Starting middle school can be scary for many students, but it doesn't have to be. Your middle school student can begin this new phase prepared and ready for anything. Here's what your middle school student needs to know.
1. How to Tackle Homework
Your middle school student will likely have more homework than ever before. Having a homework contract can help keep your child focused. You can help your child make homework easier by having all necessary school supplies on hand, and by providing a workable study space.
2. How to Recognize Bullies
Bullying behavior tends to peak during the middle school years. Your child can expect to run into the school bully or mean girl, at least once during the next few years. Knowing how to recognize a typical bully is key, but it's also important for parents to know the signs that their child might be the victim of bullying behavior.
3. How to Make Great Friends
Friendships can be tricky in the middle school years. Peer pressure and social cliques can tear friendships apart, but it's important for preteens to make and keep friends who are supportive, helpful and positive. It's also important to help preteens learn how to manage friendships problems, when they pop up.
4. How to Be a Good Student
What makes a good student? Success in the classroom is dependent on several factors, including your child's personality and temperament. You can help your middle school student achieve in the classroom by providing support, being positive, and if necessary, hiring a tutor if your child falls behind. Most of all, your preteen needs to know that starting middle school gives him a clean slate, and that means anything can happen, if he applies himself.
5. How to Stay Organized
With all the new demands that come with middle school, learning how to stay organized is crucial for your middle school student. Begin by helping your child establish a morning routine. But it's also important that your child organize his afternoon, weekend and free time, so that homework, projects and other demands aren't left to the last minute.
