Each year we have our fourth graders come for a visit. It’s part of our transition to middle school. It takes a lot of planning and putting together, but it is a special program for both the current 5th graders and our soon to be 5th graders.
Starting in January, I contact the 4th grade teachers to start planning dates that the students can come. I also need to put in a bus request to transfer our students from one building to another, as well as, contact our dining services manager to let her know when the 4th graders will be eating lunch in our building.
In addition, my lunch bunch students begin working on videos to show the 4th graders. They do a “Welcome to Middle School Video” and we will also show our “Everybody” video that is about how we include everybody and how at Lansing Middle School, bullies are not welcome.
Today, was my tour guide training. I spent lunch with 30 students going over the rules of being a tour guide and talking about what makes for a great tour guide? We talk about what it was like for them when they were in 4th grade and making the transition. How did they feel? What were they worried about? What kind of impression did they want the 4th graders to have when they come to visit?
Before the students left I asked them to write on a post it note (or the board) how they were going to be an awesome tour guide. Here is what they had to say:
“I will be sort of a comedian!”
“I am going to be kind and helpful to the kids, be a good example, and be awesome!”
“have fun and be respectful”
“I will teach them all the tricks and tips.”
“I’ll allow them to ask me questions. I’ll talk loudly and clearly. I’ll walk fast. I’ll be positive and respectful.”