Middle School vs Littles

Now that I've ventured in the K-1 teaching realm.... I have now taught every grade from k-8 except for 2nd grade. I have some experience in just about everything. But, I've spent a lot of time with the middle schoolers, and so on my very first day with my 12 little K-1 children it was pretty different. This inspired me to write the differences I've noticed (so far) between middle school and K-1 kids:

1.) K-1 will tell you how much they like you and tell you you're pretty. Middle Schoolers will never do that! Or if they do it's meant as a joke.
2.) K-1 will eat up every little thing you say. Middle Schoolers like to scoff at every little thing you say. Which actually I kinda like... :)
3.) K-1 cannot read the board and just do what it says. Middle Schoolers can read the board, but rarely follow what it says! :)
4.) K-1 can't do anything themselves... and if they do do it by themselves (you just read do do haha) it takes FOREVER! Middle schoolers they can do most everything alone (if they read the directions...)
5.) K-1 give you hugs!!! Middle Schoolers....
6.) In K-1 teaching you have to discuss things like peeing IN the toilet, washing your hands after you go potty, and dealing with the occasional pee pants situation. Middle School... I wouldn't have the conversation with them EVER... gross!
7.) K-1 kids LOVE LOVE LOVE their teachers, and they usually LOVE coming to school! Middle Schoolers, they may kinda like their teacher (depending on the day) and school is not on their list of loves... at all... and they will show you that with the way they sit, raise their hand, oh! and by the fact that they just say... I HATE SCHOOL! To you.
8.) You cannot joke with K-1 students as much. And when you do, you are risking the fact that they might not get it, and you're gonna be the only one that laughs! Middle Schoolers are SO MUCH FUN to joke around with. They are great, and most of the time laugh with you (or at you). So you are rarely the only one laughing.

All in all... I've loved all my teaching experiences. I've loved the middle schoolers and I'm loving these littles. If God has not taught me patience yet (PS- He hasn't because I'm still pretty impatient), He will be getting through to me by the end of this school year!

Blessings teachers as you begin your year!