problem solving prompts for middle school

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20 Critical Thinking Activities for Middle Schoolers

Middle School Education

Introduction:

Critical thinking is vital for middle school students, as it helps them develop problem-solving skills, make informed decisions, and understand different perspectives. Integrating critical thinking activities into classroom learning experiences can greatly enhance students’ cognitive abilities. The following are 20 engaging critical thinking activities designed for middle school students.

1. Brain Teasers: Use age-appropriate puzzles to challenge students’ cognitive abilities and encourage them to find creative solutions.

2. Socratic Circles: Divide the class into groups and encourage them to participate in a philosophical discussion on a given topic, asking questions that stimulate critical thinking and deeper understanding.

3. Compare and Contrast: Assign two similar but different texts for students to compare and contrast, analyzing similarities and differences between each author’s perspective.

4. What-If Questions: Encourage children to think critically about hypothetical scenarios by asking what-if questions, such as “What if the internet didn’t exist?”

5. Debate Club: Organize a debate club where students are encouraged to research and defend differing viewpoints on a topic.

6. Mind Mapping: Teach students how to create a mind map – a visual representation of their thoughts – to help them brainstorm complex issues effectively.

7. Mystery Bag: In small groups, give students a bag containing several random objects and ask them to invent an innovative product or story using all items in the bag.

8. Critical Thinking Journal: Have students maintain journals where they analyze their thought processes after completing activities, promoting self-reflection and metacognition.

9. Moral Dilemmas: Present students with moral dilemmas, requiring them to weigh pros and cons before making ethical decisions.

10. Fact or Opinion?: Give students various statements and ask them to differentiate between fact or opinion, helping them build critical thinking skills when handling information.

11. Research Projects: Assign project topics that require deep research from multiple sources, developing students’ abilities to sift through information and synthesize their findings.

12. Think-Pair-Share: Have students think individually about a complex question, then pair up to discuss their thoughts, and finally share with the class.

13. Art Interpretation: Display an artwork and ask students to interpret its meaning, theme, or message, pushing them to look beyond the surface.

14. Reverse Role Play: Assign roles for a scenario where students exchange positions (e.g., teacher-student, parent-child), fostering empathetic understanding and critical thinking skills.

15. Critical Evaluation of Media: Analyze news articles, commercials, or social media posts by asking questions about their purpose, target audience, and accuracy.

16. Six Thinking Hats: Teach students Edward de Bono’s “Six Thinking Hats” technique to improve critical thinking by exploring diverse perspectives when solving problems.

17. Analogy Building: Encourage students to create analogies from one concept to another, enhancing abstract thinking and problem-solving abilities.

18. Current Events Analysis: Keep track of current events and have students critically evaluate news stories or blog posts to encourage informed decision-making in real-world contexts.

19. Brainstorming Sessions: Hold group brainstorming sessions where students invent solutions for complex problems while practicing active listening and critical thinking.

20. Reflection Activities: Use reflective writing prompts at the end of lessons or activities to foster metacognition, self-awareness, and the development of critical thinking skills.

Conclusion:

Critical thinking activities are vital for middle schoolers as they foster intellectual growth and prepare them for future learning experiences. By incorporating these 20 activities into your classroom curriculum, you can help students develop essential critical thinking skills that will serve them throughout their academic careers and beyond.

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10 Best Problem Solving Activities For Middle School

Published on april 24, 2017 at 8:43 am by amber hewitt in lists , news.

If you’re a teacher or a parent looking to engage young students in a more interesting way, you might like this list of the best problem solving activities for middle school .

I wonder if middle schoolers could solve my life problems. Can they file my taxes or pay my rent? Those are some real problems that I have and I think they could be somewhat fun activities for middle schoolers. It’s interesting how problem-solving scenarios change as we age because I genuinely can’t identify with the struggle of theoretical problems involving trains or the alphabet, but I’m sure I enjoyed them when I was younger. I think my friends and I really used to love finding these things and solving them together, which is kind of a cute group activity.

10 Best Problem Solving Activities For Middle School

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Problem solving is a great way to strengthen and train the brain for more difficult things as we age. They teach you teamwork, logic, and skill, which are all extremely important for developing minds. Even into adulthood you should continue solving theoretical problems like these because they’ll keep your brain strong and focused so your other issues like “how late can I sleep while still getting to work on time?” or “how much money will I have in my bank account if I order dinner every single night this week?” Those are obviously much more challenging than the fun problem-solving activities for preschoolers , or even this list with activities for kids in middle school.

In order to create this list, we used Concordia University and IceBreaker as some primary sources. We took the suggestions that were the highest ranked on both sources and averaged their rankings. If they were on both lists, they’re at a higher position on ours. Overall, each of these activities is well suited for middle school-aged children who need a little mental exercise.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best problem solving activities for middle school.

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Our Mission

Helping Students Hone Their Critical Thinking Skills

Used consistently, these strategies can help middle and high school teachers guide students to improve much-needed skills.

Middle school students involved in a classroom discussion

Critical thinking skills are important in every discipline, at and beyond school. From managing money to choosing which candidates to vote for in elections to making difficult career choices, students need to be prepared to take in, synthesize, and act on new information in a world that is constantly changing.

While critical thinking might seem like an abstract idea that is tough to directly instruct, there are many engaging ways to help students strengthen these skills through active learning.

Make Time for Metacognitive Reflection

Create space for students to both reflect on their ideas and discuss the power of doing so. Show students how they can push back on their own thinking to analyze and question their assumptions. Students might ask themselves, “Why is this the best answer? What information supports my answer? What might someone with a counterargument say?”

Through this reflection, students and teachers (who can model reflecting on their own thinking) gain deeper understandings of their ideas and do a better job articulating their beliefs. In a world that is go-go-go, it is important to help students understand that it is OK to take a breath and think about their ideas before putting them out into the world. And taking time for reflection helps us more thoughtfully consider others’ ideas, too.

Teach Reasoning Skills

Reasoning skills are another key component of critical thinking, involving the abilities to think logically, evaluate evidence, identify assumptions, and analyze arguments. Students who learn how to use reasoning skills will be better equipped to make informed decisions, form and defend opinions, and solve problems.

One way to teach reasoning is to use problem-solving activities that require students to apply their skills to practical contexts. For example, give students a real problem to solve, and ask them to use reasoning skills to develop a solution. They can then present their solution and defend their reasoning to the class and engage in discussion about whether and how their thinking changed when listening to peers’ perspectives.

A great example I have seen involved students identifying an underutilized part of their school and creating a presentation about one way to redesign it. This project allowed students to feel a sense of connection to the problem and come up with creative solutions that could help others at school. For more examples, you might visit PBS’s Design Squad , a resource that brings to life real-world problem-solving.

Ask Open-Ended Questions

Moving beyond the repetition of facts, critical thinking requires students to take positions and explain their beliefs through research, evidence, and explanations of credibility.

When we pose open-ended questions, we create space for classroom discourse inclusive of diverse, perhaps opposing, ideas—grounds for rich exchanges that support deep thinking and analysis.

For example, “How would you approach the problem?” and “Where might you look to find resources to address this issue?” are two open-ended questions that position students to think less about the “right” answer and more about the variety of solutions that might already exist.

Journaling, whether digitally or physically in a notebook, is another great way to have students answer these open-ended prompts—giving them time to think and organize their thoughts before contributing to a conversation, which can ensure that more voices are heard.

Once students process in their journal, small group or whole class conversations help bring their ideas to life. Discovering similarities between answers helps reveal to students that they are not alone, which can encourage future participation in constructive civil discourse.

Teach Information Literacy

Education has moved far past the idea of “Be careful of what is on Wikipedia, because it might not be true.” With AI innovations making their way into classrooms, teachers know that informed readers must question everything.

Understanding what is and is not a reliable source and knowing how to vet information are important skills for students to build and utilize when making informed decisions. You might start by introducing the idea of bias: Articles, ads, memes, videos, and every other form of media can push an agenda that students may not see on the surface. Discuss credibility, subjectivity, and objectivity, and look at examples and nonexamples of trusted information to prepare students to be well-informed members of a democracy.

One of my favorite lessons is about the Pacific Northwest tree octopus . This project asks students to explore what appears to be a very real website that provides information on this supposedly endangered animal. It is a wonderful, albeit over-the-top, example of how something might look official even when untrue, revealing that we need critical thinking to break down “facts” and determine the validity of the information we consume.

A fun extension is to have students come up with their own website or newsletter about something going on in school that is untrue. Perhaps a change in dress code that requires everyone to wear their clothes inside out or a change to the lunch menu that will require students to eat brussels sprouts every day.

Giving students the ability to create their own falsified information can help them better identify it in other contexts. Understanding that information can be “too good to be true” can help them identify future falsehoods.

Provide Diverse Perspectives

Consider how to keep the classroom from becoming an echo chamber. If students come from the same community, they may have similar perspectives. And those who have differing perspectives may not feel comfortable sharing them in the face of an opposing majority.

To support varying viewpoints, bring diverse voices into the classroom as much as possible, especially when discussing current events. Use primary sources: videos from YouTube, essays and articles written by people who experienced current events firsthand, documentaries that dive deeply into topics that require some nuance, and any other resources that provide a varied look at topics.

I like to use the Smithsonian “OurStory” page , which shares a wide variety of stories from people in the United States. The page on Japanese American internment camps is very powerful because of its first-person perspectives.

Practice Makes Perfect

To make the above strategies and thinking routines a consistent part of your classroom, spread them out—and build upon them—over the course of the school year. You might challenge students with information and/or examples that require them to use their critical thinking skills; work these skills explicitly into lessons, projects, rubrics, and self-assessments; or have students practice identifying misinformation or unsupported arguments.

Critical thinking is not learned in isolation. It needs to be explored in English language arts, social studies, science, physical education, math. Every discipline requires students to take a careful look at something and find the best solution. Often, these skills are taken for granted, viewed as a by-product of a good education, but true critical thinking doesn’t just happen. It requires consistency and commitment.

In a moment when information and misinformation abound, and students must parse reams of information, it is imperative that we support and model critical thinking in the classroom to support the development of well-informed citizens.

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Career Readiness | Middle School | Critical Thinking

Problem Solving Lesson Plans Your Middle School Students Will Love

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July 11th, 2022 | 5 min. read

Problem Solving Lesson Plans Your Middle School Students Will Love

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Need resources for teaching problem solving in your middle school career readiness classes?

As a career readiness curriculum developer, middle school teachers often ask if we have resources to help teach problem solving.

