Middle school is an interesting time of transition and change. A lot is going on! Here are 10 things you should know about Middle School Special Ed!
1. Obviously… students in Middle School are growing up
Students enter middle school and going through these years are growing up and feeling the changes. Students with disabilities may require an extra level of support, but they aren’t exactly babies anymore. Don’t treat them like babies. Treat them as young adults and remember they are in a crucial period of change and may want more independence. Setting up a middle school classroom for growing students? Check mine out here.
2. Middle Schoolers can be awesomely independent
As tweens and teens, students in middle school special ed might want a little more independence like any of their peers. If you try and give it to them, your students in middle school just might surprise you with what they can do on their own!
3. Related services professionals can be your best friend
Because middle school is a time of change and transition, if students are having a hard time adjusting, turning to your related services providers is a great idea. Collaborate with speech-language pathologists, physical and occupational therapists, and those who provide audiology services, interpreting services, or psychological services for assistance and ideas that help your students with their specific needs.
4. You’re still allowed to use their interests
Allowed and encouraged! Students in middle school may be physically getting bigger, but using the interests they’ve had since they were smaller is totally okay! From Elmo and princesses to baseball or even Michael Jackson… using a student’s interests for engagement or preferred tasks is a positive thing.
5. Community Based Instruction is great in Middle School
Taking students into the community to practice different skills is not something that has to wait until students reach high school. Students in middle school special ed can also benefit from experiences that take place out in the community. It’s a key part of special education to learn skills they will use for the rest of their lives. There is no such thing as “too much practice” and middle school is a great time to begin.
Additionally, Students with disabilities can begin to be introduced to transition planning and job exploration at this age. As you explore the community, this Transition Plan Resource includes visuals to help students make individualized choices, mark interests, and share their wants and needs for their future (a mandatory part of a student’s IEP beginning at age 14).
6. It’s not you: puberty can hit hard
Possibly the hardest thing for any middle school teacher is navigating the hormones, and special education students are no different than their peers. Students go through many changes during this time, and it can be difficult to understand. Changes on the inside can result in new behaviors on the outside. Social stories for changing bodies, feeling new feelings, and new hygiene skills related to adolescence can be helpful for students to learn what’s going on.
7. Parents are still a great asset
Keeping your student’s parents on your team is a great idea. Collaborating with parents is important because they know their children better than anyone, plus they are an important member of their child’s ARD Committee. Continued parent communication is key as students transition into middle and high school. Read more about how teachers can support parents here!
8. Middle schoolers still love a class party
In my middle school class, we love to celebrate holidays and special events! My students love to celebrate and have parties. It’s extra special when you can have a party in the community – mix your Community Based Instructions with party time! If you’re keeping it in the classroom, you can still make it instructional and fun. Use a visual recipe to create and enjoy something yummy for a party!
9. Middle schoolers love a fun variety of sensory toys
Don’t get rid of those colorful and fun toys! Students in middle school still love a variety of sensory toys. Different colors, textures, and characters are awesome! Read Alyssa’s blog for information on 10 Sensory Toys You NEED!
10. Middle School Sped can be tough… but so totally worth it
Between the changes, hormones, behaviors, and academics on top of it all, Middle school special education can be tough! But if you’re ready to advocate, laminate, accommodate, and facilitate while teaching the most amazing students, you will see that it is absolutely worth the time and effort.
