The teacher, an aid, a visiting speaker or a parent assisting with a classroom project or chaperoning on a field trip should all model positive behavior and middle school students tend to copy it. From time to time, students need correction. When discipline is handled in a courteous, business-like manner, it becomes a positive learning experience rather than a punishment that breeds negativity.
Teenagers enjoy reward and recognition, but a gold star or a smiley face drawn at the top of a test may not do the trick anymore. Middle school students are able to delay gratification and earn greater rewards little by little. Students may earn points toward a reward via both academic and behavioral avenues. The reward system should be simple and the final prize valuable enough to keep their interest. A coupon for free pizza, a no-homework pass or simply the promise of a positive report to a parent at the end of the week can work wonders with middle schoolers.
Whenever possible, teachers can incorporate a positive character trait into the lesson. Literature, history and science lessons offer springboards to discussions about good role models. Along with their subject lessons, teachers can point out Bob Cratchit's attitude of respect, Martin Luther King, Jr.'s refusal to resort to violence or Einstein's perseverance in the face of repeated failures. They also place posters praising good character traits such as honesty, diligence and loyalty where students can see them and be reminded of their own behavioral goals.
Middle School students like to be heard. Positive teachers ask students questions about their understanding of instructed material, confidence level in performing an assigned task and feelings about their progress in the class. They listen to their students' answers and respond appropriately and briefly. Although most lessons require a time of instruction or lecture, good teachers keep it brief. Middle school students tend to enjoy partner and group work over "chalk and talk" lessons; videos, music, art or craft projects also help students enjoy the learning process more. Teachers who incorporate as much fun into the classroom experience as possible create a positive environment for middle schoolers.