Students in middle school may struggle to talk about the conflicts in their lives or about new emotions and experiences. In this activity, students role-play a variety of conversations and then evaluate and discuss their performances. (Note that the activity incorporates subjects such as honesty, friendship, academic achievement, and general health and wellness. However, it excludes controversial and emotionally sensitive subjects, such as sexuality and gender identity.)

Middle school students may maintain a strong sense of personal identity, yet at the same time recognize that their identity is changing. Reviewing and presenting their life story, or autobiography, can help a preteen or teen better understand who they are and who they want to become. In this activity, students plan, create, and present their autobiographies, either as an essay, a poster, or a computer presentation.