Secondary Practices (Grades 6-8)

Explore the core practices of the Responsive Classroom approach tailored specifically for young adolescents. These strategies address the unique developmental needs of middle school students by fostering a sense of belonging and significance for every student.

Active Teaching

An instructional delivery strategy in which the teacher presents, explains, illustrates, and demonstrates content to enable students to meet a learning objective. The three phases of active teaching are Teach and Model, Student Collaboration, and Facilitate Reflection.

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Brain Breaks

These short breaks, used during whole-class lessons or transitions, get students moving and interacting.

Independent Practice

A structure that offers students voice and choice in what or how they learn.

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Investing Students in the Rules

A four-step teacher-facilitated process: set SMART goals, connect the goals to rules, connect the rules to concrete behaviors, and bring the rules to life in everyday ways.

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Small Group Learning

A structured way for students to work together on a specific learning goal, assignment, or project that the teacher organizes.

Responsive Advisory Meeting

A predictable routine for building meaningful connections, developing respectful and trusting relationships, and meeting students’ developmental needs. There are four components: arrival welcome, announcements, acknowledgments, and activity.

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Student Practice 

A process that follows active teaching where students explore and practice, under the teacher’s guidance, the content and skills taught during a lesson.

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Explore Responsive Classroom Practices

Discover how each practice enhances classroom culture and supports the development of essential skills in students of all ages.