While our digital curriculum includes content on critical thinking, decision making, and other 21st Century skills, our solution may not be the best fit for everyone.

Our Middle School Digital Literacy & Career Exploration curriculum is designed to teach dozens of skills such as professionalism, communication, digital literacy, and more.

However, some teachers are only looking for supplemental problem solving lessons and activities to add to their existing curriculum.

To help you teach these skills, we've found four popular providers of problem solving lessons and activities for middle school:

TeacherVision
Ed Creative

All of these resources have both pros and cons, so looking at each one individually is key when planning your problem solving lessons!

1. TeacherVision's Problem Solving Lesson

TeacherVision is a digital resource that offers free online lesson plans, including a problem solving lesson.

This problem solving lesson has two key objectives:

Students will be introduced to a problem-solving procedure
Students will participate in a structured practice of resolving conflict

Along with the lesson objectives, you'll find the materials list and the procedure for completing the lesson.

That makes TeacherVision a robust resource with an easy-to-follow lesson plan for introducing students to problem solving .

On the downside, the lesson is listed as appropriate for students between first and eighth grade.

That means you may want to bulk it up a bit in order to really be relevant and engaging to your middle school students .

2. Ed Creative's Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Lesson Plans

Ed Creative is a subdivision of Education.com that collects lesson plans from other online resources.

That makes Ed Creative one of the best lesson plan databases online.

It includes a variety of lesson plans and activities to teach creativity, problem solving, and critical thinking skills.

Many of these lessons are intended for children up to eighth grade. That means you'll likely find resources that fit perfectly in your middle school classes.

In addition, some lessons overlap with other subjects you may need to teach in your career readiness classes . For example, one resource is entitled Thinking Critically About Advertising and would tie in well with lessons on media literacy .

The lesson encourages students to consider behind-the-scenes angles when presented with ads, encouraging them to think critically and logically about why the ad is what it is.

Still, these resources are a little disorganized which means it will take you time to review each option and decide if it's a good fit.

3. BrainPOP's Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Activities

BrainPOP is an educational resource provider with many teaching resources for every grade level.

In this case, their critical thinking and problem solving lesson plan is intended for any sixth to 12th grade student.

In this lesson, students will:

Apply critical thinking, problem solving, and decision-making skills to online gameplay and writing tasks
Analyze situations from multiple perspectives and viewpoints
Distinguish between facts, opinions, and solutions
Demonstrate 21st Century skills such as global awareness, information literacy, communication, and collaboration

BrainPOP lays out the procedure, materials, and everything else you’ll need for the lesson — even time approximations!

That thorough approach to detail makes it easier to plan different tasks you’ll carry out throughout the lesson each day.

Even if the lesson takes a full week, you can still plan appropriately and stay on task.

Unfortunately, BrainPOP doesn’t have many downloadable resources you can print and use in the classroom.

4. TEDEd's Resources for Teaching Problem Solving Skills

TEDEd is an active advocate of education and learning materials. That’s why they have an enormous section of their website dedicated to problem solving skills .

In this section, you’ll find videos and interactive tasks that walk students through riddles, problems, and complications to find desirable results.

Every riddle and problem has an answer, so you don’t have to worry about figuring it out yourself. Even better, you can be sure there’s a practical solution to every issue.

Best of all, you leave students with the freedom to innovate their own solutions, potentially creating a new solution that a riddle maker hadn’t considered.

The varying complexity and length of these lessons make them ideal for various grade levels. However, you can choose to filter specifically for middle school.

On the downside, these aren’t literal “lesson plans.” TEDEd provides many resources, but they’re not contextualized for a classroom.

Instead, you’ll have to build your lessons around these resources to get the best results.

This makes TEDEd an excellent catchall whenever you need problem solving materials.

You’ll just have to do a little extra work to make it classroom ready.

Which Problem Solving Lessons Are Best?

Overall, there isn't a simple "best" option for teaching problem solving in middle school. It all depends on the needs of you, your course, and your students.

Each resource we've shared could be a great addition to your career readiness curriculum.

However, if you need a curriculum that includes problem solving skills among other career readiness topics, consider looking into iCEV’s career readiness and digital literacy curriculum.

Thousands of teachers like you use the curriculum to teach career exploration , personal financial literacy , communication skills and more.

Overall, it helps you save time with planning, assessing, and grading student work all while maximizing student understanding and information retention.

Wondering if iCEV could work for your middle school classroom? Check out our Middle School digital Literacy & Career Exploration curriculum :

Discover the Digital Literacy & Career Exploration Curriculum

Engaging Writing Prompts for Middle School Students

Nurturing creativity is essential to help middle school students explore their potential and prepare for future challenges. One effective method of promoting creativity in the classroom is through engaging writing prompts. These prompts not only spark imaginative thinking but also enhance skills, such as world-building, descriptive language, and point of view.

While writing prompts can be used with all grade levels, middle school is a prime opportunity to use them to bridge foundational skills and knowledge learned in elementary school with critical thinking and analysis that will be used in high school. Middle school students are at an age in their learning where they can explore creativity and writing in a setting that primes them for the higher level of thinking that will come in later years. The benefits of using writing prompts in middle school validates the argument that they should be regularly integrated into the curriculum throughout the school year. Here, we’ll explore the different benefits of writing prompts, engaging writing activities, and even specific writing prompts that can be used with young writers.

The Role of Writing Prompts

Writing prompts are brief, thought-provoking statements or questions that inspire students to write clearly and creatively. They serve as the ignition for the creative fire within students, encouraging them to explore new horizons through writing. Writing prompts for middle school students also serve as invaluable tools for fostering literacy skills .

Writing prompts, such as creative writing prompts and personal journal prompts , offer a structured framework within which students can explore a wide range of writing ideas and literacy skills. For example, fun writing prompts can be used as hooks or bellringers to engage students in creative and critical thinking before reading a challenging text.

In addition to playing a role in general classroom instruction, writing prompts can also be used in reading and writing interventions. For example, teachers can provide students who may need extra guidance with sentence starters or story starters to help guide analysis or jumpstart creativity.

Unlocking Creativity Through Engaging Writing Prompts

Writing prompts can also be used for informative and explanatory writing but as discussed already, they play a pivotal role in fostering creativity. In fact, engaging writing prompts are a powerful tool that can unlock the doors to imaginative thinking and self-expression. Let’s take a closer look at the creative benefits of using engaging writing prompts :

Encouraging Imagination and Originality : Writing prompts challenge students to think beyond the ordinary and come up with original ideas. By exploring diverse topics, they can tap into their unique perspectives and unleash their creativity.

Inspiring Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills : Some writing prompts present real-life situations or dilemmas, prompting students to analyze and devise solutions. This process nurtures critical thinking abilities, preparing students for future problem-solving challenges.

Promoting Emotional Expression and Empathy : Writing prompts that evoke emotions encourage students to express their feelings and develop empathy toward others. This emotional exploration contributes to their holistic growth as individuals.

Enhancing Communication and Language Abilities : As students respond to writing prompts, they refine their communication skills, learning how to articulate their thoughts effectively. Additionally, they expand their vocabulary and command of the language.

Reinforced Reading Skills : Effective writing prompts can be used to support reading instruction and intervention as well. According to Dr. Jason DeHart in Connecting to the Written Word: Intentional Writing with Older Readers , “Older readers are also keenly aware of their own need for additional support, which can result in avoidance behaviors. Teachers who invite students to comfortably engage in writing and composing can gain knowledge of and build relationships with students who would otherwise stay ‘under the radar.’” From techniques like dialogic reading with young readers to intentional writing with older readers, an integrative approach to reading and writing deepens skill levels and understanding.

Integrating Writing Prompts in the Middle School Curriculum

Integrating creativity and self-expression into the curriculum is a fundamental aspect of nurturing well-rounded and confident individuals. Therefore, the integration of writing prompts in the middle school curriculum is not just about fostering better writers; it’s about empowering students to become effective communicators, critical thinkers, and confident individuals.

Writing prompts can be designed to align with educational standards, ensuring they contribute to the overall learning objectives. Writing prompts can also be tailored to various subjects, making them a versatile tool across the curriculum.

One of the main concepts that writing reinforces is reading. In The Writing Rope: A Framework for Evidence-Based Writing Instruction podcast episode, Joan Sedita, founder of Keys to Literacy and author of The Writing Rope , explores the notion that writing is a task as complex and multifaceted as reading—but it’s often taught as a single skill. Sedita states, “There is this relationship between reading and writing. And what I found in writing this ( The Writing Rope ) and in the professional development work that I do, is that many of the components that we need to teach to students, skills, strategies, are things that also usually support their reading comprehension.” This is just another reason why writing prompts need to be a foundational part of middle school curriculum.

Writing Prompt Activities for Middle School Students

Here, we’ve included a list of different writing activities, as well as a specific prompt that can be used with each idea.

Diverse Genre Exploration

Writing prompt activities expose middle school students to various literary genres. This diversity broadens their understanding of the written word and empowers them to find their unique writing voice.

Some genres students can explore include imaginative fiction, personal reflection, mystery and suspense, historical fiction, and poetry and verse. Through these, students can develop the ability to craft suspenseful plots, create vibrant characters, and build intricate worlds that captivate readers’ imaginations. Moreover, as they step into genres like poetry, they can embrace the rhythmic cadence of language, painting emotions and experiences with words in a way that resonates deeply.

PROMPT : Imagine you have the opportunity to blend two different genres together to create a brand-new story. Choose any two genres (e.g., fantasy, mystery, science fiction, historical fiction, romance, adventure, horror) and combine them in a creative and unexpected way. Write a short story that incorporates elements from both genres.

Imagination Ignited

Prompts that delve into fantastical scenarios, futuristic worlds, or magical realms stimulate students’ imaginations. This activity is especially important for exploring the five senses and having students practice the writing skill of showing, not telling.

PROMPT : Close your eyes and imagine stepping into an enchanted forest. This forest is no ordinary place—it’s a realm of magic, mystery, and unexpected wonders. As you venture deeper into the forest, describe what you see, hear, and feel. What kind of magical creatures do you encounter? Are there hidden secrets waiting to be discovered?

Real-Life Relevance

Some prompts present real-life situations or dilemmas relevant to middle school students. Writing about familiar experiences allows students to relate more deeply to the subject matter and encourages them to reflect on their daily lives, maybe even stirring up a favorite memory.

Writing prompt exercises for middle school students go well beyond the boundaries of the classroom, incorporating real-world applicability into the educational process. These activities work as vibrant platforms that help students develop their literary abilities while also forging significant connections with their surroundings.

