Unmuddling the Middle

Why Is Middle School So Hard for So Many People by Alia Wong
The Atlantic, October 7, 2019

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In her article, "Why Is Middle School So Hard for So Many People," Alia Wong helps us understand the prevailing skepticism about middle school. She articulates the importance of the middle school years, why people are so quick to dismiss it, and steps that can be taken to bolster and nurture "the middle child." The article proposes that adults want to control things, and this could be a reason why they can't sufficiently serve middle school students. Young adults have all the same feelings that older adults do but with fewer coping mechanisms. Wong describes the history of separating out the middle school years, and how the social hierarchy can impact our middle school students. She addresses the conflicting forces weighing on these students, such as the need for independence, on one hand, and guidance, on the other. Middle schools can infantilize students via over-control and hinder risk taking and exploration. Wong cites a number of steps that can help: breaks for snacks, arranging situations in classes that promote socialization, and budgeting for air conditioning, to name a few. A main takeaway is to remember that students are bringing to school ample amounts of emotional context and teachers need to meet them where they are.