An advisory program is a key element for any middle school. Advisory
provides that sense of belonging that 10- to 15-year-olds crave. It also
offers teachers a chance to discuss with students issues that simply
don't arise in the course of a regular class.
Sometimes teachers are looking for new ways to address difficult
topics without putting students on the defensive. One of the best ways
to accomplish this is to read to students. Middle schoolers might
believe that they are too old to have storybooks read to them, but they
love it anyway. I have quite a collection of books that are great to
read to students, but recently I have been introduced to a few more. The
first couple of books are from celebrities.
Whoopi's Big Book of Manners (Whoopi Goldberg, illustrated
by Olo). Heaven knows middle grades students need to be reminded about
manners, and Whoopi's book gets right to the point while entertaining
readers and listeners. Cell phone manners, rudeness at movies, and even
insights into manners in foreign countries are among the many cautions
that get the comedy treatment while still letting the reader know what
behavior is expected. Reading this aloud to students is sure to spark
interesting conversations about manners and behaviors that young
adolescents (and adults) ought to consider.
Mr. Peabody's Apples (Madonna, illustrated by Loren Long). This is a much more serious picture book that addresses the issue of rumors
—another
everyday occurence among young adolescents. Reading this delightful and
simple book aloud will definitely get students thinking and talking
about a topic they all know about but don't want to approach.
The Golden Rule (Ilene Cooper, illustrated by Gabi
Swiatkowska). It's quite likely that many of your students, like the boy
in this book, have never heard of the "Golden Rule." The boy's
grandfather presents the "Do unto others … " phrase as it appears in
Islam, Hinduism, and several other faith traditions. This offers you the
chance to discuss this essential concept while honoring students'
varying backgrounds. Most 10- to 15-year-olds are naturally inclined to
do good to others on a broad scale but not so much in their own peer
group. Reading and discussing this book might help them make the leap.
The Honest-to-Goodness Truth (Patricia McKissack,
illustrated by Giselle Potter). Young adolescents are fairly adept at
telling half-truths, fibs, and lies. In this story a young girl who has
trouble being truthful also struggles to tell the truth in a way that
doesn't offend others. Reading this book to your advisory group would
prompt days of discussion about honesty.
These and many other wonderful books are available in your district's
elementary school libraries, at your public library, or online. Reading
a storybook each month or so adds spice and surprise to your advisory
and gets students talking. Since your advisees are commenting on the
characters in the story and not on themselves or their peers, they often
find it easier to be open.
Originally published January 2009
Judith Baenen, a former classroom teacher, speaks
and writes about middle grades students and the issues that affect them.
She is author of the Association for Middle Level Education resources HELP, More HELP, and HELP for Teachers.
How to get started . . .
Thanks to our counselors for setting up ideas! 
I was recently interviewed by someone about "bullying" in schools. It made me start to reflect on the nature and definition of the word, not to mention what we share with children. Here are some ideas -
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