PROMPT : Imagine you are a young inventor with a mission to create innovative solutions for a more sustainable future. Choose one real-world environmental challenge, such as plastic pollution, energy conservation, water scarcity, or air quality. Write a persuasive essay explaining your inventive solution to address this challenge. Consider how your solution could make a positive impact on the environment and inspire positive change.

Visual Prompts

Visual prompts, such as pictures or videos, act as powerful catalysts for creativity. These stimuli spark inspiration and help students visualize their ideas, leading to descriptive and vivid writing. A few popular visual prompts for middle school students include: enchanted forest, desert island, abandoned amusement park, hidden doorway, and journey through a wormhole.

PROMPT : Examine the image of a person discovering an object in an unexpected place. It depicts a person stumbling upon an unexpected object in an unlikely place. Write a short story inspired by this limited imagery. Consider who the person is, what the object is, and how they react to this surprising discovery.

Character Building

Writing prompts that focus on character development allow students to create intricate and relatable personas. This activity fosters empathy and an understanding of human emotions and behaviors. Some activities include empathy exploration, personal heroes, character evolution, reflective essays, and acts of kindness narratives. Whether reflecting on real people, analyzing fictional characters, or creating characters of their own, students can think both creatively and critically about the people they experience in the world around them as well as their own character traits.

PROMPT : Imagine a character who faces a situation that requires immense courage. This could be standing up to a bully, facing a fear, or defending a friend. Write a short story that follows this character’s journey as they navigate their fear and find the inner strength to overcome the challenge. Explore their thoughts, emotions, and the growth they experience along the way.

Time Travel Through History

Historical writing prompts transport students to different eras, enabling them to experience the past through the eyes of historical figures. Such activities blend storytelling with historical context, making history come alive. This offers middle school students a portal to the past and an opportunity to connect with the people and events that have shaped our world. Students can transport themselves to the courts of ancient civilizations, walk alongside figures of significance, and experience pivotal events that have left an indelible mark.

PROMPT : Imagine you have a time machine that can transport you to any ancient civilization in history. Choose a specific civilization (e.g., Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, the Mayan Civilization) and write a detailed account of a day in the life of a young person living during that time. Describe their surroundings, daily activities, challenges, and interactions with others. What do they eat? What do they wear? What adventures do they embark on?

Writing in Different Tenses and Points of View

Writing prompt activities that require students to experiment with different tenses and points of view expand their narrative skills. From the immediacy of the present tense to the reflective nature of the past tense, and even the speculative intrigue of the future tense, each tense holds a unique charm that can transform a narrative’s tone and texture. This practice prepares them for tackling complex storytelling techniques.

The choice of point of view shapes the reader’s connection to characters and events. Middle school students can experiment with different perspectives, forging intimate bonds or granting omniscient insight that illuminate the narrative in distinct ways. As they use writing prompt activities, let students explore tenses and perspectives. For example, students may be asked to write from the perspective of a best friend, family member, famous person, or main character. By doing so, they not only refine their writing skills but also cultivate empathy for others, new facts or information, and an appreciation for the language.

PROMPT : Write a short story about an unforgettable adventure. Start by describing the adventure in the first person, using the present tense to immerse the reader in the moment. Then, switch to the third person and past tense to recount the same adventure from an outsider’s perspective. Compare the two versions, considering how the choice of tense and point of view impacts the reader’s experience.

Nature and Environmental Themes

Writing prompts inspired by nature and environmental themes promote ecological awareness and encourage students to contemplate their relationship with the natural world. Some nature and environmental themes to spark imaginative writing activities for middle school students include eco-friendly adventures, a letter to future generations, an imaginary ecosystem, an unexpected encounter, and a day without technology.

PROMPT : Step into the shoes of a young explorer who enters a mystical forest known as “The Whispering Woods.” This forest is said to hold ancient secrets and a strong connection to nature. Write a short story that captures your journey through the woods, describing the sights, sounds, and encounters you experience.

The power of writing prompts for middle school students goes beyond honing writing skills; it encourages them to explore their thoughts, express their creativity, and develop a strong voice in the world of words. By providing a diverse array of prompts that resonate with their interests, challenges, and curiosities, educators can inspire young minds to embark on literary journeys filled with self-discovery and growth.

Voyager Sopris Learning’s writing instruction programs include engaging writing prompts and provide an explicit, multisensory approach to writing instruction. For example, Step Up to Writing ® instructional strategies help students understand the importance of each step in the writing process for increased writing success in all content areas. Download free Step Up to Writing lesson samples to explore the program.

Research-Based Writing Instruction (Grades K–12)

Classroom Activities/Strategies/Guides

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10 Engaging Middle School Math Journal Prompts to Spark Critical Thinking

Are you tired of just drilling your middle school students with facts and formulas in their math class? Do you want to encourage them to think critically and creatively in their approach to problem-solving? Then look no further than middle school math journal prompts!

These prompts challenge students to analyze and describe mathematical concepts, as well as reflect on their own learning process. With topics ranging from geometry to probability, journal prompts encourage middle school students to become active learners and engage with their curriculum in meaningful ways.

By incorporating math journal prompts in your lesson plans, you not only provide an opportunity for students to practice essential skills but also foster the development of skills such as critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving. So why not give it a try and see the positive impact it can have on your classroom? Creative middle school math journal prompts

A math journal is an excellent tool for middle schoolers to hone their math skills, reflect on their learning, and explore concepts in a creative way. Creative math journal prompts can engage students and help them discover the joy of math. Here are some creative math journal prompts to inspire your middle school students:

Write a mathematical story using a minimum of three geometric shapes.
Can you think of different ways to represent the number 7? Draw or write them in your journal.
Choose a number — any number — and write a poem about it, incorporating your understanding of factors and multiples.
Design a symmetrical tessellation inspired by an image in nature.
Create a timeline of the history of math, including key concepts and mathematicians throughout history.
Draw or write about a problem that you encountered while doing your math homework and how you solved it.
Make a collage of mathematical shapes, cut from magazines, newspapers, or other sources.
Write about the relationship between algebra and geometry.
Make a list of everyday objects that represent different geometric shapes.
Design a board game that requires the use of basic math skills and can be played by at least two players.
Create a story problem based on a real-world scenario.
Draw or write about a time when you used math outside of the classroom.
Find examples of symmetry in the real world and draw them in your journal.
Create a mind map or concept map to show the relationship between different mathematical concepts you have learned.
Draw or write about a time when you learned a new math concept and how you came to understand it.

Using creative math journal prompts can make math class more engaging and enjoyable for middle schoolers. These prompts allow students to connect their learning to real-life situations and see the beauty and usefulness of math in their everyday lives. Encourage your students to embrace creativity in their journals and use it as a tool for deepening their understanding of math concepts.

Remember, math doesn’t have to be dry and boring. With these creative prompts, your middle school students can make math a fun and engaging subject!

Reflections on Middle School Math Concepts through Journal Prompts

Journal prompts are a great way to help middle school students reflect on their understanding of math concepts. Here are 15 journal prompts that will help students reflect on middle school math concepts:

Write about a time when you used multiplication in your everyday life.
What is a fraction? Explain in your own words.
Draw a picture to show the difference between a line segment and a line.
Explain how to find the area of a square or rectangle.
Think of a real-life situation where decimals would be used. Write about it.
What is the difference between a mean and a median?
Explain how to find the circumference of a circle.
Write about a real-life situation where you would use algebra to solve a problem.
What is the Pythagorean theorem? How is it used?
Draw a picture to show the difference between acute, obtuse, and right angles.
Explain what the distributive property is and how it is used in math.
Write about a time when you used estimation in your everyday life.
Calculate the perimeter of your classroom. Write about the process you used.
Explain how to find the slope of a line.
What is the difference between a ratio and a proportion?

These journal prompts can help students develop a deeper understanding of middle school math concepts. By reflecting on their understanding, students can identify areas where they may need more practice or support.

Encourage students to write in their journals regularly and review their responses to identify patterns or areas where they may need more help. By using journal prompts, teachers can help students develop their critical thinking skills and gain a deeper understanding of math concepts.

Applying Math to Real-World Situations Through Journal Prompts: Subsection 3

One of the best ways to engage middle school students in math is to help them understand how it applies to real-life situations. Journal prompts that involve real-world scenarios help students see the relevance of math concepts and how they can be used to solve practical problems. Here are fifteen examples of journal prompts that can help students apply math to real-world situations:

How are percentages used in everyday life? Provide examples.
Pick an item from the grocery store and calculate how much it will cost if it is on sale at 20% off.
You have a budget of $50 to spend on a birthday gift for your friend. What gift options do you have?
How are fractions used in cooking? Explain with examples.
Imagine you are planning to go on a road trip. Create a budget for gas expenses using mileage calculations.
Design a floor plan for your dream house using geometric shapes and angles.
You have a group project due in two weeks. Create a timeline that includes deadlines for each step of the project.
How does the distance formula apply to real-life situations such as mapping out directions?
Research the stock prices of three companies in the same industry. Use percentage calculations to compare the growth of each company over the past year.
Write about a time when you used math skills to solve a problem in your daily life. How did it help you?
What is the importance of budgeting? Provide examples of how it can help you stay financially secure.
Calculate the tip amount for a restaurant bill and explain why it is important to leave a tip.
Choose a profession that requires math skills (e.g. architect, accountant, engineer) and research the math concepts involved in the job.
Explain how math is used in sports statistics such as calculating batting averages or shooting percentages.
Research a natural disaster such as a hurricane or earthquake and explain how math concepts such as probability and statistics are used to predict and respond to the event.

Using real-world examples in math journal prompts can make the subject more engaging and relevant for students. By applying math concepts to practical scenarios, students can better understand how math impacts their daily lives and how important it is to have strong math skills.

Encourage your students to keep a math journal and try these prompts to help them apply math to real-life situations.

Promoting critical thinking skills through middle school math journal prompts

Mathematics is more than just numbers and equations. As a middle school math teacher, it’s important to teach students to think critically about mathematical concepts. One way to do this is through math journal prompts. These prompts can promote critical thinking skills by encouraging students to analyze, evaluate, and make connections between various mathematical concepts.

