SEVERN SCHOOL
EDUCATION SERIES
Severna Park • Arnold • www.severnschool.com
Severn School is proud to present the spring issue of the Severn School Education Series. We value your feedback and welcome your responses at n.anderson@severnschool.com.
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TRANSITIONING FROM
OOL H C S Y R A T N E M ELE TO
M I D D L E SC H OOL FROM GUIDANCE...
TO INDEPENDENCE!
AC AD EM IC, SO CIA L & EM OT ION AL CO NN ECT ION S
CRE ATE YOU R VOI CE
CHOOL E L E M E N TA RY S
A Middle School Transition by Design by Dan Keller, Middle School Head & Middle School Teachers Carrie Ball, Lisa Clarke, Mary Foard, and Shaina Longway
M ID D L E S C H OOL
Imagine what it is like to be an 11-year-old student,
keeping a complete and up-to-date planner and
Design Thinking & Innovation
fresh from elementary school, joining a campus
using study halls to work and visit with teachers.
Design thinking is a systematic process of defining
of 6th-12th graders. This transition is a time of ac-
We then explore how learning works on a cogni-
a problem and creating innovative solutions. We
celerated cognitive, physical, social and emotional
tive level. Middle schoolers are able to think about
created the Design Thinking & Innovation class for
growth. How can a young person successfully
complex issues and appreciate understanding the
students to practice problem-solving, teamwork,
manage those changes as they develop their
reason behind learning strategies. They often have
and resilience through that specific methodology
ers discuss how to become more socially aware
identity?
valuable insights that both enhance our curriculum
— finding the best solutions to real-world chal-
and what it means to be a positive member of our
Middle school educators have an integral
and give students the sense of ownership they
lenges within a defined time period. In elementary
school community. We break down different social
responsibility to engineer and deliver learning
crave.
schools, teachers give students well-defined
situations and talk about ways to respond with
experiences that respond to the developmental
We also discuss “failure” and how to cultivate a
problems and ask them to generate innovative so-
civility when handling disappointment and building
needs of the young adolescent. Recently, a group
growth mindset. Students often feel that mistakes
lutions with the materials provided. Once in middle
friendships. Students use discussion, debate, case
of Severn School Middle School teachers asked,
are unacceptable. We help them see that struggle
school, students are ready to tackle more com-
studies and role-play as techniques to approach
“How might we design a school program that both
is an essential part of the learning process. At
plex challenges that require deeper, open-ended
these scenarios.
meets the current needs of incoming 6th graders
the end of the class, our students leave armed
reflection. For instance, students might be asked,
Our transition from elementary to middle school
and effectively propels students into 7th and 8th
with habits and tools to take charge of their own
“Is there a more fun and engaging way to teach
program demonstrates what we value in middle
grade with intellectual skills, good character, and
education and the knowledge that our supportive
simple addition to 5 and 6-year-old students?”
grades education and provides just the right
overall wellness?”
community is here to help them along the way.
In addition to questioning and problem-solving,
knowledge and skills for our growing adolescents
students engage with a variety of learning tools
to thrive.
Thoughtfully Designed Classes
Health and Wellness
such as a 3D printer and laser system. They then
We answer that question with a curriculum and
With increased independence, growing adoles-
collaborate with peers to plan and create a design
The Severn School Education Series is published
schedule designed to foster growth in these
cents experience many new feelings and unfa-
to share with a real-world audience that will use
two times each school year and is designed to
relevant areas. Teachers with precise skill sets
miliar changes. Health and Wellness class offers
the finished product. As 6th graders journey
offer useful information on a variety of topics
deliver practical and exploratory classes aimed to
students a timely and appropriate roadmap of
through the design thinking process, the teacher
relevant to elementary and secondary education.
facilitate a healthy shift to the middle and upper
the physical, emotional and cognitive changes
serves as a guide to support their independent
Severn School is an independent, coeducational,
school environment including Study Skills, Health
they can expect during middle school. We believe
learning and discovery.
nonprofit, college preparatory day school serving
and Wellness, Design Thinking & Innovation, and
students should become comfortable, effective ad-
Civility Seminar.
vocates for themselves and others. In Health and
Civility Seminar
through twelve. The School challenges its
a diverse student population in grades preschool
Wellness, students learn about different communi-
In Civility Seminar, we challenge students to con-
students to pursue excellence in character,
Study Skills
cation styles, how to communicate assertively and
sider their role in the middle school community,
conduct, and scholarship, to marshal the courage
Middle School students are excited by their new
how to manage conflict. We work with students to
reflect on how their choices can affect others, and
to lead, and to develop the lasting desire to serve
independence, ready to take responsibility for
apply these strategies along with tactics for emo-
discuss how to navigate new and demanding situ-
and achieve. We believe this is best realized in a
their own learning. But before they can take on
tional regulation to social scenarios that typically
ations. Delivered in seminar format and drawing on
community where adults model these qualities and
that responsibility, they need explicit instruction in
arise in 6th grade.
experiences of current and former students, this
where each student is known and valued.
learning how to learn. From the very first day, we
class allows incoming middle schoolers to examine
We invite your comments, questions, and
help students develop important habits such as
which behaviors help them succeed. 6th grad-
suggestions: n.anderson@severnschool.com.