Middle School Reflection Paper

My Reflection on Southaven Middle School

My current job allows me the privilege of being able to travel to multiple schools within the Desoto County School District. I count this as a distinct advantage in growth as a future educator. This opportunity has allowed me to observe and be mentored by some of the best teachers that Desoto County has to offer. My time was spent primarily at Southaven Middle School, Southaven Intermediate and Chickasaw Elementary. The experience and knowledge that I gained from each of these schools is immense. In each setting I was able to be exposed to regular education classrooms that incorporated students with disabilities (physical, behavioral etc.), while also getting to observe self contained and resource

It boasts a student population of about 1,500 middle school boys and girls. These students range in age from 11 to 15, or in other words sixth grade to eighth grade. Once inside the glass double doors of Southaven Middle, one immediately feels welcomed. This is because there is an array of materials that greet every visitor. One of these, being an attendance record for each grade level presented in the form of large popcorn kernels and a popcorn bucket. Each grade level has a popcorn bucket; the bucket with the most kernels has achieved the best attendance for the semester. At the end of the semester the grade level with the most wins a popcorn party. I believe that this seemingly small detail is important, because it allows each parent and visitor to see that Southaven Middle school cares about

Christ’s 8th grade history class was much different from that of Mr. Campbell’s class. However, it was equally as engaging and taught me a lot in the way of teaching styles. His classroom was filled with pop culture references, as well as historical references (flags, The Declaration of Independence, etc.). His teaching style was laid back yet very informative. He demeanor was relaxed and I believe this made the students feel comfortable. While I would have assumed at the beginning that this would make for a hard to manage class, it did the opposite. He respected the student’s opinions and allowed them to express those opinions at appropriate times. He also allowed them to feel independent. He would often incorporate group projects for the students to complete together rather than a constant lecture. However, when he did lecture it was very engaging in the sense that he would ask the students questions or get them to express their opinions on certain topics. He often kept his room dimly lit and just the light from the promethean board and windows lit the room. He would allow students the freedom to listen to their music via their phone or iPod during independent note taking time. Surprisingly, I never witnessed a student attempting to use their cell phone or iPod during an undesignated time. Like Mr. Campbell, Mr. Christ would often let me help the students when they had questions and assist him in picking out projects that could benefit the lesson he was