Hi Everyone,
Wow, it’s August already, and you know what that means…. it’s time to gear up for the new school year. If you have a child that is transitioning into middle school, I have some advice for you. My credentials? Well, I have taught middle school for 30 years, and I still love teaching that level! During that time I have helped many of the students and parents through the transition from elementary school to middle school. Here are my suggestions for what you can do right now to help them start out on the right foot:
1. As we all know, self image is big, big, big at this age. Give some thought to that Back to School haircut. Consider getting the new hair style now, so your son or daughter can get used to it. Plus, that gives them some time to have another cut later on, if they aren’t happy with it.
2. It’s never too early to start working on a better sleep schedule. If you start now, then the change won’t be so drastic when September arrives. You and your child can look at the target bedtime that they need to get used to, and gradually work towards it.
3. Consider a field trip to the library together, to check out some nonfiction books about topics your child is interested in. That way, your student can remember the good feeling that comes with learning new information. Another field trip could be to visit a store that has educational books and toys.
4. Look into whether or not your student’s school offers a summer camp for incoming students. The camps I have been involved in have been wonderful as far as learning: names of some of the key staff members; the building layout; school rules; how to open a locker; how to stay safe; and how to make friends. If there isn’t a camp, the office staff is usually working during August, so you and your child can see if you can give yourselves a tour of the building. Plus, they can answer any of your student’s burning questions. And, chances are, you can meet some of those key staff members as well!
5. As we know, having a locker is a new experience for most middle-schoolers. So, even if the school hasn’t handed out the locker assignments yet, you could purchase a combination lock for your home use, and have your student practice with it. After all, the challenge isn’t so much in remembering the three numbers as it is to remember some of the basic rules about how to open a combination lock
6. Look up the 2013-2014 school calendar online together, and then put the important dates on a large family calendar. You can take this further by purchasing a small calendar for purse or backpack as well.
7. If you start buying school supplies, be sure you look up what is required for your specific school and grade level. Now is the time to concentrate on getting a binder organized and ready to go. Middle school kids love to decorate the outside of their binders, to show their individuality. There are some fun duct tapes out there that kids are using, and/or they can make a collage out of photos/words/phrases that they can get off of the computer or out of magazines. Or, they can show their original art work!
8. This is a good time to have a discussion about the changes that take place during puberty, and the importance of good hygiene. Your local library should have some helpful books on this topic. Here is a very helpful website, too, for all topics involving raising a ‘tween: www.TweenParent.com
9. Is your child on a healthy diet? This might be a good time for them to learn how to fix healthy breakfasts and lunches for themselves. Here is a terrific resource: http://fnic.nal.usda.gov/
10. Has your student been a couch potato this summer? Becoming fit doesn’t just help a student perform better in school, it will really help raise their level of self-confidence. Why not start taking walks together? Let’s get the juices flowing and wake up those brain cells!
I hope you have gleaned at least one helpful piece of information from this post. I wish for your child to have a wonderful experience as he/she transitions into middle school.
Mary
