why is middle school so toxic

This is a BIG one. It is true you have written an interesting article with great ideas and additions to my article. With simple meditation and breathing skills and get to know how to live in the moment and how to appreciate life. But, I do think middle school is worst. For all the teachers, principals and parents, dont call someone a failure, dont demotivate and especially dont stress them, because stress is deadly not only for their health but also for the future of everybody. We give you permission to do whats right for you! Eventually, I could feel myself getting frustrated with working 14-hour days plus another 8 on the weekend. They yearn for physical activity and intellectual inspiration. As stated above, the lack of security in my school environment really took a toll on my body. I vividly recall the first days of middle school. Everything about working in K-12 education made.me.so.annoyed and (for better, or for worse) I became much more vocal about these annoyances than I ever had been before with my administrators. A teacher only spends around 600 hours in 180 days teaching, which gives them extra time to develop new innovative teaching strategies to individually assess and respond to the learning needs of their students. There are enough online courses on all a kind of different topics to learn the important things in life. For all the people who earn so much money with standardized testing and toxic policies, I am sorry that you had to waste your time learning without knowing anything about education. Find the right solutions and help to make a better and happier future for the kids. SOAR makes curriculum for schools that teaches students how to deal with the issues that made middle school suck for me! Middle school is a bizarre place where I feel like almost every day I could look at some kid (mostly boys) and say what the fuck were you thinking? They typically are NOT thinking. So you can find different ways to archive the outcome you want. The standardized exams test a students memory and willingness to learn a subject. For example, you may not trust that your principal has the skills necessary to turn your struggling school around or run an effective meeting. Developing ulcers, not eating or over-eating, not sleeping enough, waking up in a panic in the middle of the night, vomiting, constantly feeling sick for no apparent reason. So they are more willing to help others and bring change for good. Then why not start early and teach them how to keep their personal finance in check? Schools are invested in achieving equal success in the country and dont compete with each other. I have to pay attention and try and learn something, I almost forgot! You just learn a bunch of stuff most of which youre not going to use anyway. Teachers and students both expressed this sentiment. Middle school is the shittiest time of life, unfortunately. The worst rejections we. I dont know a great deal about your school system but here in the UK its not at all as you describe. Why notencourage them to be creative and think outside of the box? And I believe itll be a good addition to your blog as well. Often times, we begin at a school excited to learn and work with new colleagues and leaders. I began first to lose clumps of hair in the shower. Of course, not all school systems are bad; however, many still have industrial parts integrated today. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. The factory owners required people to have a routine to do the same task over and over efficiently and without error. Thank you for your comment. After high school, there are two pathways vocational schools for the practical hands-on skill needed for work and normal academic programs both can apply to university its a flexible path. The test scores are the only thing that counts. This can restrict job opportunities for some students later as many that are only in Hauptschule (easiest and for pupils with bad grades) have it much harder to get to Universities. Everyone was gone, it was just me and my locker. Nor do I expect it to, but if you identify with the majority or many of these signs, maybe its time to reflect and plan for next steps. The fact that a teacher can deny someone the basic human right of going to the bathroom is appalling to me." pmusumeci85 2.. I personally wouldnt call them terrible, since its not all bad, but there are fundamental shortcomings. And self-defense and know-how to handle dangerous situations and how solve conflict situations. My teacher cared about me, I had known my friends for years, and I had been sitting at the same lunch table since I was 5 years old. Complacency can often lead to bitterness. Usually, Im diligent about exercise and reading for pleasure, but I couldnt focus on either of those tasks long enough to get through an entire workout or finish a page of a book. I still have deep insecurities and low self esteem because of it. People are uncomfortable with change; no teacher, no principal, no school, and no government wants to try it first. I knew I could not tolerate seeing a child suffer in that hell hole called school. Below are the top four things students struggle with while in middle school. Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts. Contact Us(800) 390 SOARAbout SOARClient LoginReturn PolicyRecommended ResourcesSOAR Additional Supplies NeededCurriculum TrialMedia KitAffiliateProgram, What Is SOARWho SOAR HelpsWhy SOAR WorksCurriculum PricingProven ResultsHow To Get Started, What Is SOARWhy SOAR WorksThe At-Home SolutionProven ResultsSpecial Help, Copyright 2022 SOAR Learning Inc. All Rights Reserved. 