Ready For Middle School?

Dr. Wendy Ghiora – Posting #64 - September 4, 2010

Getting your five-year-old ready for the first day of Kindergarten is quite a memorable experience. However, another equally challenging day, especially for the child, is going from elementary to middle school. Here are a few suggestions to help you and your child prepare for and feel confident on that day.

Early Visit to School: Take your student to her new school ahead of time so she can familiarize herself with the new territory. If she already has her class schedule, she can even walk around the campus and see exactly where each of her classes will meet. Other places to visit are: restrooms, cafeteria, auditorium or multi-media room and the main office.

School Supply List: One of the most difficult tasks for children is getting and staying organized. Most office supply stores such as Office Depot and Staples have a generic “School Supply List.” Generally speaking, your child should go to school on the first day with a pen, pencil and some kind of planner/notebook. That way, when the teachers send home their own “supply lists” during the first week of school, you won’t have to make two trips to the office supply store.

School Website: If you haven’t received any mail from your child’s middle school by the middle of August, look for the schools’ website or call the school to find out when the school orientation will be held.

Proper Place for Homework: Another way to help your child get organized is to set up a specific spot for homework, a quiet place with proper lighting, and few distractions. Make a supply box with extra pencils, pens; paper a three-hole punch and things like extra calculator, rulers, and compasses. A homemade one-page, six or nine week calendar is a good idea to mark project due dates and special test dates.

Proper Time for Homework: You and your child should agree on a specific time each day for homework and stick to it. Also, get your child used to placing finished homework directly into a folder inside their backpack. That way, they never have to worry they’ve forgotten the homework and left it at home.

The Binder: I suggest their main notebook (a zippered three ring binder) for school has two pockets for loose papers. One pocket should be only for things going home for parents (and things returned from parents to school). The other pocket is for any papers they get that they may not have time to organize at school.

Communication/Monitoring: As a parent of a middle school child, you will need to maintain constant communication and connection with your child. Keep in mind that while your child may need more space and independence to discover new interests and build skills and knowledge, he or she will also need your continued support and guidance throughout the middle school years.

How Can I Help My Child Move From Elementary To Middle School?
Other ways to help your child through this transition include:
•Attending open house at the middle school
•Meeting with your child’s teachers
•Helping your child get organized.

It is important to encourage your child to do his or her best in school and in any outside activities. As a parent you can do this by:
•Showing love. Provide support and encourage your child to develop his or her interests.
•Teaching responsibility. Encourage your child to be responsible for chores, completing homework assignments, taking on community activities, and acknowledging good decisions that he or she has made.
•Being a role model. Show that you value education and exhibit the values and behavior you hope your child will develop.
•Providing and encouraging your child to try a range of experiences in sports, music, volunteer activities, travel, etc. This will allow your child to discover and develop his or her strengths.
•Talking to your child. Be aware of what your child is doing. Talk to your child about his or her day, activities, school work, friends, and interests.

Stay Involved In Your Child's School And Other Activities. So many parents show up at elementary school activities. It always shocks me to see that only a handful of parents attend middle school activities. Your child may need more independence in his or her early teens, but it is still important for you to remain involved and interested in your child’s school and after-school activities.

You can keep on top of how your child is doing by:
•Keeping in touch with your child’s school
•Attending school events and volunteering in your child’s school
•Being aware of your child’s homework and school demands
•Monitoring your child’s progress

Even though your child may protest outwardly, deep inside, your child knows you are keeping an eye on him because you love him and really care about his future.

“I have found the best way to give advice to your children is to find out what they want and then advise them to do it.” Harry S Truman