1. 6th Grade Going on 7th Grade:
Change, Change, and More Change!

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

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

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

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

6. “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.

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

8. 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

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

10. 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…

11. 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!

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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.

15. 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.