List of 3 items.

• How to Transition to Middle School

  One of the most challenging times for kids and parents is when children begin Middle School. School days are set up differently, plus peer relationships demand a lot of attention. Middle School requires a huge amount of patience from parents in order to maintain a good relationship with their children. Follow these steps to successfully transition your child to Middle School:

  *Teach organizational skills to your child. The increase in classes, homework and activities can be quite demanding. Kids become easily distracted and forgetful at this age. Using a workable system to keep track of everything makes the transition to Middle School less stressful.
  
  

  *Practice good study habits. Homework typically increases and gets harder in Middle School. Arrange regular study times at the dining room table with phones and the television turned off. Make certain your child knows that you expect his/her best effort.
  
  

  *Stay involved with school. This is a time when parent involvement typically falls off, but it helps your student and the teachers to know that you're interested. In addition, you can't always count on your child to remember to relay necessary information.
  
  

  *Remain an active part of your new Middle Schooler's life. Your child may act as if s/he doesn't need you, but s/he does.

• Tips & Warnings

  For the life of a Middle Schooler:

  • Make certain your child has a good alarm clock. Middle Schoolers should be able to get themselves up for school.
  • If you haven't allowed your child to take responsibility for their decisions yet, this is a good time to start. It is far better for a Middle Schooler to learn that not studying can result in a failing grade than for a high school or college student.
  • One of the biggest problems during the teen years is that kids don't get enough sleep. They stay up too late and have to get up early for school. Try to curb late night computer, telephone and television use.
  • Peer pressure increases dramatically in Middle School. Talk to your child about coping skills.

• Note for Grade 6 Parents

  From his book, Meet Me in the Middle, Rick Wormeli writes: “So what is it about young adolescents that we should take into consideration? Here is a small taste:

  "They can’t all be lumped into the same readiness levels – emotionally, intellectually or physically. Girls mature faster than boys. Bones grow faster than muscles, so coordination isn’t consistent. There is discomfort in the growth plates on the ends of their bones that requires frequent movement to relieve, even in mid-lesson. With growth comes the need to eat – about every ninety minutes. They worry intensely over body changes.
  
  

  "Intellectually, the tools they’ll need for figuring out academics and life are not all in the toolbox yet. This makes decision-making, impulsivity control, moral/abstract reasoning, “reading” the situation, planning, understanding consequences of words and actions, and other executive functions intermittent at best.
  
  

  "They are fiercely independent, yet paradoxically, they crave social connection. They move from concrete to abstract thinking, sounding like adults when talking about some topics, and young children when discussing others.
  
  

  "They crave competence, self-definition, creativity, vividness in learning, emotionally safe environments, control/power over their lives, physical activity, positive social interactions with adults and peers, structure and clear limits, and meaningful participation in school/community. Most of all, they want to belong.”