Advisory Reflection

After reading about middle school teaming, it appears the core of this whole practice of the middle grades structure revolves around the integration and implementation of advisory programs, or programs alike. Advisory programs in middle schools not only provide organizational structure for both the teachers and students, but also serves the daily needs of a student. This time period allows for middle school students to interact with adults in more of an informal way, something that is developmentally crucial for students of this age. This time period also gives students a break from the school day, a schedule that can be monotonous to a middle school student. Students also have the opportunity to catch up on work during this period that they may have missed, as well as work on engaging projects. Teachers can find ways to academically reach their students in their advisory by spending so much time with them and work with students to provide meaningful learning experiences in this block of time. This time can allow for social interaction between a close-knit groups of students, and can build a family-like attitude, an idea that will keep middle school students from falling into isolation. What really struck me following the readings was the importance that advisory and other times not in the regular classroom setting has for students in middle school. At first glance, and if not implemented correctly, advisory can only serve for the students’ academic needs, but when implemented properly by the individual teacher, it can meet their social and emotional needs on a daily basis.