Advice: Working with Under Privileged Kids

Hello all,

I'm starting a new position as an after school STEM instructor for under privileged middle schoolers (6th-8th grade) in Boston. My formal teaching experience has mostly been with college students, but I have some informal science education with that age range.

Specifics: So far as I know, the class will have about 20-30 kids. I'll be sitting in on lectures, tutoring, scheduling field trips, and coming up with interactive science experiments. The director has made it clear that our first goal will be forming a connection with the kids.

I won't lie, I'm a white kid from the suburbs. It's obvious. Probably won't be able to connect with them on a cultural level, but I'll be damned if they aren't at least interested in science after everything is said and done.

Anything I should know before going in? Tips on classroom management will be especially appreciated. I've got about 2 months to prepare for the role.

Thanks education community!

Submitted February 16, 2018 at 05:38AM by SullyDoesScience http://ift.tt/2EwOzJh