1. The real measures and predictors of student achievement are personal habits and personal values. Thats why Kids learn more productive outside the school, not inside the school. It was the first time; that education was provided by the state with regulations for learning. In this economy, mental health is a topic that should definitely get more attention, especially at the young age of students when stress management skills matter. Teachers and principals make most curricula locally both teachers and students are evaluated by their peers and principals. Just move to Irish Land and you'll be all set! I got bullied simply because Im Irish with red hair and freckles. Yes those things have happened and still do. So why not change the school system in the direction of Finlands system? Had I only been using one binder for all of my stuff and a planner to help me keep track of assignments, tests, and homework, it would have made my first day (and the rest of the year) run a lot smoother. This drives kids to be dicks, as they try to bully their way to a higher social standing. I sat down and had the biggest realization of them all. The teacher merges passion and education together to help the students to succeed. The SOAR Soft Skills Curriculum covers all of the problems that students face in this transition period. Even the boys feel awkward. You Needed Permission to Pee. Their bodies begin changing, their emotions feel stronger, and their thoughts get more internal and complex. My final straw was when I had my first anxiety attack ever in my classroom during lunch. But high schoolers are more mature than middle schoolers and are more aware of their actions and the consequences. The things kids can say and do to other kids can be absolutely heartbreaking. Many people know that the school systems in most countries are bad, but most arent familiar with how it all started and why the education system got even worse over time. To get from my desk to the door, I have to wade through a miasma of teen-product vapors that make me want to shower in bleach. Thats when truly amazing and remarkable things happen. A big part of life is relationships, no matter if love, friendship, or business partner. For some kids, the pressure to get good grades comes from all sides family, friends, the society if hes not good enough, he is a failure. All children get the same level of education. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Like lots of students I loved fifth grade, being the oldest and coolest kids in school was so fun. But the only focus is on what grades they get. My weeks of practice on a combination lock at home did me no good; I couldnt get my locker open. There's that one-two punch of hormones AND discovering the realities of a social hierarchy. And what about the people that want to go they often have to take student loans where most of their whole college time and even after being in debt. What if everybody can learn in different ways depending on abilities, preferences, and interests? They detach themselves more and more from school, the teachers, everything, impairing their mental . I dont say there dont need to be any exams, but lesser where also non-cognitive factors of true success like character and integrity are tested. Community, work ethic, character development, and making sure they get enough sleep are what the focus in the schools should be on. Why do middle schoolers hate their school? And he's far from alone in this. Also, both guys and girls have fought with whoever cheated on them. Seriously. Why countries should adopt Finlands school system. There is no bad school they all provide an equal level of education and quality. Dont let middle school suck! About once a week, I read about a teacher who has this thought. Likewise, I had a friend who once complained to the head of a department in our district about an entire program being ridiculous and simply not beneficial to the students it supported. Hell, even kids in elementary school can say some pretty hurtful things to other kids. When students struggle, the state quickly provides them with resources to help them catch up. But at the time of the Industrial Revolution, there was a change in how we work, which created the need for universal schooling. And on this basis, he is given a worthless piece of paper defining his/her intelligence. Hormones plus higher degree of independence plus still developing social skills plus nascent self-identity. Students dont know why they are learning or how to study properly. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Ive had teacher friends whose bodies have reacted in other disturbing ways. But the fundamentals in Germany and the US, for example, hasnt changed much in my opinion and from my research. Yes, not all things are bad, but many fundamental and important ones are not as good as they are in Finland, for example. But, I do think middle school is worst. Learn morehere. I first started getting nervous when I went school shopping with my mom and noticed the amount of different binders, notebooks, dividers and labels I needed. Learn on the go with our new app. I also take it youre very young (Im guessing late teens, max). As in: can you quit being an asshole and just let me go pee? Often times, we get so lost within the day-to-day tasks that come with teaching that we dont realize we work in a toxic environment. 8 Your life shouldn't peak in middle school. Here's Why Middle School is So Hard for Most Kids #1 Friendship Changes When it comes to middle school friendships, instability is the norm. How to Organize & Motivate Students for Success. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Toxic leadership The administration sets the tone for the health of the work environment. Then began the regular migraines. The word Education came from a Latin word called Educe which means to bring out or develop, and ironically that too Ive learned from the internet, not from school. In Finland, all teachers have to pass a five-year masters degree fully paid for by the government and a two-step application system: an exam (about research articles) and interviews. The Smells The problem is not just standard BO, like you'd expect. Without any private schools, rich parents have to make sure that the public schools are great, no matter if it is a socially disadvantaged area or a wealthier area. Its mostly the part of the brain responsible for empathy isn't really formed at that point in time. But whatif they can research a topic they want to learn about in school? Love podcasts or audiobooks? I see why people become teachers. A student should discover skills for concentration and impulse control. I heard kids scream profanities at the top of their lungs during passing periods, I broke up fights or escalating arguments at least once per day, kids were terrified of using the bathroom for fear of getting jumped, and teachers were verbally (and sometimes physically) assaulted. When in reality the characters are just terrible people. This one is touchy for me. I walk in the building and every memory from orientation vanishes. So they do better by going to school less. