Easing Student's Transition to Middle School
Early Preparation for the Move from Elementary School
Aug 25, 2008
Middle school students are interesting creatures -- full of the need for independence and freedom, yet vastly lacking in the fully developed judgment to handle what they ask of parents. Consider the typical eleven year-old, who begs to be able to ride his bicycle to the store on a busy road, but stomps his feet and throws a fit when he doesn't get what he asks. Kids this age are often full of confidence in their abilities, but that confidence can be short lived when they get into an unfamiliar situation for which they aren't prepared.
Ways to Prepare Students for the Transition to Middle School
Make sure the student is familiar with the new campus. It is likely the campus will be larger than the elementary or primary school he previously attended. Contact the school before the term begins, and arrange for a tour of the school. Allow the child to walk the halls, and note "landmarks" to help him orient himself. (The library is close to the cafeteria, or the office is near the front doors.) Many middle schools offer orientations, as well as campus maps to help orient students. Teachers and aides abound in the halls during the first weeks of school to direct newcomers to the right rooms.
Spend vacation time building children's self-esteem. Praise good decisions often and sincerely. Give children choices, and talk with them about the consequences of the choice they made. Ask them how that decision worked out? What was good? What could have been better? Let them lead the analysis. This prepares them to have to make judgment calls about new peers, new activities, how to spend snack budgets, and other important decisions.
Get Kids Excited About the New School Year
Remind kids that they will see old friends and have the opportunity to make new friends. Tell them something good about their personality to which other kids might be drawn. Ask questions about their friends and encourage them to branch out and be sociable in a responsible way.
Find out about student activities, and discuss activities in which the student might like to participate. Get information, and get the student pumped up about the school year and extracurricular activities.
Believe in Them, so They Will Believe in Themselves
Most of all, let children grow. Protect them, love them, and support them, but make sure kids aren't sheltered to the point of not knowing how to handle themselves when parents aren't around. When parents believe in their children, and children know it, they are more likely to believe in themselves.
