Chapter six discusses the strategies that can help create a vibrant learning environment for middle school students. One of the key components was relationships; developing and maintaining relationships is a crucial part of the learning environment and can help young students be more successful. The size of the school was also discussed, and if the number of students cannot be limited, the creation of smaller learning communities like 'wings' or 'pods' is a valid alternative. Usually schools with teams have that type of school structure. This allows the students to have a feel of a smaller school even if that isn't the case, and allows students to develop more meaningful, deeper relationships with the small percentage of the students that are in their wing, pod, etc. This is also true of the teachers; having a few teachers will allow for stronger bonds with the teachers in the particular area of the school.
I know from my own experience I grew quite attached to the teachers from my wings in middle school, which were all divided up by teams. I found it to be a very successful practice because each team had its own science, english, math, and history teacher, and then the entire school shared electives. I have also heard in some schools, the teachers you have for the first year move up with you as you change grades. While this could be a good practice, especially if a strong relationship has been developed, I worry if a student were to not get along with a specific teacher or have strong opposing opinions, how uncomfortable that student might be.
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