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. It is easy to setup, and students are prepared for success on day 1! Because If you knew you wouldnt make people transform into robots, no, you would create a school system where students learn to innovate, to be creative, and to think outside the box, so humans only build robots and dont become one. Practicing my locker comb in my head, attempting to memorize my schedule, and trying to figure out how the whole changing-classes thing was going to work. Students should get an idea of how to save money and obtain interest rates. Some are not. My name is Kylie, Im an intern at SOAR Learning. No one likes that part of middle school. And you know whats sad? It is the only Business market that is developing a product without any valid market research from its end users accountability measure and evaluation system. Hundreds, until this date, poor children couldnt afford education because it wasnt free. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But usually you just peed your pants to save yourself the public humiliation you inevitably received for not knowing the semantical difference (at age 5, mind you) between the words may and can. 2. Privacy Policy Terms & Conditions. Answer (1 of 18): I decided at age 12 that if I survived to adulthood, I would never have children. Kids are absolutely brutal. Yes. Thank you for your comment. School should be of possibility and hope instead of placement and percentile measurement on standardized tests. It doesnt have to be this way! Creating resources and connecting educators, in order to combat burn-out and provide support in the areas of personal well-being and professional growth. But also they should be taught how to gain money with the investment and where to invest. When I first started teaching, I was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed; eager to partake in all aspects of this system we call education. I needed one binder to hold all my work for all of my classes. I like to call it "spitting bullshit" because whenever a kid under the age of 14 is trying to talk shit they usaully don't make any sense and you can't really even understand them but they think it's funny as fuck. Help your new middle schooler succeed! It is also a good place to make friends and once you are graduated you can do business together (networking). After I was cussed out by a student for asking him to put his phone away, my sense of security immediately dropped. These are values of factory workers in the industrial age, not for kids in the technology age, where problem-solving, creative thinking, and teamwork are needed. Middle school is where groups of kids that use to be friends in elementary school break a part and out grow each other and form new groups of friends they make. Students shouldnt study out of fear they should learn with passion and because they want to. The problem is the stuff students use to cover it up. If you can change the education system for better, you can change the world. I listen to my students, especially about this issue. And learn about sexuality in general and give an understanding of the importance of sexual consent. Personally I believe that there should be more of a focus on what people will do after school, so that the students can see why they are learning what theyre learning and can actually find motivation. Heres the link to that-https://theblogera.com/does-schooling-interfere-with-your-education/. Because when someone is eager for knowledge, he not only learns faster, he also archives more success. It gives teachers a lot of flexibility in how they structure their lessons and provides freedom to use more individualized metrics. Even fictional woman cannot live up to the media's How to cope with losing friends while planning the wedding? So they feel the impact and be inspired to become part of a change for the greater good. I find my locker number and attempt to get it open. Sometimes changing your school, your position, or even a break from teaching can empower you to live a fruitful and happy personal life. Middle schoolers have very different needs than high school and elementary students. Who knew this pile of folders and notebooks could create so manyproblems?! Hateful or threatening texts can be sent or a fight can occur. Why are most school systems bad and outdated? Middle school is scary - for parents and kids. They all wish that they could be invisible physically because that would be ideal for people not to notice their hair they are just trying to learn how to style themselves, the voice changes, the bras, and the acne and facial hair. In a period of about 20 years in the early 1900s, the now-called Factory schools had their beginning. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Rough job. Kids this age tend to be uncomfortable in their changing bodies as it is, so at minimum, we need to . They should inspire their pupils and educate them with enthusiasm. Implement a solution before the problems evolve. By year seven, I was pessimistic and complaining about all of it. Even if in school, you dont have learned about these topics, it is never too late to educate yourself further. Ive even heard stories of teachers trying to purposely derail new teachers to see how long they will last. This is INSANE to me. Unless children show interest and willingness, they dont have to learn reading in kindergarten. Here are 16 messages from teachers over the last 6 months. Btw adults still verbally and physically abuse people but then it's considered assault and victims would press charges. Cliques were definitely a thing. In the new age of innovation, it is time to adjust it to our required circumstances. 