades or evaluations to assess their students is a big one in academic circles. Dozens of blogs and articles make strong arguments in both directions. Proponents of grades state they provide an objective and easily understandable system to compare student achievement. They are a sign of academic rigor […]
The lessons students take away from your classes aren’t always the ones you intend to teach. The most valuable lessons in the classroom may not even be academic. As Arthur Morgan School’s farmer, I have taught a similar biology course based on the school’s livestock program for several years. We have talked about the course […]
A recent trend in schools is to turn part of their campus into a garden and use it as a teaching tool. Whether its a sensory garden, vegetable garden, or livestock program, integrating farm work into their classrooms provides teachers with a plethora of experiential learning opportunities. In the spring, students can use seeds and […]
As a middle school art teacher, I am often inspired by my students. Middle schoolers are knee deep in the messy process of trying to figure out who they are, what they stand for, and what makes them unique as people. They ask the big questions. They begin to rebel against the constant adult monitoring […]