Junior High, Intermediate, Middle School Education and Teaching Commons^™

In A Spirit Of Curiosity, Concern, Collaboration, And Humility: Considering The Work Of Middle Grades Education In The Context Of A Pandemic, Kristie W. Smith, Kristina N. Falbe

Middle Grades Review

When we envision the ideals of middle school, we so often think about the importance of physical setting. Physical setting helps to create a material space for so many of the tenets of the middle school mindset. For example, “a successful (middle) school for young adolescents is an inviting, supportive, and safe place---a joyful community that promotes in-depth learning and enhances students’ physical and emotional well-being. In a school (with a material, physical setting), human relationships are paramount.” (National Middle School Association, 2010, p. 33). With the outbreak of Covid-19 and pandemic conditions forcing so many to shelter-in-place, our collective …