Well, I guess the famous last words are really just last words. I didn’t write anything in the last year. The school year went so fast and I am still at a loss how to put some things into words but here’s what I’ve learned over the last year (at least some of the things).

To start, I didn’t really announce it but I moved from teaching 2nd grade to teaching 7th grade social studies. When I made the move most people thought I was crazy and spent some time worrying about me. People don’t just jump from primary to middle school- at least not the sane ones. It turns out, it was one of the best decisions I’ve made.

Middle school is a tricky thing. You have kids who at the heart are kids but then you add in hormones and pressures and technology (to name a few) they become more complicated. I think most teens get a bad wrap. Adults see them as trouble or disrespectful or a nuisance. I know there are teens out there that fit that description but I challenge anyone who thinks that, to have a one on one conversation with a teen. They will surprise you with their thoughtfulness, whit, and wisdom. I told all of my classes at the beginning of the year that I made this move because I think they are awesome and they deserve people to see that about them.

So…here’s what I’ve learned from middle school this year (as an adult).

• These are some of the funniest people I have met. They just want you to laugh with them. One student, when giving advice to our 6th graders coming up, said “Joke around with her, 80% of the time, she will laugh.”
• All of my insecurities from middle school and high school returned. I spent a lot of time deciding what to wear and chose not to wear things that I thought I would be “judged” for. I was NOT prepared for this.
• If you have high expectations for them, they will rise to the occasion. It is pretty awesome to see.
• Just like the high expectations, telling them that I cared or checking in on someone who seemed to be having a rough day was a big deal. When talking with one student I told them that I worried about them and the response was, “well you’re the only one.” I am certain that I am not the only one, but as a parent of teens, I am often guilty of not telling them how much I care or the cool things I see about them. I just assume they know- and your know what they say about assumptions…
• Mean girls still exist. So do mean boys. And then you meet parents and you understand why kids are the way they are.
• Middle school is great for some but really difficult for a lot. I did not enjoy middle school and can still tell you some of the things people said to me or about the times I was left out. I did not feel like I had friends in middle school. Our kids feel the same way. The difference is now instead of hearing through conversation a week later that they were not included, they see it in real time on social media. It really sucks.
• These kids are still kids. Even though they are maturing and growing and acting more adult-like (at times) does not mean they are adults or ready for adult things. We still need to limit screen time and spend time with them just listening. They still like board games and card games and quiet ball. When the phone is not an option, they get creative and it is really cool to see.
• Lastly, I really love each and every one of those students that passed through my door. Some of them drove me crazy on a regular basis but they are still some of the coolest people I know. I am so thankful for my year and for my own kids telling me they thought I could teach middle school. If it was not for them, I would never have given it a shot.

So…it’s not what I learned in kindergarten, but middle school. I would not change this last year for anything. I have learned and grown and now see myself in a different light. Now, more than ever, I can do hard things just like I told my students this year. And, I’m exhausted. I took more on this year than I think realized and now I am embracing summer and the reset and relaxation it brings. And on that note…peace out.