Middle school math

I sometimes hear questions about whether the NHA "works" at the middle and high school level. ​My answer: Kids of all ages want to be seen and heard. It is up to us to appreciate them in the most authentically rich and truthful way we can deliver. ​
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​I recently spent time in a 7th grade math class where I freely circulated and gave evidence based recognitions of skills and behaviors. I was also refreshing my understanding of the distributive ​property alongside the kids. The lead teacher encouraged my participation, and I seized the opportunity to call out as much positivity in her and her students as possible. Within 30-45 minutes, a young man spoke to me, “I think if you were a teacher here, you would probably be one of my favorites.”​

I will own the greatness of my efforts to see and celebrate. I'm am also excited by the fact that Carlos (fictitious name) reciprocated and seized the opportunity to acknowledge me. This 7th grader and his classmates affirmed that middle school kids are very ready to hear about their clear thinking, courage, cooperation, respectful participation, supportive questioning, engaged learning, etc. I encourage you to fear less as you share your energy, build Inner Wealth™and foster relationships with teens.

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