Chapter 1: Creating a Culture of Learning; Stoking the Fires Within

I really liked this first chapter of this book. I enjoy how the chapter is split up into two parts. The first with taking a look at ourselves, and the second about listening to the students. Both of these things are important when it comes to being a middle school teacher. In order to be an effective middle school teacher you need to be able to take a look at yourself as a person, and then a teacher. It talks about the ability to have a positive attitude about what’s going on. That if you are able to have a good attitude during times when it’s rough, then you will be effective when it comes to reaching your middle school students. Listening is also something that is vital when associating with middle school aged kids. I have worked with young adolescents before, and when they become upset, the only way to reach them when they are upset, is to just sit back and listen to them. If you can get to know yourself and become a good listener, then you will definitely be more capable of reaching those young adolescents that we will be teaching.