When teaching middle school students, what are some strategies to keep them interested?

The more you can involve students in what they are learning, the more likely they are to stay interested. Think about activities that relate to whatever you are teaching.  You might also ask a student each day to be prepared to teach the class something related to a specific topic the next day.  Students will want to hear what their fellow students have said and you can have students give positive feedback on what they learned from the student.

Rather than asking the entire class a question and having one student answer, often have them pair up in groups of 2 or 3 and ask each other the question and then be prepared to report to the entire class.  Do this several times within one class but ask them to move around so they are talking to a different student or group each time.  Moving around will keep them from falling asleep!!

Occasionally bring in little treats like candy bars and use them as incentives for the best answers or whatever you hope to accomplish on that day.  And no matter what happens, try to encourage and reinforce all of their positive behaviors.  Even though they may not appear interested, they will be learning much from how you make them feel.

With every good wish!