Homeroom- good gracious that can be such a struggle! On various campuses where I taught there were different homeroom ideas and what took place varied greatly. Our schedule typically paired it with lunch and it was intended for tutorial use. But, it wasn’t uncommon that students wouldn’t have work to do, or not have a book, or … the list goes on and on.
Today, is week five of the collaborative blog series with Erin from Mrs. Beers Language Arts Class. She wrote five awesome homeroom ideas.
Here are quick links to the last four weeks:
- Week 1: 10-Things Middle Schoolers Want You to Know
- Week 2: 15-More Must Teach Routines for the Middle School Classroom
- Week 3: Quick Strategies for Engagement and Assessment
- Week 4: Handling Middle School Conflict
HOMEROOM IDEA #1: Community Service Projects
No matter what community you live in, students benefit greatly when they are working toward a common goal and helping others. At the start of the school year, use the first week to let students brainstorm ways to work together to help others in the community. You will be amazed at what students come up with…
- Clothing drive (anytime)
- Canned/Boxed food drive (anytime)
- Penny drive (anytime)
- Blanket drive (fall/winter)
- Hats and gloves drive (fall/winter months)
- Sincere Thought Cards for Seniors (anytime)
- Valentine’s for Veterans (February)
Often times we leave community service work to student council and leadership groups when ALL students feel good helping others and making a positive impact. Decide which projects would be the most beneficial around your community and let students get to work. Some of the logistics will fall on teacher shoulders, so be aware of delivery/pick-up procedures and postage costs. A community service project once a quarter will truly bring your students together working toward a common positive goal.
Click over to read the other great homeroom ideas that Erin shares!
