Welcome to Chisholm Trail Tips for Parents Successful Tweens at the Trail

Middle School... It can be the best of times. It can be the worst of times. o Certainly this is a time of mixed emotions. o Expectations change dramatically. o There are more teachers… 7 or 8 instead of 1 or 2. o Homework may require more time. o Prioritizing multiple tasks.

Don’t be embarrassed. All parents have these fears. I’m here, to lend you support offer you tips, and walk you through this challenging time. Yes, middle school is hard on parents!

30 Years of Research… Home involvement in schooling has a POSITIVE impact on youngster’s attitudes, aspirations, and achievement. You are already “making the grade,” doing a good job, and supporting your student!

Helping your child through this transition. Don’t be too anxious yourself.

Teach organizational habits. Post your family schedules. Helping…

Helping your child… Encourage him to get involved, then be there to pick them up or attend a game. Attend school meetings and events.

Helping… Communicate with your child often. Be open. Listen. Avoid criticism.

Top Secret Tips for Success Buy a combination lock before school begins and practice opening the lock. Avoid “Super-sized” backpacks that can carry 50 pounds (Smaller = Better Organization). Ask your child open-ended questions to learn about their school experiences each day. Get acquainted and communicate with teachers, administrators, and sponsors.

Learn about pre-adolescent development. (The changes your child will undergo the next few years will confuse both your child and you!) Pick your battles. Know what you are willing to negotiate and what are absolutes? (Battles are saved for the absolutes). Listen to what they say (Listen like a friend would listen and hear what they aren’t saying as a parent.) Top Secret…

Hints for success… Break down school work and chores at home into small parts. Remind your students about important dates and deadlines at school. Listen, don’t poke, pry, take sides, or intervene. Be a “friend” to your middle schooler– i.e., Listen don’t criticize.

Hints for success… Friendships don’t always mean smooth sailing. Reprimand means deal with the one problem--do not bring in other issues. If the issue is minor, keep things light. Don’t use power unless it is urgent.

What supplies do they need? An egg crate or box. Several hanging files. Dictionary/Thesaurus. Paper, pencils, pens.

What do 6 th graders do? Choose 2 class electives—one must be a Fine Arts class (Band, choir, or orchestra).

Helping…. Students learn the importance of meeting new people and working together as a team.

6 th grade can… Attend Pep Rallies Attend school dances, after-school sporting events and programs. Attend other content area field trips. Earn academic recognition with rewards, privileges, and medals. Serve as Ambassadors to Incoming 5 th Graders. Participate in UIL events.

One last word to the wise… Stay involved. Monitor your child’s progress. Teach organizational skills daily for the first few months of school. (Then be prepared to reteach them every year after that!) Ask questions of administrators and teachers. Don’t wait. Seek information. Attend school events. Volunteer in school.

Check it out: www2.scholastic.com