I am teaching a lively class of Middle-Schoolers this year. It’s a chemistry and physics class; there are many labs and hands-on activities. What are some tips? First, have all the materials ready. You can’t afford any lags. Fine. Time you spend sorting labs is time the class starts to act up. Give the kiddos clear instructions. My class needs step by step directions whenever we do any activity. I have large bins we use to help contain messes. (I’m looking at you, Elephant’s Toothpaste.) Manage seating. Separate any pairs who get into mischief. (Yes, I separated a pair.) Tuesday, one boy’s squishy burst under the table. We had a discussion about bringing toys in general. We use two tables. I rotate kiddos to create different lab partners every week. Make clean-up a consequence. Normally, everyone cleans up after labs—not if they act up. In fact keep a list of chores to assign as a consequence. I have a white-board with the list posted. (Yes, it does include cleaning toilets!) We also have a 15 minute session at the end of Co-op class to clean up and catch up. It’s a good time to discuss any issues which may arise. Run a tight ship! I’m glad the kiddos like the class. I don’t want things to get out of control.
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