1. Understanding Your Middle School Child
Parent Education Night

2. 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.”

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. 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

9. Just Remember…