Understanding Your Middle School Child Parent Education Night - 2019

Think Back… What is your fondest memory of middle school? If you could go back to middle school again, what is one thing you would change? What advice would you give your middle school self? “The young adolescent body undergoes more developmental change than at any other time except from birth to two years old.”

Intellectual Development Capacity for abstract and independent thought Interested in real life experiences and authentic learning opportunities May be bored with traditional subjects Inquisitive about adult behavior

Moral Development Start trying to find their own attitudes, beliefs and values Move away from just accepting their parents Idealistic, Fairness Transitioning from egocentric to considering others Start considering complex issues but don’t know how to cope with them

Social-Emotional Development Lags behind physical and intellectual development Strong need to belong Peer approval more important than adult Experiment with new behaviors Test limits

Academic Tips for Parents Help students develop good study habits Set aside designated time and place for homework, if no homework then read, review notes, make flash cards Help students develop organizational skills once a week backpack clean out use of planner (different methods work for different kids) Show interest in studies Ask specific questions Encourage them to try new courses- challenge themselves-this is the time! Attend curriculum nights and open houses

Social Media Tips for Parents Know their passwords Store and use phones in a shared family space Know the apps they use Follow intercom rule “If you wouldn’t say on the PA at Grandparents Day, don’t post it on social media” Model appropriate etiquette Don’t share pics of them without permission

Social-Emotional Tips for Parents Encourage extra-curricular activities (helps academics and social) Know your child’s friends Know your child’s counselor Encourage them to volunteer Listen

Just Remember…