Middle school represents a new chapter in your child’s life and can present many problems for you.
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How to Prepare Your Child for Middle School
Middle school represents a new chapter in your child’s life and can present many problems for you.
Older kids will surround themselves in a physically larger school with more challenging academic expectations. They are transitioning from being the leaders in their old school to the new and youngest kid on the block.
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So, how do you prepare your child for middle school?
Let’s look at some effective tips to help them transition to middle school as smoothly as possible.
Introduce locker pride
One of the most angst-inducing aspects of life for a middle school student is having problems with their locker lock. It’s a great idea to purchase their lock well before the start of school and ensure they know how to operate the key or combination. If possible, choose a combination that is easy to remember and not too confusing for them. Whether your child’s locker has a combination or a key lock, they must become familiar with their lock before classes start.
Another fun activity is to help them to decorate the interior of their locker. Pick out some photos or other graphics that will allow them to share a bit of their personality with their new schoolmates. Having their locker may be the first time they feel complete ownership of something, especially if they share a room with a sibling.
Their locker can become an exciting way for middle schoolers to express themselves. Explain to them that introducing themselves to the students whose lockers are near theirs is a great way to start making friends.
Involve them in back-to-school supply shopping
You will likely receive a list of required supplies well before classes start. Involve your child in the process of shopping for these supplies so that they feel like they are connected to this new beginning. Allow them to choose the binders that best represent their personality and pencils and folders in colors that they love. Go over the list of required supplies with your child to see if any additional items they would like aren’t on the list. See if they have any questions about the supplies and why they may need them.
Next, go to the store to purchase the supplies and give your child some input into which items are chosen. Let them choose a special “extra” item to celebrate this new beginning. School supplies can help your child mentally prepare for their first day as they get ready by putting their name in their notebooks and packing their backpacks.
Take a tour of the school before classes start
Many schools will host an open house before the start of school; if possible, ensure that your child attends such functions. If your school does not have such an occasion, request that you and your child be given a private tour so they can get to know the layout of their new school before their classes begin.
The first stop at the open house or the tour should be their locker. Let them familiarize themselves with where it is, especially with their homeroom, cafeteria, gym, exit, and entrances. Help them orient themselves to the hallways and classrooms where everything is about each other.
Meeting other children who will be in their homeroom or have lockers near theirs will make them feel even more confident about their new school experience. They should also have the opportunity to meet a teacher or two before classes begin. Having these introductions taken care of before school starts will give your child more comfort and familiarity with their new school.
Middle school is a big leap forward from elementary school, and your child may need extra support during this transition period. Follow these simple tips, and your child can confidently start their new middle school adventure! Talk to them about their fears and help them to feel comfortable about this next step in their educational journey.