Compare and contrast the properties of two-dimensional and three-dimensional shapes.
Explain how to find the area of a rectangle using multiplication.
Describe a real-world situation in which you would need to use fractions.
Demonstrate how multiplication and division are related.
Compare and contrast the properties of integers and rational numbers.
Create a word problem that requires the use of algebraic equations.
Explain how to find the perimeter of a triangle using addition.
Describe a real-world situation in which you would need to use percentages.
Explain how to find the volume of a cube using multiplication.
Compare and contrast the properties of acute, obtuse, and right angles.
Describe a real-world situation in which you would need to use measurement conversions.
Demonstrate how addition and subtraction are related.
Explain how to find the circumference of a circle using multiplication.
Create a word problem that requires the use of fractions and decimals.
Compare and contrast the strategies used to solve addition and subtraction problems.

Incorporating math journal prompts into your middle school math curriculum can help your students develop critical thinking skills. These prompts encourage students to think deeply about mathematical concepts, make connections between them, and apply what they’ve learned to real-world situations. By promoting critical thinking skills, you’ll be setting your students up for mathematical success both in the classroom and in their future endeavors.

So next time you’re planning your math lessons, consider adding in a math journal prompt or two. Your students will thank you for the opportunity to stretch their minds and think critically about math!

Middle school math journal prompts for problem-solving

Problem-solving is a critical skill for success in math, and practicing it regularly in middle school can lead to stronger mathematical thinking. Journal prompts that focus on problem-solving can help students develop and strengthen their problem-solving skills by encouraging them to think creatively about solutions. Here are 15 examples of middle school math journal prompts for problem-solving:

Use fractions to determine what portion of a pizza has been eaten
Calculate the perimeter and area of a polygon with given dimensions
Solve a word problem involving rates or ratios
Create a real-world scenario that involves solving a system of equations
Determine the probability of drawing certain cards from a deck
Explain the steps used to solve a complex algebraic equation
Find the missing angle measures in a given triangle
Calculate the volume and surface area of a 3D figure
Use proportions to solve for unknown values in a problem
Graph a linear or quadratic function and analyze its attributes
Determine the missing term in a geometric sequence
Create a real-world problem that can be modeled with a scatter plot
Solve a problem involving the Pythagorean theorem
Use data from a table to create a line graph and analyze its trends
Solve a word problem involving similar figures

By using these prompts and similar ones, students can build confidence in their math skills and become comfortable tackling even complex problems. Regular practice with problem-solving prompts can help students become better mathematical problem solvers, which in turn can lead to higher achievement in all areas of mathematics.

It is important for teachers to provide students with ample opportunities to practice problem-solving, as this is a skill that will be useful in all areas of life. Providing regular math journal prompts is one way to do this, and can help students develop the necessary skills to succeed as problem solvers.

Middle School Math Journal Prompts for Self-Assessment and Goal-Setting

Self-assessment and goal-setting are essential practices to help middle school students take ownership of their learning and track their progress. Math journal prompts can serve as a helpful tool in engaging students in these practices while also fostering creativity and critical thinking. Here are 15 math journal prompts that can support middle school students in self-assessment and goal-setting:

Reflect on your understanding of fractions. What concepts do you feel confident in? What concepts do you need more practice with?
Think about a recent math assignment that you struggled with. What specific steps can you take to improve your understanding and performance in this area?
What are some of your strengths as a math student? How can you use these strengths to improve in areas where you struggle?
Think about your study habits in math class. What strategies have been effective for you? What can you improve on?
Choose a math goal you want to achieve this semester. What specific steps can you take to work towards this goal, and how will you measure your progress?
Reflect on your understanding of algebraic equations. What concepts do you feel confident in? What concepts do you need more practice with?
Think about a math concept that is challenging for you. How can you break this concept down into smaller, more manageable parts to better understand it?
What strategies do you use to check your work when solving math problems? Are there any areas where you could be more thorough or consistent?
Create a list of math vocabulary words you are still struggling with. What specific steps can you take to master these words?
Choose a math skill you have mastered and reflect on how you achieved mastery. What can you learn from this experience that you can apply to other math skills?
Think about a math project or assignment you are particularly proud of. What specific skills did you use to complete this project successfully?
Reflect on your participation in class discussions and activities. How can you engage more actively in class and contribute to the learning of your peers?
Create a list of areas where you have improved in math class. What steps did you take to achieve this improvement?
Choose a math concept you previously struggled with, and explain how your understanding of this concept has evolved over time.
Think about ways in which math can be applied to real-world situations. Pick an example, and explain how you would use math to solve the problem.

By using math journal prompts like these, students can gain a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses in math, and develop a plan for improvement. Encourage students to use their math journals regularly to reflect on their progress towards their goals, and to set new goals as they achieve success.

With dedicated effort and the help of math journal prompts, middle school students can become more self-aware, confident, and proficient in math.

Exploring Math Misconceptions through Journal Prompts in Middle School: The Number 7

One common math misconception among middle school students is the misunderstanding of the number 7. Students may struggle with understanding the relationships of 7 with other numbers, knowing its place value, or understanding its properties. Journal prompts can help to address these misconceptions and deepen students’ understanding of the number 7.

Write a paragraph explaining the properties of the number 7.
List all the factors of the number 7 and explain why it is a prime number.
Draw a model to show the relationship between the number 7 and 10. Explain your reasoning.
Write a word problem that involves the number 7 and solve it using mental math.
Explain the difference between the numeral 7 and the word “seven.”
Use the number 7 to write a fraction with a denominator of 100.
Write a story problem that involves the concepts of addition and subtraction of the number 7.
Describe a real-life scenario where the number 7 would be useful.
What is the Roman numeral for the number 7? Explain how the Roman numeral system works.
Why do people often refer to 7 as a lucky number? Do you agree or disagree? Explain your reasoning.
Write a series of numbers that continues the pattern 7, 14, 21, 28, ___.
Convert the number 7 to binary. Explain the binary number system.
Use the number 7 to solve a real-life word problem involving measurement.
What is the place value of the digit 7 in the number 3,742? Explain how you found your answer.
Explain the difference between a perfect square and a prime number. Is 7 a perfect square? Explain your reasoning.
Use the number 7 to create a story problem that involves division.

With journal prompts like these, students can challenge and expand their understanding of the number 7, correcting any misconceptions they may have had.

Additionally, journal prompts can help students develop their mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills while fostering their creativity and engagement with mathematics.

FAQs about Middle School Math Journal Prompts

1. What are middle school math journal prompts? Middle school math journal prompts are writing prompts that teachers give to their students to encourage them to reflect on math concepts they have learned and apply them in real-life situations.

2. How often should students write in their math journals? Teachers typically assign math journal prompts once or twice a week, but it depends on the teacher’s preference and the school’s curriculum.

3. Can teachers customize math journal prompts? Yes, teachers have the freedom to create their own math journal prompts that fit the class’s needs and learning objectives.

4. Why are math journal prompts important? Math journal prompts help reinforce students’ understanding of math concepts, encourage them to think critically, and develop their writing skills.

5. How do math journal prompts benefit students? Math journal prompts help students retain and apply math concepts in real-life situations, build their confidence, and develop a better understanding of how math is used in the real world.

6. Do students need to be good at writing to complete math journal prompts? No, students do not need to be good writers. The focus of math journal prompts is to reinforce math concepts, and teachers do not expect students to write masterful prose.

7. Can math journal prompts be used for virtual learning? Yes, math journal prompts can be used for virtual learning. Teachers can distribute prompts through online learning platforms or email and collect responses electronically.

Closing Thoughts: Thanks for Joining Us

We hope this article has been helpful in understanding middle school math journal prompts. Writing about math concepts can be a fun and engaging way for students to learn and apply their knowledge. Remember, math isn’t just about numbers and formulas, it’s about understanding how those concepts can be applied in real-life situations. Thanks for reading, and we hope you’ll visit us again soon!

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Journal prompts

50 Fun Journal Prompts For Middle School With Examples

December 20, 2023
By Niriksha

Introduction.

Middle school is a whirlwind of change, and amidst the chaos, journaling can be your compass to self-discovery.

We’ve curated 50 prompts that aren’t just questions; they’re sparks designed to make self-reflection a playful journey.

These prompts are your passport to creativity and positivity.

Let’s start with the adventure.

Why Journaling Matters in Middle School?

Journaling helps kids to spill thoughts and feelings without judgment.

Journal prompts act like a cool compass, helping kids navigate the adventure of figuring out who they are.

Journaling is like a creativity gym, where new doors of imagination get opened.

Writing in journals helps improve how kids communicate their ideas and feelings.

Journal prompts are brain workouts that make thinking sharper and problem-solving an easy task.

Also read: 30 Engaging Self-Confidence Activities For Students

Journal Prompts For Middle School

These thought-provoking journal prompts are designed to spark creativity, self-discovery, and meaningful expression in middle schoolers.

Journal Prompts For Self-Discovery and Identity Exploration

Prompt: If you were a superhero, what would your origin story be? How did you discover your powers, and what values would you fight for?

Journal Entry Example: “Today, I imagined myself as Captain Curiosity, gaining my powers from a magical book. My mission is to inspire curiosity and learning in everyone!”

Prompt: If you could travel to any time period, past or future, where would you go and why? What would you do there?

Journal Entry Example: “I hopped into a time machine and went to the Renaissance. I met inventors and artists, and I even tried painting like da Vinci!”

Prompt: Imagine a tree that represents your dreams and aspirations. What does it look like? What are the different branches for different aspects of your life?

Journal Entry Example: “My dream tree has branches for school, hobbies, and friendships. Today, I added a new branch for learning a musical instrument.”

Prompt: Express your day using only emojis. What emojis represent your various emotions and experiences today?

Journal Entry Example: 😃📚🎨 Today was a day filled with happiness, learning, and creativity. I tackled challenges and felt proud of my accomplishments.

Prompt: Create a playlist of songs that represent different aspects of your personality. Why did you choose each song?

Journal Entry Example: “My playlist includes upbeat tunes for my energetic side, calming melodies for reflection, and motivating songs to boost my confidence.”

Prompt: Design your own imaginary island. What would it be called, and what kind of adventures and challenges would you encounter there?

Journal Entry Example: Today on Creativity Cove, I explored Imagination Bay and found a talking seashell. Then, I solved a tricky puzzle in the Valley of Curiosity. Inside a cave, I discovered cool ideas in jars and picked one – making a time-travel gadget from old stuff. Now, I’m putting it together

Prompt: Write a letter to your future self. What goals do you hope to achieve, and what advice would you give your future self?

Journal Entry Example: “Dear Future Me, I hope you’ve achieved your dream of becoming a scientist. Don’t forget to always stay curious and keep reaching for the stars!”

Prompt: Create a timeline of your life, highlighting significant moments and achievements. What do you hope to add to your timeline in the future?

