A Tween Day in School

Today I spent the day as an eighth grade student. All day in school. Started at 8:15...finished at 2:15. As part of my middle school course training, I had to to shadow a eighth grader. I happened to shadow a really happy, outgoing, friendly adolescent. The opposite of me in middle school. By the way, we called it junior high then, and we all were left to fend for ourselves on our own.
What I realized is important. It is a long day and they sit on very hard chairs. When I taught, I was always moving and leading the class in some way. Most days I got them moving. I now apologize for any day we didn't get out of our seats at least for a bit.
Some teachers are really not so good. Without a lesson plan, the class unravels into a free-for-all. Other teachers make you want to stay in their room all day.
And for parents everywhere... "we" (tweens) want rules, structure, and a game plan. It completely relieves our anxiety and need to perform. We hate a gap in the day's structure. We will fill it with noise, chaos, or technology, or just obnoxious comments.
If your child comes home from school stressed out. It might not be their fault. It is difficult to sit in a 50 minute class with an ineffective teacher. It is really boring. Also very loud. I felt anxiety after three classes of kids yelling out and teachers responding with inane comments.
Lunch? Not so relaxing. I barely had time to eat 1/2 of my lunch. No time to head to the bathroom if I wanted to be on time.
From class to class, I primarily sat in a chair. Mostly bored. The good teachers were great and my mind was busy the whole time. I felt good after being in those classes. I felt I had something to share or pursue. For example, if your child has a good teacher this year, send them a thank you and tell themm what they are doing right for your child. If your child doesn't have a good teacher this year, send them a note saying these kids just can't sit in a chair for more than 20 minutes.