Ever ask a group of 6th graders to get out a pencil? It's chaos—in the most hilarious, beautiful way possible. In this episode, I dive into the world of 11-year-olds: the pushpin drama, the dinosaur pencil envy, and the rollercoaster of emotions that define this unforgettable age. I talk about why sixth grade is such a unique developmental stage, what kind of school structure actually supports them best (hint: stop giving them 8 teachers and 12 assignments), and how we can ditch the busywork in favor of real growth. Also—backpacks? Trash bags. Let’s fix that too. Whether you're a 6th grade teacher, a middle school veteran, or just curious about how to better support tweens, this one’s for you.