Middle School always provides an interesting time for students and parents. It delivers a physical, mental and academic transition from basic thought process to more adult coping skills. And, while hormones may rage and social boundaries may be challenged, there are ways to better prepare students for the new environment and expectations.
Middle School
Middle school brings to an end the time when teachers give explicit instructions without interpretation. This means your child must evaluate situations, make judgments and support reasoning behind their decisions when necessary. These basic life skills applied in an academic setting extend beyond the classroom as your child takes on additional family responsibilities and eventually outside work.
A child’s ability to organize both thoughts and time expands in middle school. No longer will elementary teachers set timers for tasks. Instead, students may experience periods of free study, when they must accomplish multiple tasks, such as reading, completing worksheets and writing evaluations all within a period of time. This requires a child to determine how much time each task takes and organize accordingly. Let’s be honest, this skill often proves difficult for adults. Don’t believe it’s easy for a child.
“But the teacher didn’t tell me how to do it!” This becomes a common lament in middle school. Most often, the teacher didn’t offer them exact instructions for a reason. If a teacher instructs all year to show work on math problems, he or she may not include such instructions every single time. This allows a student to show reasoning and judgment in executing their work – a skill within a skill.
Middle school may fill student – and their parents – with fear as complex skills accompany academics. Let our professional give your child a great boost in school and life by helping them with these experiences.
