6th Grade Going on 7th Grade: Change, Change, and More Change!

Transitioning to Middle School Middle school brings both exciting and challenging changes! You will make rapid growth… Academically Socially Emotionally Physically

Basic Changes… New school New teachers and administration More homework and tests New rules/expectations Busier schedule Different social pressures

Different Opportunities Making new friends Learning new information/knowledge Experiencing new things (clubs, sports, etc.) Becoming more independent

How I Might Feel… Excited Anxious or nervous Any others?

“To Do List” Before School Starts Visit/tour the school to get its general layout. Find the locker area (required key lock or combination lock?) Read the school dress code to know what clothes are appropriate. Purchase necessary school supplies. Determine bus route, walk route, etc. Pick up class schedule and attend any orientation sessions hosted by the school.

Academics Designate a study space (at home). Quiet Well-lit Comfortable Stocked w/necessary supplies (including agenda) Distraction-free

Academics 2 Set aside regular time each day to study. Set rules for your study time. Complete all assignments. No phone calls or TV No friend visits Computer use for school only

Academics 3 Time Management Balancing time between schoolwork/play Project due dates After school activities

Academics 4 Time Management Break large projects into smaller sections. Set due dates for each small section. Stay on schedule. EX: paper Choose topic. Research topic. Write outline. Write rough draft…

Academics 5 Identifying Ways to Learn Participate in class (join in discussions, give opinions). Read actively…take notes and make up questions to ask about things you read. Date class notes and handouts and keep them in chronological order in your notebook for that class. Even if you don’t have a specific homework assignment, take about 10 minutes for each class and review your notes and any handouts for each class. This saves time in the long run studying for tests. AVOID CRAMMING!

Social Pressures Peer pressures Pressure to cheat Pressure to smoke/drink Pressure to act in different ways than you normally do Pressure to “go along with the crowd” Pressure to join gangs or other cliques

Consequences for “Giving in” Loss of self-respect or others’ respect (both adults and peers) Failing grades Problems at school or home Legal trouble Health risks or problems Suspension Death or serious injury

Resisting Peer Pressure Use skills you’ve been taught to resist. Make a joke. Change the subject. Make an excuse (use your parents). Be assertive (stand up for yourself while still showing respect for others). BE FIRM. Evaluate whether what you’re being asked to do will interfere with your long-term goals.

What Questions Do I Have? Brainstorm with your group and formulate a set of questions you have about middle school. Record these questions on the paper provided. When Mrs. Noll-Meyer, your new middle school counselor, visits at the end of May, these are questions you can share with her.