Middle School Essentials- Friendship, Bullying, and Stress
In this 4 week course, students will learn from psychology research, the best ways to understand and navigate the issues of love/friendship, learning/memory, bullying and anxiety/stress reduction.
Melissa Snyder, M.Ed., LPCC
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(514)
What's included
4 live meetings
3 hrs 20 mins in-class hoursHomework
NoneAssessment
Informal assessment will take place throughout the lesson by asking students if they have questions or comments throughout lessons. There will also be opportunities to answer poll questions in the chat box. Final exam available upon request.Grading
Final grade report available upon request. Grade will be based on class attendance, participation in class chat box polls and final exam.Class Experience
US Grade 5 - 7
Use welcome code SNYDERFALL10 until Oct 15, 2024 to get $10 off. The middle school years can be a time of great change, for U.S. based learners. Studies show many 6th graders experience a sharp drop in grades, while we also see anxiety increasing from 1 in 7 in kids to 1 in 3 adolescents by the end of high school. The research shared in this class provides strategies to prepare learners to navigate through the transition to high school in the most successful way possible. This class is ideal for learners who have an interest in learning about psychology research that relates to some of the primary concerns of middle school aged students. The classes are information heavy, and will focus on a different topic each week. There are opportunities to interact with the instructor through chat box polls, chat box comments/ questions, as well as to verbally ask any question throughout the class. The class format however is not conducive for verbal comments about personal experiences or opinions. Class 1- Psychology of Friendship Class 2- Psychology of Learning and Memory Class 3- Psychology of Bullies Class 4- Psychology Anxiety/Stress Each class will have three sections. I. Define the topic for the week II. Learn about research studies and outcomes related to the weekly topic III. Apply the research findings to making everyday life better in friendships, school work, and managing stress/anxiety. This is an educational, fact-based course, and not a counseling or therapy group. Because research says students learn better when relaxed, learners will not be called on. The material is presented lecture style, using google slides, with a handout provided for each lesson. Chat box polls will be used to encourage participation. Participation is welcomed but never required. No prior experience is needed for this class, only an interest in psychology. I have a structured, yet humor-filled teaching style, designed to keep student's interest, and help learner's feel comfortable. I'll use slides and gifs to reinforce concepts, as well.
Learning Goals
1] Student will be able to define friendship, learning/memory, bullying, stress and anxiety
2] Student will learn about at least three research studies related to each weekly topic
3] Student will be able to identify at least two strategies that can use in everyday life when applying findings from research findings
Syllabus
4 Lessons
over 4 WeeksLesson 1:
Psychology of Friendship
What is it, why we need it, how to make and keep friends, and research on the frequency and impact of dating. The specifics discussed on love include the percentage of tweens who date, how long those relationships generally last, and a study which shows non-dating teens have better interpersonal skills, less depression and feelings of hopelessness. This is the extent of material on love. This is the the last 5 minutes of class. There is no discussion related to sex or gender related issues. 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Psychology of Learning and Memory
How does memory and learning work, how can we apply research findings to make studying and test taking easier/more successful 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Psychology of Bullies
What is behind bullying behavior, what's the impact of bullying behavior; what research says is the best and worst ways to respond to bullies 50 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Psychology of Anxiety/Stress
What is the physiological aspect of anxiety and stress, impact of anxiety / stress if it goes unaddressed, strategies to reduce anxiety / stress 50 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Parents know best if their child will be more comfortable with them by their side. The content of this course doesn't require a parent, but the nature/personality of the specific learner may.
Supply List
Paper/pen for note taking. There will be a handout that outlines that information covered in the lesson. It can be uploaded in the classroom, shortly before each lesson, and used to follow along or take notes.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2020
4.9
514reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
Master's Degree in Education from Kent State University
I am a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, with M.Ed. in Community counseling and a B.A. in Sociology. I have taught introductory psychology and sociology courses to college freshman. I've also worked as counselor in a middle school setting.Reviews
Live Group Class
$20
weekly or $80 for 4 classes1x per week, 4 weeks
50 min
Completed by 372 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 10-13
4-10 learners per class
