Middle School

Argumentative Essay Topics for Middle School Students

As a middle school student, you are probably starting to learn about the art of persuasive writing. Argumentative essays provide you with a way to share your thoughts and opinions on a specific topic with your readers. These essays require you to analyze, evaluate and convince the reader to accept your point of view. When choosing an argumentative essay topic, it’s essential to select a subject that interests you and allows you to express your thoughts. Here are some exciting argumentative essay topics for middle school students.

1. Should students be allowed to use mobile phones in school?

A popular debate that has continued for years is whether or not students should be allowed to use mobile phones in school. Some believe that phones should be banned because they can be a distraction, while others argue that they can be used for educational purposes.

2. Is homework helpful or harmful?

Homework is a topic that many middle school students have strong opinions about. Some believe that homework helps students learn, while others believe that it’s a waste of time and causes unnecessary stress.

3. Are standardized tests an accurate measure of student learning?

Standardized tests are often used to evaluate student performance, but many argue that they don’t accurately measure a student’s knowledge or abilities. Some believe that such tests put too much pressure on students, while others think it’s an essential part of the education system.

4. Is social media good or bad for middle school students?

Social media has become an essential part of many middle school students’ lives. Some argue that it helps students connect with friends and family, while others believe that it’s a time-wasting and negative influence.

5. Should school uniforms be mandatory?

School uniforms are a topic that has been debated for years. Some believe that they are an essential part of school culture and help to foster a sense of unity and equality, while others argue that they stifle individual expression.

6. Should parents limit screen time for their middle school students?

Screen time is a hot topic for parents and teachers. Some argue that it’s essential to limit screen time to help students focus on other activities like reading and exercise, while others believe that it’s a personal choice and should not be limited.

7. Should middle school students be allowed to have a part-time job?

Some children start working when they’re in middle school, but others believe that it interferes with academics and causes unnecessary stress. This topic is controversial, as it depends on the individual student’s work ethic and ability to balance schoolwork and work duties.

8. Should middle school students learn a second language?

Many believe that learning a second language is essential in today’s global economy, while others argue that it’s not necessary and takes time away from core subjects.

9. Should middle school students be required to perform community service?

Community service is often required in high school or college, but some believe that it should start in middle school. Advocates say that it teaches students the value of volunteering and helps them develop empathy and compassion.

10. Should middle school students be allowed to select their own classes?

Some schools allow students to choose their classes, while others have a predetermined course schedule. Those in favor of choice argue that it allows students to pursue subjects they are passionate about, while others believe it can lead to a lack of focus and wandering attention.

In conclusion, choosing an argumentative essay topic is critical for middle school students, as it can affect the quality of their essays and their grades. It’s always important to select an issue that interests you, but also considers the opinions of others. By doing so, you’ll have an easier time finding research and making your argument. With these exciting argumentative essay topics, you can hone your skills and become a persuasively articulate writer.     

17 Cooking Activities To Teach Middle Schoolers How To Cook

Cooking is a life skill that everyone should learn, and it’s never too early to start teaching your children how to cook. Middle school is a perfect age to begin teaching children how to cook, as they are old enough to follow instructions and understand safety procedures but still curious and excited about new challenges. Here are 17 cooking activities to teach middle schoolers how to cook.

1. Start with safety first. Teach children the proper techniques and safety procedures, such as washing hands, using a sharp knife correctly, and handling hot items.

2. Make Homemade Pizza. This activity will teach children how to work with dough and let them get creative using their favorite toppings.

3. Make Pancakes. Teach students how to make different types of pancakes: savory, sweet, and traditional.

4. Baking cookies. Teach children how to make their favorite cookies to share with friends and family.

5. Make fruit salad. This activity will teach children how to slice fruit and mix ingredients to make a delicious treat.

6. Stir-Fry Meal. Teach children how to prepare and cook a stir-fry meal using fresh vegetables, noodles, and protein.

7. Spaghetti and Meatballs. This activity will teach children how to cook pasta, make meatballs, and create a flavorful sauce.

8. Grilled Cheese. Children love grilled cheese sandwiches, and it is easy to make. Teach children how to make a nutritious and delicious sandwich from scratch.

9. Rice Pudding. This delicious dessert requires children to measure, add ingredients, and cook rice into a sweet treat.

10. Omelets. Teach children how to create the perfect omelet with their favorite ingredients.

11. Veggie wrap. This healthy wrap is a fun way to teach children how to make a tasty, nutritious meal.

12. Quesadillas. Children will love learning how to make cheesy quesadillas, and they can add their favorite ingredients for a personalized touch.

13. Smoothies. Teach children how to make a healthy and delicious smoothie with fresh ingredients.

14. Chicken Fajitas. Teach children how to marinate and cook chicken and create flavorful fajitas with vegetables.

15. Lasagna. This classic Italian meal will teach children how to layer ingredients and cook pasta for a delicious homemade meal.

16. Baked Mac and Cheese. Teach children a classic comfort food recipe and how to make a roux and create a cheese sauce.

17. Sheet Pan Dinner. This activity will teach children how to cook and mix up flavors of vegetables, protein, and carbs on a sheet pan for a simple and quick meal.

In conclusion, cooking is a valuable skill that middle schoolers can learn and master with the right guidance. These seventeen cooking activities for middle schoolers will teach children useful skills and allow them to gain confidence in the kitchen. Cooking also provides children with knowledge about healthy and fresh ingredients, exciting flavor combinations, and how to prepare meals that will nourish them for the rest of their lives.    

The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 7: How Digital Age Teachers Can Win Over Parents

Education is a collaborative process, as it takes many stakeholders working in unison to help students succeed academically. One of the most integral parts of this collaborative team is parents, as teachers know all so well. So, if you are a teacher struggling to increase parental engagement, how do you fix this issue? In this episode, we will discuss 7 ways that digital age teachers win over parents.

The Edvocate Podcast, Episode 4: How to Create a Culturally Responsive Classroom

Building a culturally responsive classroom is hard. To help you along your journey, here is your guide to exploring and respecting the cultural backgrounds of your students while also using diversity as an asset. If you you listen to this episode of the podcast, and take my advice, you will have a culturally responsive classroom in no time.

References

Culturally responsive teaching is a theory of instruction that was developed by Dr. Gloria Ladson-Billings and has been written about by many other scholars since then. To read more of her work on culturally responsive teaching and other topics, click here to visit her Amazon.com page.