Transitioning to a new school can be both thrilling and a bit daunting, and there are a lot of differences here at middle school. There are changing classes and teachers, more responsibilities, and so much more. The academic progress, social skills, work habits and problem-solving skills you develop in middle school this year and next will play a critical role in preparing you for your future success.
Tips for a Successful 7th Grade Year:
Stay Organized: Use a planner or calendar to keep track of assignments, tests, and important dates.
Communicate: Building positive relationships with your teachers can help you succeed not just academically, but personally as well. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, seek help, and take advantage of their guidance.
Get Involved: Take advantage of extracurricular activities to explore your interests and make new friends.
Focus on Growth: Remember that it’s okay to make mistakes. Focus on learning and improving rather than being perfect.
Check out this guide to the left on a great article on how to have 7th grade be your best year yet!
This year is about more than just academics—it’s also a time to develop important habits and skills, such as organization, time management, and effective study strategies. Learning how to manage your responsibilities and stay organized will make your schoolwork more manageable and set you up for success in future years. There are several key skills that will contribute to your overall success both in middle school and beyond! Check out the list below!
Time Management & Organization
With extracurricular activities, clubs, chores, and homework on their plate, your student can easily get overwhelmed. Teaching time management skills early can help them manage their tasks by making a list and prioritizing the most important items first. Once their day or week is written out, help them break down the list further into smaller segments they can tackle one at a time. In addition to organizing day-to-day tasks, encourage them to keep a tidy work space. It will make it easier to find the tools they need, and help reduce stress before a study session. Set a consistent day/time for them to organize their desk and backpack to declutter so they always have a fresh start.
Growth Mindset
Having a growth mindset encourages students to view challenges as an opportunity to learn and grow, rather than viewing abilities as fixed traits. It is the belief that intelligence and talents are not fixed traits but can be attained through effort and how you think about yourself and the thing you are trying to achieve.
Check out this short video below!
Notetaking. The need to take good notes is one of the biggest leaps from elementary to middle school. Many students think, “I’ll just remember what we talked about,” or “There is no way I can write down everything the teacher said.” In reality, notetaking involves summarizing in your head what the topic is about. This way you can make your own study materials if needed (ex. study cards, study guide, etc.)
Using technology as a boost. Quizlet, Kahoot, Blooket, Gimkit – these online platforms are designed to help students retain information, review concepts, or practice for upcoming tests.
Select a consistent place to study. And don’t wait until the last minute. Some people need total quiet while others can study well with music in the background (try classical music). The key is to find a comfortable place and study there regularly, such as the kitchen table, a desk, a favorite chair, bed, etc. Make sure it has adequate lighting and keep all your study supplies in reach.
If you are struggling, ask for help. Start by talking to the teacher or another trusted adult.
Click on the box to the left to learn more!
Students don’t fit into one learning style. They need to experiment with various methods of learning and develop their own way to study. Taking a learning styles inventory is a crucial step in supporting your academic success. By identifying how you best process and retain information, you can advocate, study, and practice what you are learning in the way that fits you. This will help ensure that you will reach your full potential and stay motivated during difficult subjects.
Click the box to the right and take a quick quiz to see how you learn best!
Middle school is a time to explore different interests and activities. Whether it’s joining a club, trying out for a sport, or participating in an academic competition, 7th grade offers a variety of opportunities for you to discover what you enjoy and where your strengths lie. These experiences can help shape your choices in high school and beyond. During this pivotal year, you will begin the process of self-discovery by exploring and identifying your interests, skills, and passions and join that with knowledge of the working environments common to the 16 career clusters.
Check out the different career areas. You can watch videos, learn relevant career information, and plan your future classes.