Journal Entry Example: “Today, I added winning the spelling bee to my timeline. Next, I want to add joining a club and making new friends.”

Prompt: List five things you want to achieve before the end of the school year. Why are these goals important to you?

Journal Entry Example: “My bucket list includes learning to skateboard because it looks so cool and participating in a talent show to showcase my hidden talents.”

Prompt: Create a collage that represents different aspects of your identity. Include pictures, words, and symbols that reflect who you are.

Journal Entry Example: “My identity collage is a mix of family photos, my favorite book quotes, and symbols that represent my love for adventure and learning.”

Journal Prompts For Social Dynamics and Relationships

Prompt: If friendship were a recipe, what ingredients would you need? Describe the qualities that make a great friend.

Example: “A pinch of kindness, a cup of laughter, and a spoonful of understanding – that’s the recipe for an awesome friend!”

Prompt: If you could have any fictional character as your sidekick, who would it be and why? How would they enhance your friendships?

Example: “I’d choose Hermione Granger as my sidekick because she’s smart and loyal. Together, we’d tackle homework and have magical adventures!”

Prompt: Start a compliment chain! Write a compliment about yourself, and then compliment someone else. Keep the chain going.

Example: “I’m a great artist! Sarah is an amazing athlete, and Alex is super funny. Compliments are like sunshine – they make everyone shine!”

Prompt: Use emojis to express how you feel about your closest friend today. What emojis capture your emotions?

Example: 😊🤗 Today was awesome hanging out with my bestie! We laughed so much, and it made my day brighter.

Prompt: Imagine you and your friends are a team of adventurers. What quest would you embark on together, and how would each friend contribute?

Example: “Our quest is the ‘Great Homework Hunt.’ Emma’s the brainiac, Jake’s the strategist, and I’m the motivational cheerleader!”

Prompt: Write a letter apologizing to a friend for a misunderstanding. How would you express your feelings and make amends?

Example: “Dear Sarah, I’m sorry for the mix-up. Let’s talk it out and get back to being the dynamic duo we are!”

Prompt: Create a bucket list of things you want to do with your friends. What adventures or experiences do you hope to share?

Example: “1. Go on a camping trip with friends. 2. Have a movie marathon. 3. Create a secret handshake together!”

Prompt: If you could switch places with a friend for a day, whose life would you want to experience? What do you think you’d learn about them?

Example: “I’d switch with Maya to understand her love for soccer. Maybe I’d discover my own hidden talent for scoring goals!”

Prompt: Describe a time when someone’s small act of kindness made a big impact on your day. How did it influence your feelings?

Example: “When Jake shared his notes with me, it made studying less stressful. Small acts of kindness create a ripple effect!”

Prompt: Create a comic strip featuring you and your friends. Highlight a funny or heartwarming moment that captures your friendship.

Example: [Drawn comic strip] “The Epic Lunchtime Chronicles: When Pizza Became our Superpower!”

Journal Prompts For School and Learning

Prompt: If you could travel back in time to any school day, which one would it be and why? What memorable moment would you relive?

Example: “I’d go back to the science fair day. Explaining my volcano project was so much fun, and everyone loved the eruption!”

Prompt: Imagine you can design your dream classroom. What would it look like, and what features would make learning more exciting for you?

Example: “My dream classroom has comfy bean bags, interactive whiteboards, and a reading nook with shelves full of adventure books!”

Prompt: If you could have one superpower to make learning easier, what would it be? How would you use it in different subjects?

Example: “My learning superpower would be ‘Memory Boost’ to remember all those tricky math formulas and historical dates effortlessly!”

Prompt: If you could have a book character as your study buddy, who would it be and why? How would they help you with your homework?

Example: “Hermione Granger would be my study buddy. She’s a genius with magic, and I’m sure she’d make homework a breeze!”

Prompt: Picture a parallel universe where school is completely different. What changes would you make to the subjects, schedule, or rules?

Example: “In my parallel universe school, Fridays are dedicated to creative projects, and we have a ‘No Homework Weekend’ rule!”

Prompt: Imagine you just unlocked an achievement for learning. What did you accomplish, and how did you celebrate your success?

Example: “Achievement Unlocked: Mastered the Multiplication Tables! Celebrated with a victory dance and a scoop of ice cream!”

Prompt: Describe a time when you made a mistake but turned it into a learning opportunity. What did you discover about yourself?

Example: “Forgot my presentation notes, but I improvised and spoke from the heart. Turns out, I’m pretty good at thinking on my feet!”

Prompt: Create a time capsule filled with things that represent your current school life. What items would you include, and why?

Example: “I’d include my favorite pencil, a doodle-filled notebook, and a class photo to remind Future Me of these awesome middle school days.”

Prompt: If you could swap one subject for a day, which would it be, and what would you teach instead? How would you make it fun?

Example: “Swapping math for ‘Adventure Planning.’ We’d learn map skills while plotting a fictional journey with pirates and treasure!”

Prompt: Imagine yourself in the future. What career are you pursuing, and how did your middle school experiences contribute to your success?

Example: “Future Me is an astronaut! Middle school science experiments sparked my love for space exploration.”

Journal Prompts For Fears, Dreams, and Aspirations

Prompt: If you could have a superhero power to conquer any fear, what would it be? Describe a situation where you use this power.

Example: “My fear-busting power is ‘Fearless Flight.’ I’d soar above my fear of heights and see the world from a whole new perspective!”

Prompt: Imagine your dream destination. Where is it, and what adventures would you have there? How does this dream inspire you?

Example: “My dream destination is a tropical island. I’d explore hidden waterfalls, learn to surf, and maybe even discover a treasure chest!”

Prompt: Picture yourself achieving your biggest aspiration. What steps can you take today to bring that dream a little closer to reality?

Example: “My aspiration is to be a marine biologist. Today, I researched ocean life and drew a cool poster for my room!”

Prompt: If you had a sidekick to help you face your fears, who would it be? How would they support and encourage you?

Example: “My fear-fighting sidekick is ‘Brave Buddy,’ a courageous cat who cheers me on when I’m scared. Together, we can conquer anything!”

Prompt: Invent a magical object that helps people achieve their dreams. What does it look like, and how does it work?

Example: “The DreamSphere! It’s a globe that shows you the steps to reach your dreams. Spin it, and it reveals your path to success!”

Prompt: List three fears you want to overcome. What small steps can you take to confront and conquer each fear?

Example: “1. Fear of public speaking: Practice in front of a mirror. 2. Fear of spiders: Learn more about them. 3. Fear of the dark: Use a nightlight.”

Prompt: If you could have a magical adventure during the day, what would it be? Describe the sights, sounds, and discoveries you encounter.

Example: “My dream daytime adventure involves a flying carpet, talking animals, and a quest to solve riddles in a sunlit enchanted forest!”

Prompt: Create a playlist that represents your dreams and aspirations. What songs would be on it, and why do they inspire you?

Example: “1. ‘Eye of the Tiger’ – reminds me to stay focused on my goals. 2. ‘Happy’ – because success feels joyful. 3. ‘Unstoppable’ – for moments of doubt.”

Prompt: Write a diary entry about a time you faced a fear head-on. What did you learn from the experience, and how did it make you feel?

Example: “Today, I confronted my fear of performing in front of others. It was nerve-wracking, but afterward, I felt proud and stronger!”

Prompt: Create a collage representing your dreams and aspirations. Use pictures, words, and symbols that capture your vision for the future.

Example: [Drawn collage] “My dream collage includes a diploma, a globe, and a stage – symbols of education, exploration, and performing.”

Journal Prompts For Creativity and Fun

Prompt: Invent a wacky gadget that would make your life more fun. Describe how it works and the adventures you’d have with it.

Example: “Introducing the Bubble Blaster 3000! It shoots bubbles that turn into candy when they pop. Imagine the sweet surprises!”

Prompt: If you could paint the sky with any colors you like, what would they be? How would it change the mood of the day?

Example: “Today, the sky is painted in shades of candy pink and teal. It feels like living in a giant cotton candy dream!”

Prompt: Write down three random objects. Now, create a short story that includes all three. Get creative!

Example: Objects: Balloon, Map, Sunglasses. Story: “Inflatable Map Adventures: The sunglasses revealed hidden paths on the magical balloon map!”

Prompt: Invent a character who would be the star of a carnival. What’s their special talent, and what attractions would they have?

Example: “Meet Sparkle the Juggler! She juggles with glow-in-the-dark balls, and her carnival has a Tunnel of Ticklishness!”

Prompt: Doodle a scene with two characters. What are they saying to each other? Create a dialogue to go along with your doodle.

Example: [Doodle of two aliens] Alien 1: “Greetings from Planet Giggle! Have you tried Earth snacks?” Alien 2: “I love popcorn!”

Prompt: If you could send a time capsule to your future self, what creative items would you include? Draw or describe each one.

Example: “1. A self-portrait with a space helmet. 2. A mixtape of laughter. 3. A letter from present me to future me.”

Prompt: Design a sidekick for your favorite superhero. What powers and quirks would they have? How would they complement the hero?

Example: “Captain Curiosity’s sidekick, Quizzical Quokka, asks questions that unveil the hidden solutions to challenges!”

Prompt: Create a recipe for a snack that represents your personality. What ingredients would you use, and how would it taste?

Example: “Energetic Energy Bites: Mix laughter, chocolate chips, and a dash of adventure. Roll into bite-sized balls and enjoy the burst of joy!”

Prompt: If you could time-travel to any historical period, where would you go, and what creative adventures would you have?

Example: “Visited the Renaissance and had a paint-off with Leonardo da Vinci. Our masterpiece: a flying pasta-saucer!”

Prompt: Combine features of different animals to create a brand new creature. What’s its name, and what magical abilities does it have?

Example: “Meet the Fluttergator! Part butterfly, part alligator – it can soar through the sky and perform dazzling underwater ballets.”

Must read: 50 Fun Journal Prompts For High School Students With Examples

Tips and Tricks for Inspiring Journaling

Create a special place where you feel comfortable writing.
Choose a time that works for you – it could be before bed or during a quiet moment in the afternoon.
Experiment with various writing styles to keep things interesting.
Write poems, make lists, or even create imaginary dialogues between characters.
Spice up your journal with drawings, doodles, or simple sketches.
Make collages using images from magazines or printouts to visually express your thoughts.
Don’t worry about making everything perfect – it’s your space!
Feel free to be silly, messy, and totally honest with your thoughts and feelings.
Share parts of your journal with people you trust.
Choose moments or entries you feel comfortable sharing to strengthen connections with friends or family.

