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How to Get Your Child Ready for Middle School

Summer is soon crawling its way to the finish line. Many 5th and 6th graders are excited yet apprehensive about the transition to middle school. At this vulnerable point of their lives, let's see how parents can help them be on top of things?

Getting Ready for Middle School: Orientation

Most middle schools schedule an orientation for new students. It's a perfect time for the kids to get a feel of everything from the building, teachers, classrooms, locker and perhaps locate a couple of old friends too. For many parents it's a new experience too. I was one of them last year. Orientation was a perfect opportunity to interact with teachers who patiently discussed the concept of changing classes, homework and discipline issues. My daughter was comfortable and less stressed out on her first day.

Getting Ready for Middle School: Talking about fears

Kids are anxious and stressed. Talk to them and help them prepare mentally and physically for the challenge. In an article in Scholastic.com, the author says that the biggest fear that the pre-teens have about starting middle school are their lockers. "Students do have limited time between classes," says Paige Swanson, a middle school counselor with Central Middle School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Her advice? "Before school starts, buy your child a lock and let her play with it all summer so she's familiar with how it works."

Getting Ready for Middle School: Buddies

Many a pre-teen is worried about their first day at school alone. If that's the case, try and find common friends from elementary schools who might be joining the same middle school. It's comforting for them to locate familiar faces and perhaps ride the same bus too!

Getting Ready for Middle School: Organization

Being organized is one of the keys to success. Make sure your child uses the planner and notes all her homework. Many pre-teens rely a lot on their memory and often find themselves overlooking the most important books. You'll also want to check in with your child about her assignments frequently.

According to Scholastic.com, "When your child learned to ride a bike, you provided training wheels. You stood or ran right there and offered a steadying hand when necessary. Think about organization the same way. While your child is learning to get organized, check in as often as possible. Then provide a "gradual release" by checking in weekly and then monthly as your child gets older and becomes an independent, confident learner."

Getting Ready for Middle School: Talk about Time Management

Life becomes intensive for kids once they reach middle school. Projects, tests, home works all take a sudden leap. Time management keeps your child on track. Train your child to utilize their time to the max. Working out a schedule works for many.

Getting Ready for Middle School: Organize the Wardrobe

If schools have dress codes, life is simpler for parents and the child. Shopping for pre-teens for school is a hard task. Kids this age are aware of the fashion trends, changing anatomy and peer pressure. For parents, it becomes essential to stay tuned with fashion yet set limits while choosing their wardrobe.

I prefer not to shop for the whole year upfront. It's a good idea to wait and see what the trends are and then decide accordingly. Also, middle school is a time when your child will try his best to fit in with other kids. The clothes he chooses plays an important role. Allow him to pick his own clothes yet make sure you have the last say in the decisions.

Getting Ready for Middle School: Communication

For many parents, it's a learning curve too. It's a good idea to keep a note of important e-mail addresses and phone numbers. In the initial months, there will be things you don't understand, rules you don't comprehend. E-mail teachers and stay informed.

Not only communication between parents and teachers is important; much communication is needed between the children and parents too. Talk about small issues, make yourself familiar with his friends, talk about academics, students, programs. Stay on top of academic programs. Motivate him to participate and do his best. Remember to praise and accolade for his achievement.

Getting Ready for Middle School: Dealing with Bullies

Dealing with bullies is one of the main problems of the kids at middle school. It becomes imperative for the kids to learn what to do if someone torments them in physical, psychological or verbal ways. According to kidshealth.org, "It's important to advise kids not to respond to bullying by fighting or bullying back. It can quickly escalate into violence, trouble, and someone getting injured. Instead, it's best to walk away from the situation, hang out with others, and tell an adult."

Getting Ready for Middle School: Volunteer

The schools need volunteers and for parents it's a fun and effective way to get involved and learn various things about the school. Chaperone trips, tutor kids, help out in the office; there are plenty of ways to help and be a part of the community.

Getting Ready for Middle School: Practice Patience

It's a changing phase in the life of children. There will be homework forgotten, books misplaced, notes misplaced and perhaps a visit to the Principal's office. My daughter, a straight A student received a D for not handing in her sheet on time. Allow them to face consequences without being bitter about it.

For more useful resources on Kids starting Middle School, visit Scholastic.com

To read more from the author click here.

Source(s)
Personal Experience
Scholastic.com
Kidshealth.org