In middle school, child are often starting to read lengthier chapter books, where they have to pick out which information is the most important and what they should focus on. Hand out a sheet of paper with instructions for how to mark off different reading selections. For example, tell them to highlight the most important quotations in a chapter in orange, circle any forms of symbolism and use a green pen to underline instances of foreshadowing.
While staring at a page of facts is visual in its own way, make such a process a bit less overwhelming. Middle school math often involves concepts such as prime numbers, number properties and the multiplication of fractions. Put questions regarding these topics on flash cards and review them with the class. For history lessons, write questions regarding common middle school topics such as the American Revolution, the Age of Exploration and the process of immigration on the cards.
Show videos in the classroom to help students learn better. In a science class, have a brief demonstration of the lab project on video, and then allow students to go forth and complete the tasks themselves. Common science projects at this level include ones on surface tension or the process of camouflage. In a literature class, show a film adaptation of a novel or play that you just read, such as "Harry Potter" or "To Kill a Mockingbird," or show them a newer movie that is based off of an old classic. Show videos that document historical moments in the United States or world.
Present information to students in the forms of charts and graphs. On a lesson about one of the wars, use a graph to indicate how many people from various countries were killed during the fighting. Give students raw data about these facts and ask them to construct them in their graphs. In a math classroom, have students survey the rest of the class about favorite ice cream flavors, town of birth and other facts and create a chart or graph of their findings.