There is something..."different" about middle school, whether you are a student or teacher. It's definitely an odd experience full of weird and unique surprises. (This is one of the many reasons I always felt drawn to middle school). I've worked in different middle schools and settings, but certain things seemed consistent wherever I went (and I have noticed these trends since 2006!). At an awkward age when everyone is at different levels of maturity and mastery of social skills, the age group does share a common bond in their love of all things random. That love of randomness can get strangely specific. Middle Schoolers, for one reason or another, seem to approve of the subject matter on the following list. I give you...The Top Eleven Random Things Middle School Students Seem to Love.
There is something about ninjas that middle school kids can relate to. Is it the constant movement? The stealth? Or did they just watch too much anime? I don't have the answers, but what I do know is that middle school students will not resist the power of the ninja.
These delightful arches allows the viewer to choose "all the colors at once!" Perhaps this is why so many middle school kids delight in rainbows.
Something about this shaggy camelid appeals to the middle school crowd. Could it have something to do with popular books or experimental Disney films? The appeal of the llama to this particular age group remains a mystery.
Unicorns
These magical and colorful creatures of childhood still have a place in the heart of a middle schooler.
Anime/Manga
Take any academic theme and create a version in anime style=Instant middle school approval.
The term "anime" is often used to describe an animation art style that is popular in Japan.
Manga refers to Japanese comics.
Ironic Humor and Puns
You've seen the t-shirts. They are funny, punny, sometimes borderline-inappropriate. You know it's true.
Cthulhu
I don't know if middle school kids are Lovecraft fans or how they came to know the feared Cthulhu, but this legendary monster has his own claim to fame in the middle grades.
I don't know if middle school kids are Lovecraft fans or how they came to know the feared Cthulhu, but this legendary monster has his own claim to fame in the middle grades.
Adding Extreme Cuteness to Everyday Objects
I've noticed that if you take anything...be it a fruit, school supply, or an asteroid-and add kawaii (cute) anime eyes to it-it will result in middle school happiness.
I've noticed that if you take anything...be it a fruit, school supply, or an asteroid-and add kawaii (cute) anime eyes to it-it will result in middle school happiness.
The Illuminati
Something about this age-old conspiracy theory really speaks to the middle school crowd and I'm not sure why. Note: Illumismart is not associated with the Illuminati. ((I am definitely NOT rich and/or powerful enough for that!))
Something about this age-old conspiracy theory really speaks to the middle school crowd and I'm not sure why. Note: Illumismart is not associated with the Illuminati. ((I am definitely NOT rich and/or powerful enough for that!))
Candy
We all know kids love candy, and middle school students make it quite clear they have not outgrown their love for all things sugar, and will accept it with as much enthusiasm as students in younger grades. Some schools I've worked at are candy-friendly while others strictly oppose candy distribution. If you can't give out literal candy, students also respond to stickers and visuals.
We all know kids love candy, and middle school students make it quite clear they have not outgrown their love for all things sugar, and will accept it with as much enthusiasm as students in younger grades. Some schools I've worked at are candy-friendly while others strictly oppose candy distribution. If you can't give out literal candy, students also respond to stickers and visuals.
Retro Stuff
How
do these kids know about Super NES games? Saved by the Bell? 80's
Bands? Bing Crosby? Middle school kids-despite the modern technology
obsession-seem to have an appreciation for very random retro things. I
once had a student ask me if I ever watched "White Christmas" and
informed me it was "incredibly good." I'm glad some of these kids
have an appreciation for some great old music. Though I did shudder
the time I asked a class of sixth graders who "Carmen San Diego" was.
After being met with silence, one student finally replied with ,"the
founder of San Diego." Made me feel kinda...old.
Zombies
Add zombies to any academic activity in grades 6-8 and it will be an instant hit. Trust m e. This age group is old enough to not be scared by cartoon zombies, and most of them have seen at least one zombie-theme movie, TV show, webcomic, video game, or youtube video at this point. Zombies need not be gruesome, but these delightfully undead creatures of the night can actually be used to stimulate young braaaaaaaaainnnnnssss.....
Add zombies to any academic activity in grades 6-8 and it will be an instant hit. Trust m e. This age group is old enough to not be scared by cartoon zombies, and most of them have seen at least one zombie-theme movie, TV show, webcomic, video game, or youtube video at this point. Zombies need not be gruesome, but these delightfully undead creatures of the night can actually be used to stimulate young braaaaaaaaainnnnnssss.....
Bacon
There is indeed something magical about this crispy meat strip, something that has caused this timeless breakfast staple to come up in many middle school conversations, clothing items, jokes, and yes, I have even seen bacon jewelry.
There is indeed something magical about this crispy meat strip, something that has caused this timeless breakfast staple to come up in many middle school conversations, clothing items, jokes, and yes, I have even seen bacon jewelry.
Narwhals
Last but not least, there is something about the majestic narwhal that middle schoolers love. Fact: I noticed the narwhal obsession well before the catchy commercial. Students seem to love narwhals and appreciate when they come up in classroom conversation. This unicorn of the sea is indeed a magical creature, one that brings excitement, joy, and wonder to middle schools across the world.
Sound off below! Does this sound familiar, middle school teachers? Do you notice any other "quirks" or "themes" beloved by this age group?
Last but not least, there is something about the majestic narwhal that middle schoolers love. Fact: I noticed the narwhal obsession well before the catchy commercial. Students seem to love narwhals and appreciate when they come up in classroom conversation. This unicorn of the sea is indeed a magical creature, one that brings excitement, joy, and wonder to middle schools across the world.
Sound off below! Does this sound familiar, middle school teachers? Do you notice any other "quirks" or "themes" beloved by this age group?
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