Thriving in Middle School Tips For Parents Mr. D Swansboro Elementary School

Preparing for Middle School Transitioning from elementary to middle school brings many questions and concerns for both parents and students. Moving up to middle school can be scary and exciting. Parents can help their preteens prepare for this monumental transition by: gathering information staying involved in their child’s education.

Your Middle School Vision School Memories Student Expectations Parent Expectations School Expectations

Middle School Student Development Physical Growth New Hormones Concrete to Abstract thinking New Relationships Self Concept Attitudes & Values

School Concerns The building The Schedule Teachers Other Students Friends Popularity Homework

Worries that students have… 1. Opening the locker 2. Getting lost or finding classes 3. Making good grades 4. Bullies and/or being teased 5. Making new friends 6. Having more than one teacher 7. Finding the restroom

More worries… 8. Not knowing the school rules 9. Carrying around all those books 10. Feeling stupid compared to other kids 11. Being embarrassed by parents in front of other kids 12. Puberty (pimples, body changes) 13. Changing before and after P.E. in front of other kids 13. Going from class to class without being late 14. Having girlfriends or boyfriends 15. Having a friend to sit with at lunch

What Can You Do? Help them set goals Ask questions Listen Closely Academic, Sports, Personal Ask questions What are you most excited about? How can I help the most? Listen Closely Listen without giving advice Ask if they want advice Reinforce the positive Anything!

What Can You Do? Cont…. Encourage reading Promote physical activity Limit computer, T.V. & video games Celebrate hard work Communicate expectations Review your child’s academic progress with your child every 4 ½ weeks.

What does SBES do? “Transition to Middle School” lessons: Making friends Time management Navigating new spaces Lockers Taking on new responsibilities Review of elective choices in class Tour of Swansboro Middle / New Bridge

What does the Middle School Do? Open House/School Tours Presentation at Swansboro Middle School

School to Home Afterschool Routine: Create schedule for homework, dinner, sleep, etc. ORGANIZATION Set goals for the year Homework: Facilitate rather than Complete Continue to designate family time together

With your support, your child will You can do this! Enrolling your child in middle school is scary. It’s a bigger school. Your child will go from being one of the oldest kids in school to being one of the youngest. The homework load will probably increase. The pace will speed up. The good news? Your child is ready. With your support, your child will rise to the challenge.

Q & A / Resources Questions? Websites: http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/school/middleschool/index.html http://kidshealth.org/kid/feeling/school/middle_school.html

Contact Info Kevin Dick – “Mr. D” kevin.dick@onslow.k12.nc.us 910 326-1501 Thank you for coming!!!