Re: switch to eighth grade/ MS

[Sliwkac2@aol.com]

I don't think there is going to be as big of a difference as you  anticipate. 
 I've been teaching 8th grade for 7 years and used to be quite  bewildered at 
beginning of the year behavior until a wise friend of  mine told me, "When 
school starts, they aren't 8th graders.  They're  just 7th graders with a tan."
 
So if you are used to 7th graders, you should be all set!
 
I would say the biggest difference between 7th and 8th in my district  is 
that we are very conscious in 8th of making sure they have the necessary  skills 
to be successful in high school--things like research skills, proper  
formatting for research papers, responding to literature, etc. 
 
The biggest change for you personally will likely be the transition to  
middle school.  You will find a much more 'family' atmosphere among the  staff and 
a closer relationship with the students. Teaming requires a lot more  
interaction with team teachers, something you likely didn't have in a junior  high.
 
I think you'll love it!
 
Carol