The Transition to Middle School:
Tips for Parents
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. Their bodies are
growing and developing every day. Added to the
equation are the hormones and emotions that
accompany the physical changes. This all can
create the perfect storm for unrest 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 student to record
all homework assignments in the planner and
then check it. If the school does not provide
one, create your own.
Read Course Syllabi
Parents should read each course syllabus. This
will provide you with information about classroom
policies and expectations and will provide a
timeline for major projects and assignments.
Check Homework
Parents should check to see that homework assignments
are being completed in a timely fashion. If
students would spend a little time every day
on each class, that will 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 should have
available a study survival kit.
Create a Study Survival Kit
This kit should contain pens, pencils, paper
scissors, and any 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. Introduce yourself to them
at back to school nights and PTA meetings. Let
them know to contact you if ever they have a
question or concern. Also communicate with your
middle school student. Although they are growing
up and peer relationships take a higher priority
than family relationships, it is important the
students know that you are available to talk
to them and listen when they need it.
Helpful Resources:
http://www.nmsa.org/publications/webexclusive/helpfulhints/tabid/649/default.aspx
http://www.greatschools.net/LD/managing/smoothing-your-childs-transition-to-middle-school.gs?content=980
http://www2.scholastic.com/browse/article.jsp?id=2157
http://www.pamf.org/preteen/parents/middleschool.html
http://school.familyeducation.com/learning-disabilities/middle-school/37597.html
Adapted from Anna R. Brussel,
2003 - Hayfield Secondary School
