☐ Talk to a parent, sibling, or trusted friend about what they remember from middle school.
☐ Think about one thing you’re most excited about for middle school.
☐ Write down one worry or fear you have about starting middle school.
☐ Explore and bookmark the website so that more information, strategies and resources are at your fingertips when you want them. https://sites.google.com/view/pathwayspublishing?usp=sharing
☐ Declutter your room by sorting items into "keep," "donate," and "toss" piles. Then actually take care of those piles… put away all the stuff you want to keep, ask your parents for their help to donate the stuff you don’t need and throw away all the stuff from the “toss” pile.
☐ Create a personalized checklist for your night and morning routines (for school days).
☐ Choose and start using a planner or digital calendar. Track assignments/projects, sports practices, activities, family stuff, vacations, etc.
☐ Organize your school supplies (backpack, binder with color-coded and labeled sections, etc.)
☐ Personalize your workspace with items that make it inviting and organized.
☐ Test out two different note-taking methods (like Cornell or mind mapping) in class this week.
☐ Pick one subject to practice the Pomodoro technique during study time.
☐ Download a study app like Quizlet and create flashcards for an upcoming test.
☐ Identify one distraction you can remove from your study environment.
☐ Create a list of 1-3 questions to ask your teacher about something you don’t understand. Talk to him or her in person or send a tactful email.
☐ Practice ethical AI use by asking an AI tool to generate a practice quiz for your class material.
☐ Ask a teacher, parent or peer for feedback on a class presentation or project. Thank them for their input and consider making their suggested changes.
☐ Use an open-ended question or a complement to start a conversation with someone you don’t know.
☐ Think of a time you could have used the "sandwich technique" or an “I statement” and write down what you could have said. How do you think that communication strategy could have improved your relationship with that person?
☐ Make a list of the qualities that are important to you in a healthy friendship or relationship. Rank them in order and reflect on your most important relationships… do they align with these priorities?
☐ Practice the SOFTEN method during a conversation with a classmate or family member.
☐ Get a list of clubs, teams, or groups offered at your school and think about joining one that matches your interests.
☐ Compliment someone on something they did well this week.
☐ Spend 5–10 minutes listening actively to someone without interrupting.
☐ Locate the AED in your school (maybe by the front office and/or the gym?)
☐ Consider what safety skills you want to learn and make a plan to do so (CPR, first aid, self defence, etc.)
☐ Review the privacy settings on your social media accounts.
☐ Make a list of personal information you should never share online.
☐ Memorize the 'No, Go, Yell, Tell' strategy for dangerous situations.
☐ Identify two trusted adults you could talk to if you feel unsafe.
☐ Practice being aware of your surroundings during a walk or trip to the store.
☐ Create a plan for how you’ll respond to cyberbullying if it happens to you or a friend.
☐ Plan a balanced snack or meal that includes at least two superfoods.
☐ If your parents don’t currently have screen time restrictions for you, consider making your own. What screen time guidelines do you think would maximize your fun and also encourage you to be creative and active and connected to other types of hobbies/sports/activities/people?
☐ Ask an adult to download the Healthy Living App and scan in a few body products and foods to see their safety ranking. Research and replace one personal care product with a non-toxic alternative.
☐ Track how much sleep you’re getting each night for one week. Adjust if needed!
☐ Try a mindfulness activity like deep breathing or journaling and notice if it reduces your stress.
☐ Replace one screen-heavy activity with physical exercise, like walking or playing a sport.
☐ Reflect on activities that make you feel spiritually connected or recharged. Schedule time for one this week.
☐ Take one self-assessment quiz from the book’s resources to learn about your personality or values.
☐ Write down one challenge you’re facing and at least one way it could be considered a growth opportunity.
☐ Create a 'confidence jar' and write down one thing you’re proud of each day for at least a month.
☐ Write a list of things that make you unique and how you can celebrate them.
☐ Start a journal where you reflect on your day and set small goals for yourself.
☐ Volunteer for a cause you care about.
☐ Start documenting experiences and skills. For experiences like volunteering, camps, doing a job or organizing an event, write down the date, the hours, your supervisor’s name, the organization and what you did in a folder to keep for creating a portfolio or resume later.
☐ Plan a simple budget for saving and spending your allowance or gift money and/or set a financial goal - something for which you want to save.
☐ Make a list of hobbies or interests you’d like to try. Choose one to start this week.
☐ Volunteer for a cause you care about or research local opportunities to get involved.
☐ Ask a family member or friend about their career. What do they love about it? What are the challenges? What education/training was required?
☐ Cook a simple meal for your family or learn one new recipe.
☐ Start a 'skills log' where you track new things you’re learning.
☐ Research online one career that interests you and list three things you’d need to learn for it.
☐ Create a vision board with images and words that represent your goals and what’s important to you.
☐ Set one SMART goal for academics and one for personal growth.
☐ Explore summer programs or camps that align with your interests.
☐ Review your digital footprint. Remove or update anything that doesn’t reflect your best self.
☐ Plan one thing you’ll do during the next school break to learn or grow (like a job shadow or project).
☐ Write a letter to your future self about what you want to accomplish in the next year.
☐ Reflect on your favorite strategies from the book and how they’ve helped you.
☐ Bookmark the helplines and links provided in the book for future reference.
☐ Join the Facebook community (or have your parent join) to ask questions and share your successes.
☐ Share one tip from the book with a friend or sibling.
☐ Set a reminder to revisit the book’s online resources or workbook activities in a month.
☐ Create a 'Middle School Bucket List' with fun or meaningful things you want to do.
☐ Leave a review to help others discover this resource.
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