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Going from elementary to middle school can be overwhelming for some kids. As parents, we can help them with the elementary to middle school transition by focusing on a few simple things to ease the anxiety of moving to the next level in education.
Switching Classes
In elementary, students typically stay in one classroom (besides electives like music and physical education). Hanging out in one room with a couple dozen classmates and one teacher all day can be comforting. There’s fewer names to remember, and one set of rules and procedures to remember. In middle school, most students will switch classes up to nine times.
Remind your child to keep their schedule handy to remember where to go. Go over the syllabus and each teacher’s rules and procedures with your child. Often, teachers require that these come back with a signature, so be proactive and talk to your child about their new classes and instructors.
Lockers
Figuring out locker combinations during a quick, three minute passing period can cause some anxiety. Practice on a lock at home, and help your child figure out the best time to get books and materials from their locker. It may be a good idea to carry two-three classes worth of materials at a time to make sure they aren’t tardy to class. (That’s what I did!) This is particularly important if their classes are spread out. Hanging up a school schedule can help your child navigate their classes easily.
Challenging Content
Middle school can be a time when school work gets increasingly complicated for some students. Encourage your child to review new material for several minutes each night. Just take a few minutes to discuss new content to keep it fresh. This should not take up their entire evening but will help keep difficult concepts at the forefront of their mind.
Preteen Drama
Elementary school certainly isn’t immune to drama and bullying, but with the amount of kids, hormones, and other preteen to teenage challenges that emerge in middle school, it can be hard to navigate the metaphorical halls of friendship. The most important thing you can do for your middle schooler is create open lines of communication when it comes to talking about their school relationships. Encourage them to report bullying that occurs at school, off grounds, or online. Teach them the difference between rude, unintentional behavior, meanness, and bullying which is frequent, recurring mean behavior.
Middle school can be a challenging time for your child, but by keeping opening communication and helping them navigate issues upfront, your kid will have an easier time with their elementary to middle school transition.
Here are some supplies to help keep your new middle schooler organized this year!
Lockermate Stac-a-Shelf –
Student Planner forBig Capacity PencilFive Star ExpandingOfficemate Magnet Plus
