7th grade is developmentally a time when students are still learning about who they are as an individual, forming their values, land earning skills to be more independent both academically and emotionally. They may need some extra support with asking for help/advice and knowing how to communicate with their peers and with their parents/guardians.
Here are some tips to help your student prepare for 7th grade:
Use ParentVue to check their grades and keep track of missing or incomplete work. Many times students like to play catch up which becomes very stressful! Help them meet deadlines before the marking period approaches.
Use ParentVue to check their attendance. Make sure their are getting 8-10 hours of sleep and help them make it to school on time!
Help your student have a daily routine and keep track of the materials they need for school. Encouraging your student to have an organized backpack can go a long way.
High School applications open in October of 8th grade. This is the best time to start talking about what you are looking for in a high school and plan for high school tours next school year.
Reach out to teachers to keep track of school work load and how your student is progressing in their class. Attend back to school night to meet their teachers!
If your student starts to ask to be more independent, for example taking the bus to school on their own, encourage them! Independence builds self esteem, probem-solving skills, and resilience.
Plan for family outings or a specific day of the week when everyone can sit together as a family to spend time with one another. Fostering family time strengthens bonds, supports their emotional well being, and helps develop social skills.
You may notice that your student wants to spend more time talking to their friends or hanging out in their room on their own. Take the time to ask them about their day, their friends, school, etc. Make an effort to keep open communication ongoing.