Check out: Daily Journal Prompts for Mental Health

Through these engaging Journal Prompts For Middle School, seize the chance to explore your dreams, conquer fears, and unleash creativity.

They’re more than words on paper – they’re a pathway to express your aspirations, discover your likes and dislikes, and form a cool relationship with yourself.

It’s an interesting way to actively shape your future, overcome fears, and express yourself freely.

Let each prompt be a step towards discovering the empowered person you are becoming.

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Social Problem Solving Task Cards & Journal Prompts - Free SEL Skill Activities

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These are a set of 10 free task cards that highlight social scenarios and situations that kids can discuss and identify how they would solve each situation. The cards are organized into five different sets that target different situations: With friends, with family, in the classroom, at recess, and at lunch. This free set includes 2 task cards from each set.

Digital Version

I've included a FREE digital version with prompts for students to answer! Just follow the link to access the Google Drive copy.

These cards are great for students with social difficulties and those who are rigid and might get "stuck" in their way of thinking. Use these task cards to allow students to discuss a variety of social situations and brainstorm for the best solutions to problems. This includes students with autism, ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder, and more.

Encourage Making Positive Choices

These task cards ultimately encourage making positive choices by thinking through social problems, considering options, and then determining the best choice to make. They are great discussion starters for groups.

How to Use the Task Cards

The task cards can be used in guided small groups, as part of class discussions, or in partner discussion before sharing out with the larger group or class. Regular education teachers, special education teachers, and other support professionals could all benefit from using these task cards with their students.

Buy the Whole Set for Elementary Kids

— { Social Scenario Problem Solving Task Cards }

This is a pack of over 100 fun task cards that highlight social scenarios and situations that kids can discuss and identify how they would solve each situation. The cards are organized into five different sets that target different situations: With friends, with family, in the classroom, at recess, and at lunch.

Buy the Whole Set for Middle and High School Kids

— { Social Scenario Problem Solving Task Cards for Middle and High School }

This is a pack of 100 task cards that highlight social scenarios and situations that kids can discuss and identify how they would solve each situation. The social situation cards are organized into five different sets that target different situations: With friends, with family, in classes, in the hallway and cafeteria, and online and texting.

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Disclaimer: These resources and materials are for supplementary support/education purposes and not intended as a replacement for counseling, education, or other necessary supports. Educators, parents, counselors, and others who utilize these materials are encouraged to seek out additional support, as needed.

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The Algebra Problem: How Middle School Math Became a National Flashpoint

Top students can benefit greatly by being offered the subject early. But many districts offer few Black and Latino eighth graders a chance to study it.

The arms of a student are seen leaning on a desk. One hand holds a pencil and works on algebra equations.

By Troy Closson

From suburbs in the Northeast to major cities on the West Coast, a surprising subject is prompting ballot measures, lawsuits and bitter fights among parents: algebra.

Students have been required for decades to learn to solve for the variable x, and to find the slope of a line. Most complete the course in their first year of high school. But top-achievers are sometimes allowed to enroll earlier, typically in eighth grade.

The dual pathways inspire some of the most fiery debates over equity and academic opportunity in American education.

Do bias and inequality keep Black and Latino children off the fast track? Should middle schools eliminate algebra to level the playing field? What if standout pupils lose the chance to challenge themselves?

The questions are so fraught because algebra functions as a crucial crossroads in the education system. Students who fail it are far less likely to graduate. Those who take it early can take calculus by 12th grade, giving them a potential edge when applying to elite universities and lifting them toward society’s most high-status and lucrative professions.

But racial and economic gaps in math achievement are wide in the United States, and grew wider during the pandemic. In some states, nearly four in five poor children do not meet math standards.

To close those gaps, New York City’s previous mayor, Bill de Blasio, adopted a goal embraced by many districts elsewhere. Every middle school would offer algebra, and principals could opt to enroll all of their eighth graders in the class. San Francisco took an opposite approach: If some children could not reach algebra by middle school, no one would be allowed to take it.

The central mission in both cities was to help disadvantaged students. But solving the algebra dilemma can be more complex than solving the quadratic formula.

New York’s dream of “algebra for all” was never fully realized, and Mayor Eric Adams’s administration changed the goal to improving outcomes for ninth graders taking algebra. In San Francisco, dismantling middle-school algebra did little to end racial inequities among students in advanced math classes. After a huge public outcry, the district decided to reverse course.

“You wouldn’t think that there could be a more boring topic in the world,” said Thurston Domina, a professor at the University of North Carolina. “And yet, it’s this place of incredibly high passions.”

“Things run hot,” he said.

In some cities, disputes over algebra have been so intense that parents have sued school districts, protested outside mayors’ offices and campaigned for the ouster of school board members.

Teaching math in middle school is a challenge for educators in part because that is when the material becomes more complex, with students moving from multiplication tables to equations and abstract concepts. Students who have not mastered the basic skills can quickly become lost, and it can be difficult for them to catch up.

Many school districts have traditionally responded to divergent achievement levels by simply separating children into distinct pathways, placing some in general math classes while offering others algebra as an accelerated option. Such sorting, known as tracking, appeals to parents who want their children to reach advanced math as quickly as possible.

But tracking has cast an uncomfortable spotlight on inequality. Around a quarter of all students in the United States take algebra in middle school. But only about 12 percent of Black and Latino eighth graders do, compared with roughly 24 percent of white pupils, a federal report found .

“That’s why middle school math is this flashpoint,” said Joshua Goodman, an associate professor of education and economics at Boston University. “It’s the first moment where you potentially make it very obvious and explicit that there are knowledge gaps opening up.”

In the decades-long war over math, San Francisco has emerged as a prominent battleground.

California once required that all eighth graders take algebra. But lower-performing middle school students often struggle when forced to enroll in the class, research shows. San Francisco later stopped offering the class in eighth grade. But the ban did little to close achievement gaps in more advanced math classes, recent research has found.

As the pendulum swung, the only constant was anger. Leading Bay Area academics disparaged one another’s research . A group of parents even sued the district last spring. “Denying students the opportunity to skip ahead in math when their intellectual ability clearly allows for it greatly harms their potential for future achievement,” their lawsuit said.

The city is now back to where it began: Middle school algebra — for some, not necessarily for all — will return in August. The experience underscored how every approach carries risks.

“Schools really don’t know what to do,” said Jon R. Star, an educational psychologist at Harvard who has studied algebra education. “And it’s just leading to a lot of tension.”

In Cambridge, Mass., the school district phased out middle school algebra before the pandemic. But some argued that the move had backfired: Families who could afford to simply paid for their children to take accelerated math outside of school.

“It’s the worst of all possible worlds for equity,” Jacob Barandes, a Cambridge parent, said at a school board meeting.

Elsewhere, many students lack options to take the class early: One of Philadelphia’s most prestigious high schools requires students to pass algebra before enrolling, preventing many low-income children from applying because they attend middle schools that do not offer the class.

In New York, Mr. de Blasio sought to tackle the disparities when he announced a plan in 2015 to offer algebra — but not require it — in all of the city’s middle schools. More than 15,000 eighth graders did not have the class at their schools at the time.

Since then, the number of middle schools that offer algebra has risen to about 80 percent from 60 percent. But white and Asian American students still pass state algebra tests at higher rates than their peers.

The city’s current schools chancellor, David Banks, also shifted the system’s algebra focus to high schools, requiring the same ninth-grade curriculum at many schools in a move that has won both support and backlash from educators.

And some New York City families are still worried about middle school. A group of parent leaders in Manhattan recently asked the district to create more accelerated math options before high school, saying that many young students must seek out higher-level instruction outside the public school system.

In a vast district like New York — where some schools are filled with children from well-off families and others mainly educate homeless children — the challenge in math education can be that “incredible diversity,” said Pedro A. Noguera, the dean of the University of Southern California’s Rossier School of Education.

“You have some kids who are ready for algebra in fourth grade, and they should not be denied it,” Mr. Noguera said. “Others are still struggling with arithmetic in high school, and they need support.”

Many schools are unequipped to teach children with disparate math skills in a single classroom. Some educators lack the training they need to help students who have fallen behind, while also challenging those working at grade level or beyond.

Some schools have tried to find ways to tackle the issue on their own. KIPP charter schools in New York have added an additional half-hour of math time to many students’ schedules, to give children more time for practice and support so they can be ready for algebra by eighth grade.

At Middle School 50 in Brooklyn, where all eighth graders take algebra, teachers rewrote lesson plans for sixth- and seventh-grade students to lay the groundwork for the class.

The school’s principal, Ben Honoroff, said he expected that some students would have to retake the class in high school. But after starting a small algebra pilot program a few years ago, he came to believe that exposing children early could benefit everyone — as long as students came into it well prepared.

Looking around at the students who were not enrolling in the class, Mr. Honoroff said, “we asked, ‘Are there other kids that would excel in this?’”

“The answer was 100 percent, yes,” he added. “That was not something that I could live with.”

Troy Closson reports on K-12 schools in New York City for The Times. More about Troy Closson

Problem solving in the Middle East

23 May 2024

If there’s an issue on the airfield, Air Force Corporal John Chapman can get it done.

The ground support equipment technician, deployed to Australia’s main operating base in the Middle East on Operation Accordion, has become the person coalition forces turn to in a bind.

That’s what happened on April 1 when the mechanic from Muswellbrook, NSW, received a late-night call for help.

A large Egyptian military cargo plane was stuck on the runway and needed an air start before it could take off.

For more than two decades, international partner nations have been guests on the Emirati base. Corporal Chapman, the only Air Force technician deployed on Operation Accordion, was the only person on the base with the right tools and experience to get the job done.

The right tools in this case was an air-start cart – a turbine compressor on wheels that pumps pressurised air into a jet engine to ‘jump start’ the turbines.

It was well after midnight and the phone was ringing off the hook.

“Our partners requested help, I was pretty sure I could make it happen but I wasn’t 100 per cent sure it was going to work,” Corporal Chapman said.

Luckily, the Egyptian aeroplane was similar to the Australian C-130 Hercules and the equipment could be attached to the Antonov without issue.

“[The Egyptians] were all smiles when we got the prop started and they got on their way,” he said.

It wasn’t the first time the Australian has been called on to help partner militaries.

Over his eight-month deployment to the Middle East, he has helped United States generals and become mates with the British.

When a US general visited the base, they needed equipment to power their plane when it was on the runway.

