When people find out that I am a teacher, the inevitable question is "How do you put up with THOSE kids?" Well, the answer cannot be easily explained here, but an important aspect of being a successful teacher is knowing your enemy...err...students. (Just a joke, guys!) The following chart gives the general public a basic understanding of the wonderful middle school students I teach.

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6th Grade		Students enter the sixth grade fearful of what is to come. Maybe they will get a kind, motherly teacher.
7th Grade		As seventh graders, students become more mischievous. A steady diet of sugar may have something to do with this.
8th Grade		The eighth graders try to be tough and cool, but we know better. Right?