TRANSITION TO MIDDLE SCHOOL
for students and parents
Dear Families,
Thank you and miss you all very much.
Love, Mrs. Englert
INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT
Intellectual Development*
Most 11- to 14-year-olds are still concrete thinkers – they perceive things as good or bad, right or wrong. This is normal. They are just beginning to imagine possibilities, recognize consequences of their actions, and anticipate what others are thinking.
Youth begin to question family and school rules and challenge their parents.
Preteens and teens tend to believe that bad things won't happen to them. This helps explain why they are risk-takers.
Preteens and teens believe they are the center of attention. This explains why they are painfully self-conscious – a tiny pimple may seem like the end of the world.
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Social and Emotional Development*
Preteens and teens begin to spend more time with peers and less time with family.
Preteens and teens begin to form their identity by exploring different clothes, hairstyles, friends, music, and hobbies.
Moodiness is common as youth struggle to search for an identity.
Preteens and teens push limits that adults put on them to assert their independence.
Preteens and teens have mixed feelings about "breaking away" from parents. One day your daughter may want nothing to do with you, the next she is constantly at your side.
Troubled youth may act out to express emotional pain.
10 THINGS PARENTS CAN DO
10 Things Parents Can Do To Help Students Make a Smooth Transition to Middle School
- Set a specific time daily for homework and studying, preferably earlier in the afternoon.
- Review your child’s agenda book; they are responsible for writing their homework in for each day.
- See that your child gets plenty of sleep and exercise.
- Provide a quiet area where your child can complete their homework and study.
- Take an active interest in your child’s schoolwork. Quiz your child the night before a test to see if they understand the material. Ask your children to explain what they are working on for homework.
- Encourage your child to read! Have them read to you or a younger sibling nightly.
- Communicate with your child’s teachers.
- Utilize the online grading system to track your child’s grades and assignments
- Talk with your child daily about school, friends, activities and interests.
- Encourage them to do well in school and that their education is the most important job that they have.