The Transition to Middle School: Tips for Parents
Adapted from the American School Counseling Association
Students entering middle school are experiencing a tremendous amount of change. Just a few months ago, they had only one or two teachers. Now, they may have seven or eight. Physical and emotional changes as well as new peer relationships can bring about many attitudes and behaviors not seen before at home and at school. Although they are beginning to look like adults, middle school students still need parental and adult guidance and assistance. Here are a few tips for parents and caregivers as they navigate the middle school years.

Require an Assignment Notebook
Many schools give students an assignment notebook or planner at the beginning of the school year. Parents can require their students to record all homework assignments in the planner and check them. If the school does not provide one, create your own.

Read Course Syllabi
Parents should read each course syllabus. This will provide information about classroom policies and expectations and a timeline for major projects and assignments.

Check Homework
Parents should check to see that homework assignments are being completed promptly. If students spent a little time every day on each class, that would save a great deal of stress and time the night before an assignment is due.

Designate a Study Time and Place
Work with your student to pick a time and place where school work should be completed each day. If students do not have a homework assignment, they should read. Study areas should be as free from distractions as possible and have a study survival kit available.

Create a Study Survival Kit
This kit should contain pens, pencils, scissors, and other supplies necessary for completing assignments. Having all of these materials in one place will keep students from wasting time looking for them.

Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
Communicate with your student’s teachers by phone or e-mail. Please introduce yourself to them during back-to-school nights and PTA meetings. Let them know to contact you if they have questions or concerns. Also, communicate with your middle school students. Although they are growing up and peer relationships take a higher priority than family relationships, the students must know that you are available to talk to them and listen when they need it.

Helpful Resources:

Amle

Smoothing your child’s transition to middle school

http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=2157

Sutter Health

Easing the Middle-School Transition for a Child with LD