Then there was the time the British blew a tire and needed compressed nitrogen.

Luckily, the Australian workshop was able to help.

“That’s how it is between the international countries here,” Corporal Chapman said.

“We just call each other up if we need a hand – there’s a lot of favours for favours.”

With less than a month until he returns to Australia, Corporal Chapman will look back on his deployment as a career highlight.

“I’m operating by myself and I’ve used every workshop and airside skill I’ve been taught,” he said.

“I love getting asked, ‘how do I solve this?’ Mechanics love to solve problems.”

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Home » Blog » General » Understanding Social Problem-Solving in Middle School: A Guide for Educators

Understanding Social Problem-Solving in Middle School: A Guide for Educators

As educators, we play a crucial role in shaping the social-emotional development of our students. One essential skill that middle school students need to navigate the complexities of their social interactions is social problem-solving. In this guide, we will explore the definition and components of social problem-solving, the benefits of developing these skills in middle school, and strategies for teaching and supporting students in their social problem-solving journey.

I. Introduction

A. importance of social problem-solving skills in middle school.

Social problem-solving skills are essential for middle school students as they navigate the challenges of adolescence. These skills enable them to effectively manage conflicts, make responsible decisions, and build positive relationships. By equipping our students with social problem-solving skills, we empower them to become confident and resilient individuals.

B. Role of educators in teaching social problem-solving

As educators, we have a unique opportunity to guide and support our students in developing social problem-solving skills. By creating a supportive classroom environment and incorporating social problem-solving into our curriculum, we can help our students become effective problem solvers and compassionate communicators.

II. Understanding Social Problem-Solving

A. definition and components of social problem-solving.

Social problem-solving is the process of identifying, analyzing, and resolving social conflicts or challenges. It involves several components, including:

Identifying the problem
Generating possible solutions
Evaluating and selecting the best solution
Implementing the solution
Reflecting on the outcome

By understanding these components, educators can effectively teach and guide students through the social problem-solving process.

B. Benefits of developing social problem-solving skills in middle school

Developing social problem-solving skills in middle school has numerous benefits for students. These skills enhance their ability to communicate effectively, manage conflicts, and make responsible decisions. Additionally, social problem-solving skills promote empathy, self-awareness, and collaboration, which are essential for building positive relationships and fostering a supportive classroom environment.

III. Teaching Social Problem-Solving in Middle School

A. creating a supportive classroom environment.

Creating a supportive classroom environment is crucial for teaching social problem-solving. By establishing clear expectations and rules, we provide students with a framework for appropriate behavior. Encouraging open communication and empathy allows students to express their thoughts and feelings, fostering a sense of belonging and understanding.

1. Establishing clear expectations and rules

Clearly communicate your expectations for behavior and establish rules that promote respect, empathy, and cooperation. Consistently reinforce these expectations to create a safe and inclusive learning environment.

2. Encouraging open communication and empathy

Encourage students to express their thoughts and feelings openly and respectfully. Teach them to listen actively and empathize with others, fostering a culture of understanding and compassion.

B. Introducing the problem-solving process

Introduce students to the problem-solving process by breaking it down into manageable steps. By guiding them through each step, you can help them develop a systematic approach to solving social problems.

1. Define the problem

Help students identify and define the social problem they are facing. Encourage them to articulate the issue clearly and objectively.

2. Generate possible solutions

Guide students in brainstorming multiple solutions to the problem. Encourage creativity and open-mindedness, emphasizing that there are often multiple ways to solve a problem.

3. Evaluate and select the best solution

Teach students to evaluate each solution based on its potential outcomes and consequences. Help them consider the perspectives of others and choose the solution that is most fair and effective.

4. Implement the solution

Support students in implementing their chosen solution. Provide guidance and resources as needed, and encourage them to take responsibility for their actions.

5. Reflect on the outcome

After implementing the solution, guide students in reflecting on the outcome. Help them analyze the effectiveness of their chosen solution and identify any lessons learned for future problem-solving situations.

C. Strategies for teaching social problem-solving

There are several effective strategies for teaching social problem-solving skills in middle school:

1. Role-playing and modeling

Engage students in role-playing activities where they can practice applying social problem-solving skills in realistic scenarios. Model effective problem-solving strategies and provide feedback to reinforce learning.

2. Collaborative group activities

Encourage students to work together in small groups to solve social problems. Provide opportunities for them to practice active listening, compromise, and collaboration.

3. Real-life scenarios and discussions

Use real-life scenarios and current events as discussion prompts to explore social issues and problem-solving strategies. Encourage students to share their perspectives and engage in respectful debates.

D. Incorporating social problem-solving into the curriculum

Integrate social problem-solving into academic subjects to provide students with meaningful opportunities to practice and apply their skills. Use literature and media to explore social issues and prompt discussions about problem-solving strategies.

1. Integrating social problem-solving into academic subjects

Identify opportunities within your curriculum to incorporate social problem-solving. For example, during a history lesson, students can analyze the social conflicts that led to significant events and propose alternative solutions.

2. Using literature and media to explore social issues

Select books, articles, or videos that address social issues relevant to your students. Engage them in discussions about the characters’ problem-solving approaches and encourage them to apply these strategies to their own lives.

IV. Supporting Students’ Social Problem-Solving Skills

A. individualized instruction and interventions.

Recognize that each student has unique strengths and areas for improvement in social problem-solving. Provide individualized instruction and interventions to address their specific needs.

1. Identifying students’ strengths and areas for improvement

Regularly assess students’ social problem-solving skills to identify their strengths and areas for improvement. Use informal observations, checklists, or self-assessments to gather data.

2. Providing targeted instruction and practice

Based on the assessment results, design targeted instruction and practice activities to address students’ specific needs. Provide explicit instruction, guided practice, and opportunities for independent application.

B. Building self-awareness and self-regulation

Self-awareness and self-regulation are essential components of social problem-solving. Help students develop these skills to better understand their emotions and regulate their behavior.

1. Teaching emotional recognition and regulation

Teach students to recognize and label their emotions accurately. Provide strategies for managing strong emotions, such as deep breathing or taking a break.

2. Promoting self-reflection and self-monitoring

Encourage students to reflect on their problem-solving experiences and evaluate their own behavior. Teach them to monitor their progress and make adjustments as needed.

C. Fostering collaboration and teamwork

Collaboration and teamwork are vital skills for effective social problem-solving. Create opportunities for students to work together and support one another in solving social problems.

1. Encouraging peer support and cooperation

Encourage students to support and help one another in solving social problems. Foster a culture of cooperation and teamwork in your classroom.

2. Facilitating group problem-solving activities

Design group problem-solving activities where students can practice collaboration and teamwork. Provide guidance and structure to ensure that all students actively contribute to the process.

V. Assessing and Monitoring Social Problem-Solving Skills

A. formative assessment strategies.

Use formative assessment strategies to gather ongoing data about students’ social problem-solving skills. These strategies provide valuable insights into students’ progress and inform instructional decisions.

1. Observations and anecdotal records

Regularly observe students’ interactions and problem-solving behaviors. Take anecdotal records to document their progress and identify areas for further support.

2. Self-assessment and reflection

Encourage students to assess their own social problem-solving skills through self-reflection. Provide prompts or checklists to guide their self-assessment process.

B. Using rubrics and checklists

Develop rubrics and checklists to evaluate students’ social problem-solving skills. These tools provide clear criteria for assessment and help students understand their strengths and areas for improvement.

1. Developing criteria for evaluating social problem-solving skills

Create criteria that align with the components of social problem-solving. Clearly define what proficient and exemplary performance looks like for each criterion.

2. Providing feedback and goal-setting

Provide constructive feedback to students based on their performance. Use the assessment results to set goals and develop action plans for improvement.

VI. Conclusion

A. recap of the importance of teaching social problem-solving in middle school.

Teaching social problem-solving skills in middle school is crucial for students’ social-emotional development. These skills empower them to navigate conflicts, make responsible decisions, and build positive relationships.

B. Encouragement for educators to continue supporting students’ social-emotional development through social problem-solving skills

As educators, we have the power to make a lasting impact on our students’ lives. By continuing to prioritize and support their social-emotional development through social problem-solving skills, we can equip them with the tools they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Start your EverydaySpeech Free trial today and discover a comprehensive platform that provides resources, activities, and lessons to support social problem-solving skills in your middle school classroom.

Preparing for Success: Enhancing Social Communication in Grade 12

Preparing for Success: Enhancing Social Communication in Grade 12 Key Takeaways Strong social communication skills are crucial for academic success and building meaningful relationships in Grade 12. Social communication includes verbal and non-verbal communication,...

Preparing for Success: Enhancing Social Communication in Grade 12 Preparing for Success: Enhancing Social Communication in Grade 12 As students enter Grade 12, they are on the cusp of adulthood and preparing for the next chapter of their lives. While academic success...

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HISD adds 2 more schools to closures list due to air conditioning failures

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Nearly 40 Houston ISD campuses are closed Tuesday due to ongoing issues at the buildings, including no air conditioning, as the district continues recovering from last Thursday's destructive storm.

Thirty-six schools were already planning not to open, but that number grew to 38 after HISD said that the air conditioning failed overnight at both Marshall Middle School and Hamilton Middle School.

Both of those campuses will stay closed Tuesday.

The video above is from a previous report.

"We cannot serve students safely at this time," the district said of Marshall and Hamilton.

These are the other HISD campuses that are closed:

Barrick Elementary School
Benbrook Elementary School
Berry Elementary School
Black Middle School
Browning Elementary School
Burrus Elementary School
Cage Elementary School
Chrysalis Middle School
Clifton Middle School
Elementary Discipline Alternative Education Program (DAEP EL)
Dogan Elementary School
Field Elementary School
Forest Brook Middle School
Furr Middle School
Garden Oaks Montessori
Harper DAEP
Roland P. Harris Elementary School
Harvard Elementary School
Heights High School
Hilliard Elementary School
Hogg Middle School
Houston Math, Science and Technology Center High School
Janowski Elementary School
North Houston Early College High School
Northline Elementary School
Oak Forest Elementary School
Robinson Elementary School
Roosevelt Elementary School
Scarborough High School
Secondary DAEP
Sinclair Elementary School
Smith Elementary School
Sugar Grove Middle School
Mark White Elementary School
Whittier Elementary School
Waltrip High School

HISD campuses not named on the list will be open, the district said.

HISD will distribute light meals to students of the above campuses between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m., and 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the YDC Sunrise Center at 6050 Bretshire Drive.

Campuses will also provide learning packets for students to complete at home if they are able.