3 Click here to learn more about the SOAR Learning & Soft Skills App. Because without testing non-cognitive factors of true success like character and integrity, tests are a complete waste of time. Its what most kids do as well when they dont understand a subject, they look on the internet, where they probably gain more knowledge than in school. After a few years, we end up finding ourselves a Teacher Leader within our school, which is great! I see so My friend believes that Satan is actually good and Why does a majority of Reddit hate landlords. The Finnish school system is not about business and making money; it is a student-centered School system because it is 100% state-funded. Bullying, panic attacks, anxiety, and traumatic experiences are common issues in schools. Take this time to pause and reflect on your current work environment and answer the question am I in a toxic situation? Here are 9 signs to consider: Ive been fortune enough to have little experience in this category, but Ive heard from teacher friends of horror stories of colleagues throwing them under the bus by tattling to the principal for rewarding their class with a movie or giving their students a piece of candy. No one knew who I was. While it may be tempting to get a relationship early, it's not all about that in life. The school system is really good at ensuring that students complete high school, so around 93% of Finish students graduate. Everything was smooth sailing. However, we can sometimes get complacent and a little too comfortable within our role. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. I am not nave to assume understanding the full picture and I am conscious of what advice I give back to teachers and school leaders, signposting individuals to various phone numbers, charities and unions. These Students should also be prepared to go for the job they have passion for and shouldnt be afraid to attempt anything challenging, unable to read or think critically. In the 1900s, the school system was changed over 20 years, today, in the technology age, a new revolution should be possible a lot faster. All students were separated into different classes according to their age to master the educational program. Hopefully we can take the lesson from Finland and adapt to our school system soon. The elementary school has different starting times and is 20 hours a week with lunch hours that are in total 75 minutes of recess. I don't think it's just puberty. In my opinion, I think there so many things wrong with our education system. When a school finds a new technique that works well, it is quickly shared with other institutions. There is no room for different passions and interests because everybody gets filled with similar useless information. The Importance of Middle School Three questions answeredscreens, the talk, and more. We spend so much of our time at work, it really should be a place that adds joy to our lives. Buy the next textbook, the next workbook, or the next digital software package. Schools arent built for learning its more about copying skills than actually learning them. It is helpful to know how to spot manipulative and abusive behavior. Well, in this economy, students at an early age get ill because of stress. This year I switched to being a teachers aide. The system at the time worked because it created a strong middle class. They cant interact and help each other and become better as a team because they are not allowed to talk. Before I knew it, summer was over, and it was time for my first day of middle school. My communication with my teachers would have been easier, and I am sure I would have saved my parents a couple headaches when I couldnt find my homework or left a notebook in my locker. In some parts of Germany, students have to go to one of three different school forms after the first four years in school. Teachers should educate the youth about eco-friendly living, eat local and seasonal food, and pay attention to the products they buy. Ive met people who work 70+ hours a week and love it whatever floats their boat (although thats an issue for an entire different blog post!). If a student is curious about the topic he learned in school that he wants to do more research at home, then the teacher is on the right track. The first 5 years of my career, I fell into this category, too. When the school system is so outdated that it was designed in the industrial age, the mentality is mass production and mass control; then you know there is something wrong with the system in this new age. Middle schoolers are a bizarre lot. Unfortunately there wasnt an easy solution when I was in middle school. Brain development. In one study, Dr. Janna Jovonen, a UCLA psychologist, followed 6,000 students from 26 schools and found that most friendships shift during middle school. All Rights Reserved. In her book Operating Instructions . But I also see why they develop frustration and burnout. Community, work ethic, character development, and making sure they get enough sleep are what the focus in the schools should be on. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. You will often see teachers organizing fall festivals, leading PD, and mentoring younger teachers. If your students school does not use the SOAR curriculum, you can still help your student get ahead! But high schoolers are more mature than middle schoolers and are more aware of their actions and the consequences. Thanks for pointing that out. I then had to figure out which binder went with which class, while worrying about the location of my first class. The schooling is doing just the opposite of it, they dont bring out much, instead, they are filling your brain with kinds of stuff and existing knowledge, Previously I too have written something about it, sharing my experience. School shouldnt be a money-making business; it should be a preparation for creating innovative start-ups and companies. A teacher in the hallway notices the lost puppy dog look on my face and directs me to the 6th grade locker pod. They almost have no homework, so they have more time to be kids and youngsters to enjoy life. The multiple binders, folders, and notebooks (disorganization disguised as supposed organization) caused not only a headache, but caused me to lose focus on the important stuff. Middle school is where groups of kids that use to be friends in elementary school break a part and out grow each other and form new groups of friends they make. I then heard the bell for the start of class. If you were anything like me, you were intimidated by the big eighth graders, having to use a locker, and not having recess anymore. As teachers, we feel like we have the world against us; the least we can do is have each others back. While that is bad, Ive experienced and heard of principals who purposely pit other teachers against each other, cuss teachers out, and even fire teachers simply because their personalities differ. Everybody should be college-ready; however, not everybody wants or needs to go to college or university. It happens to the best of us!
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