Here are some tips for parents to help their children avoid the common pitfalls of middle school.
ORGANIZATIONTo help kids take on the added responsibilities of the middle school years, encourage them to:• Use a student agenda notebook. Encourage them to review their assignments before leaving school to make sure they bring home the appropriate books and material.• Use color-coded folders or binders to keep track of the supplies and paperwork for each subject.• Maintain school supplies at home.• Consider having a weekly family planning meeting. STUDY SKILLSTo do well, students should:• Spread project and test preparation over several days instead of the night before a due date.• Establish a regular time and place to do daily homework.• Ask teachers to explan assignments when there is confusion. FINDING THE BALANCE BETWEEN FUN AND WORKChoosing to make schoolwork a priority over socializing with friends is one of the biggest challenges facing middle schoolers. To help kids put schoolwork first:• Institute a work first/play later policy.• Encourage friendships with kids who take school seriously. AVOID THE “WHY WORK HARD?” TRAPDuring the middle school years, many kids try to take the easy way out - they would rather take a lesser grade than put in the extra time and energy needed to do really well. To avoid this trap:• Show them the connection between their interests and what they are learning now.• Offer praise for a job well done.• Celebrate their success.• Challenge them to take on the more difficult course work.