The district also will relax the dress code for the next few days for open campuses to help families manage the storm's impacts.

This comes after HISD posted about the closures Monday evening, hours after classes were halted at 54 campuses.

However, that didn't include Reynolds Elementary School and Heights High School, where classes began but later dismissed after air conditioning issues on campus.

On Sunday afternoon, HISD assured select campuses would have power, a fully functional cooling system, and ready-to-serve food service.

That turned out not to be the case, however, for all campuses.

In a message sent to parents of Heights High School students late on Monday morning, Principal Wendy Hampton said classes would be canceled for the remainder of the day, Monday, due to ongoing problems with the air conditioning.

The students were dismissed immediately and were provided with a lunch to take home if they wanted.

Students at Lamar High School were sent home early following a gas leak, the Houston Fire Department confirmed. Principal Rita Graves called out to parents, notifying them of the situation and told them to look for updates on a plan. The school was back open as of Tuesday morning.

Parents of students at Reynolds Elementary School were notified by the principal that due to air conditioning issues, classes were canceled for the remainder of the day. The district provided transportation for students who needed it.

Scarborough High School is among the campuses that are still in the dark.

ABC13 was at the school on Monday, where crews were seen working to restore the power. We asked the district if generators were being installed but could not get an answer.

Damage was also spotted near Sinclair Elementary School in the Lazybrook-Timbergrove area.

PREVIOUS REPORT: HISD releases list of select campuses that will open on Monday after closures due to deadly storm

HISD said Sinclair is one of four campuses with significant damage - Pugh, Robinson, and Paige elementary schools are the others.

Superintendent Mike Miles said schools without power are the biggest issue.

"The goal is to try and get every school ready by Monday, if the power comes on, so kids can go to school. It will be their choice. If the power is out at their house, hopefully, they will be in a position to come to school where there is power," Miles said.

Miles says that depending on the situation, they may bus students from schools without power to schools with power.

SEE OTHER DISTRICTS: Southeast Texas schools announce reopening plans following destructive storm

Only 2 HISD campuses closed as all students return to class

Protest held at SW Houston school as HISD loses teachers and staff

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Fire prompts middle school evacuation

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20 Problem-Solving Activities For Middle School: Discussions, Games
Bring problem-solving to life in your middle school classroom with these 20 activities. 1. Feelings Expression Scenarios. A huge part of problem-solving is properly expressing your own feelings. Students often struggle to state how they feel without combative, aggressive, or accusatory language; therefore opportunities to practice with ...
30 Problem Solving Scenarios for Kids & Teens
We encourage you to use this list when practicing at home. Home practice will make progress toward meeting individual language goals much faster. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are only able to see students/clients 30-60 mins (or less) per week. This is not enough time or practice for someone to handle Problem solving scenarios.
20 Problem-Solving Activities for Middle School Students
Sudoku: Introduce sudoku puzzles as a fun and challenging math-based activity. 4. Chess Club: Encourage students to participate in chess clubs or tournaments to practice strategic thinking. 5. Escape Rooms: Plan an age-appropriate escape room activity to develop teamwork and problem-solving skills among the students. 6.
Problem Solving Lessons
3. 4. 5. TED-Ed lessons on the subject Problem Solving. TED-Ed celebrates the ideas of teachers and students around the world. Discover hundreds of animated lessons, create customized lessons, and share your big ideas.
Solve It: A Problem-Solving Game for Middle School Students
Introduction. Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is a crucial aspect of education that helps students develop essential life skills, such as problem-solving, empathy, and effective communication. In this blog post, we introduce an engaging activity called "Solve It," designed to help middle school students improve their problem-solving abilities.
Engaging Problem Solving Activities for Middle School Students
Here are some types of puzzles suitable for middle school students: Logic puzzles: These puzzles challenge students to use deductive reasoning to solve complex problems. Crossword puzzles: Crossword puzzles enhance vocabulary, spelling, and problem-solving abilities. Jigsaw puzzles: Jigsaw puzzles improve visual-spatial skills and problem ...
Critical Thinking Activities For Middle Schoolers: PBL, Outdoor Ideas
Critical thinking is the process of using higher-order thinking skills in which students observe, conceptualize, apply, evaluate, and synthesize information that they learn in order to solve problems and make decisions effectively. Critical thinking is crucial for middle school students to be equipped to respond to academic, social, and emotional challenges successfully.
Teaching Problem-Solving Skills to Middle School Students
Related Skills. Problem-solving is closely connected to several other essential social-emotional learning skills, including: Empathy: Understanding the feelings and perspectives of others can help students develop more effective solutions to interpersonal problems. Communication: Clear and respectful communication is crucial for presenting and ...
16+ Engineering Challenges for Middle School
When students tackle an engineering design challenge, they are encouraged to brainstorm, design, build, test, problem solve, troubleshoot, tinker, innovate, and iterate. The 16+ engineering design projects below help middle school students get hands-on practice using the engineering design process. They'll build confidence as they use creative ...
20 Critical Thinking Activities for Middle Schoolers
20. Reflection Activities: Use reflective writing prompts at the end of lessons or activities to foster metacognition, self-awareness, and the development of critical thinking skills. Conclusion: Critical thinking activities are vital for middle schoolers as they foster intellectual growth and prepare them for future learning experiences.
10 Best Problem Solving Activities For Middle School
Without further ado, let's take a look at the best problem solving activities for middle school. Share Tweet Email. Page 1 of 11. Next >> Related Insider Monkey Articles.
71+ Free Social Problem-Solving Scenarios
71+ Social Problem Scenarios + 6 Blank Scenarios. Use the 71 social problem-solving scenarios to have your students get great experience practicing how to solve a social problem. Also, included are 6 blank scenarios. Then laminate them so you can use them over and over again. Therefore, create social problems that the student experiences and ...
Teaching Critical Thinking Skills in Middle and High School
Teach Reasoning Skills. Reasoning skills are another key component of critical thinking, involving the abilities to think logically, evaluate evidence, identify assumptions, and analyze arguments. Students who learn how to use reasoning skills will be better equipped to make informed decisions, form and defend opinions, and solve problems.
Problem Solving Lesson Plans Your Middle School Students Will Love
In this lesson, students will: Apply critical thinking, problem solving, and decision-making skills to online gameplay and writing tasks. Analyze situations from multiple perspectives and viewpoints. Distinguish between facts, opinions, and solutions. Demonstrate 21st Century skills such as global awareness, information literacy, communication ...
17 Fun Problem Solving Activities & Games [for Kids ...
For this problem solving activity for older kids or teens, you will need four 2×6 boards. Divide your group into two teams with an equal number of children on each team. Place two of the four boards end to end on the ground or floor. Set the other two parallel to the first two about two or three feet apart.
Engaging Writing Prompts for Middle School Students
Inspiring Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Some writing prompts present real-life situations or dilemmas, prompting students to analyze and devise solutions. This process nurtures critical thinking abilities, preparing students for future problem-solving challenges. ... The power of writing prompts for middle school students goes ...
Open Middle
CHALLENGING MATH PROBLEMS WORTH SOLVING DOWNLOAD OUR FAVORITE PROBLEMS FROM EVERY GRADE LEVEL Get Our Favorite Problems Take The Online Workshop WANT GOOGLE SLIDE VERSIONS OF ALL PROBLEMS? HERE'S OUR GROWING COLLECTION Get Google Slide Versions WANT TO SHARE OPEN MIDDLE WITH OTHERS? CHECK OUT THESE FREE WEBINARS TO HELP TEACHERS RETHINK CLASSWORK Elementary Version
10 Engaging Middle School Math Journal Prompts To Spark Critical
Problem-solving is a critical skill for success in math, and practicing it regularly in middle school can lead to stronger mathematical thinking. Journal prompts that focus on problem-solving can help students develop and strengthen their problem-solving skills by encouraging them to think creatively about solutions.
Practical Problem Solving Strategies for Middle School Students
The first step in problem-solving is to identify the problem. Encourage students to define the problem clearly and specifically. This will help them understand the scope of the problem and focus on finding appropriate solutions. Additionally, teach students to identify the root cause of the problem. By understanding the underlying factors ...
50 Fun Journal Prompts For Middle School With Examples
Journal prompts are brain workouts that make thinking sharper and problem-solving an easy task. Also read: 30 Engaging Self-Confidence Activities For Students Journal Prompts For Middle School . These thought-provoking journal prompts are designed to spark creativity, self-discovery, and meaningful expression in middle schoolers.
100 Problem Solution Essay Topics with Sample Essays
After you have chosen your topic, you can find instructions about how to develop your ideas, find a unique solution to the problem, and organize your essay in "How to Write Your Problem Solution Paper." 4 Parts of Problem Solution. Describe a problem vividly. Propose a solution. Argue that the solution is practical, feasible, cost-effective ...
Social Problem Solving Task Cards & Journal Prompts
These are a set of 10 free task cards that highlight social scenarios and situations that kids can discuss and identify how they would solve each situation. The cards are organized into five different sets that target different situations: With friends, with family, in the classroom, at recess, and at lunch. This free set includes 2 task cards ...
The Algebra Problem: How Middle School Math Became a National
Around a quarter of all students in the United States take algebra in middle school. But only about 12 percent of Black and Latino eighth graders do, compared with roughly 24 percent of white ...
Problem solving in the Middle East
Problem solving in the Middle East. 23 May 2024. Air Force ground support equipment technician Corporal John Chapman inside Hurley's Hanger at Australia's main operating base in the Middle East. Photos: Corporal Jacob Joseph. 1of 2. If there's an issue on the airfield, Air Force Corporal John Chapman can get it done.
Staff Spotlight: Assistant Professor Maria Uriyo as high school
Dr. Maria Uriyo Since 2015, Assistant Professor in the Department of Health Administration and Policy Maria Uriyo and her husband have been using STEM/robotics as a tool to teach middle and high school age students develop their problem-solving skills.. In order to be most effective in this effort, Uriyo and her husband formed Abacus Robotics, a nonprofit organization that trains students ...
Understanding Social Problem-Solving in Middle School: A Guide for
A. Importance of social problem-solving skills in middle school. Social problem-solving skills are essential for middle school students as they navigate the challenges of adolescence. These skills enable them to effectively manage conflicts, make responsible decisions, and build positive relationships.
Houston ISD campus closures: District adds Marshall and Hamilton Middle
HISD now has 38 schools that are closed Tuesday, including two middle schools, that had the air conditioning systems fail overnight. "We cannot serve students safely at this time," the district said.