Middle School

I heard from a middle school student that their teacher called the whole class “stupid.”  The teacher might have been frustrated but I would still think it bad pedagogy.  The middle school student wants to learn, but maybe does not want to learn everything or at a pace that the dreaded curriculum wants to rule as “school learning.”  Why not ask the students to write down what they are good at?  What they are good at might be of interest to them.  Be ready to be astonished by the potential and hope-filled surprises that come up in the student.  Encourage them to pay attention to their gifts.  Their light may begin to shine.  Too often these young people worry about how to fit in and be popular, to have friends.  So they might dummy down a talent because they don’t want to stand out or appear odd, or off center, whatever that might be.  I think of Billie Eilish and “Winner.”  Very popular with these young people.  Does not fit into Hollywood glamour.  If you don’t know who Billie is, (a girl), go to middle school.  You will learn something!