The Transition to Middle School - Tips for parents
Let's be real, this is going to be a transition for you too....not just your child, but there are some things that you can do to help ease things along. 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 have five or six. Add to the equation hormones and emotions that accompany physical changes and you get the perfect storm. Here are a few tips that you can use as you help them navigate the middle school years.
THE BACKPACK IS WHERE THINGS GO TO DIE!
Make sure that ALL papers are going into your student's BINDER! Students are not allowed to take backpacks to class, so if papers go in there, chances are they won't make it to class.
Require a PLANNER
Each student at daVinci gets a planner at the beginning of the year. Require your student to write down all assignments in the planner and check it each day. If your student doesn't like the one we picked out, there are many free printable ones on the internet (try pinterest to start..I'll work on finding some of my faves to add here). For some students it can be helpful to offer an incentive if a planner is filled out correctly for a whole week, month or even the whole year.
Read Course Syllabi/Website
You should read each course syllabi you get so you're aware of the expectations, grading policies and timelines for projects and assignments. Many teachers have websites which have more information about class operations.
Check Homework
Double check to be sure homework was done and that it was done right. This isn't a time to do homework for your student, but to help them learn the process of double checking and revising.
Check Synergy/ParenVUE
Set a weekly time to review grades with your student. Have them sign in to their StudentVUE account (this is a great way to be sure THEY know how to check their own grades!). If there's anything amiss, make an action plan to take care of it!
Designate a Study Time and Place
Work with your student to pick a time and place where school work should be done each day. Some students may need a break right after school while others will want to dive right in and get their work done. If students don't have any homework, they should read so that this time is uninterrupted each day. Study areas should be free from distractions as possible.
Be Sure Resources are Readily Available
Make sure that all the materials your student needs are available - pens, pencils, paper, scissors, glue and any other supplies that may be necessary. Having all these materials available in one place means your student won't waste as much time looking for them before getting started.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
Have your student communicate with their teachers by email or phone. Be sure to check websites and Synergy regularly and let teachers know that they should contact you if they have any questions or concerns. Also communicate with your middle schooler. While peer relationships will take priority for many at this point, it's still important that they know you're available to talk.
Adapted from Anna R. Brussel, 2003 - Hayfield Secondary School via ASCA.
THE BACKPACK IS WHERE THINGS GO TO DIE!
Make sure that ALL papers are going into your student's BINDER! Students are not allowed to take backpacks to class, so if papers go in there, chances are they won't make it to class.
Require a PLANNER
Each student at daVinci gets a planner at the beginning of the year. Require your student to write down all assignments in the planner and check it each day. If your student doesn't like the one we picked out, there are many free printable ones on the internet (try pinterest to start..I'll work on finding some of my faves to add here). For some students it can be helpful to offer an incentive if a planner is filled out correctly for a whole week, month or even the whole year.
Read Course Syllabi/Website
You should read each course syllabi you get so you're aware of the expectations, grading policies and timelines for projects and assignments. Many teachers have websites which have more information about class operations.
Check Homework
Double check to be sure homework was done and that it was done right. This isn't a time to do homework for your student, but to help them learn the process of double checking and revising.
Check Synergy/ParenVUE
Set a weekly time to review grades with your student. Have them sign in to their StudentVUE account (this is a great way to be sure THEY know how to check their own grades!). If there's anything amiss, make an action plan to take care of it!
Designate a Study Time and Place
Work with your student to pick a time and place where school work should be done each day. Some students may need a break right after school while others will want to dive right in and get their work done. If students don't have any homework, they should read so that this time is uninterrupted each day. Study areas should be free from distractions as possible.
Be Sure Resources are Readily Available
Make sure that all the materials your student needs are available - pens, pencils, paper, scissors, glue and any other supplies that may be necessary. Having all these materials available in one place means your student won't waste as much time looking for them before getting started.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
Have your student communicate with their teachers by email or phone. Be sure to check websites and Synergy regularly and let teachers know that they should contact you if they have any questions or concerns. Also communicate with your middle schooler. While peer relationships will take priority for many at this point, it's still important that they know you're available to talk.
Adapted from Anna R. Brussel, 2003 - Hayfield Secondary School via ASCA.