I created a handout, What Bothers You, to assist students with things that bother them. Students kept a log of challenging things throughout the day. Some of their "problems" surprised me.
Top Ten 7th grade Problems:
1. Too tired to get out of bed
2. Crowded bus
3. Crowded gym, not enough space in the morning
4. Crowded halls
5. Boring lectures
6. Lunch is too short
7. Study Hall is too short
8. Too much homework, not enough time to finish homework
9. Lockers too small and too crowded to use them
10. Announcements start too early, can't hear announcements
Top Ten 7th grade Problems:
1. Too tired to get out of bed
2. Crowded bus
3. Crowded gym, not enough space in the morning
4. Crowded halls
5. Boring lectures
6. Lunch is too short
7. Study Hall is too short
8. Too much homework, not enough time to finish homework
9. Lockers too small and too crowded to use them
10. Announcements start too early, can't hear announcements