Transition Tips for Middle School

Wow!  So much has happened just since last Wednesday!  We held a successful Carnival, an active and well attended First Annual YPA Academic Boot Camp, held Kindergarten testing as well as baseline testing, and completed the last of our Orientation Meetings-not to mention the painting, building, wiring and all of the other changes to make the campus our own!

Last week I talked about getting the younger children ready for a new school.  This week I'd like to offer some tips for our middle school students. Middle school can be a difficult time for both the students and the parents, but hopefully with some consistency and understanding, we can all get through it smoothly - knowing there will be at least a few road bumps!

Middle school students are growing at a rapid rate and sometimes appear grumpy, angry, excitable, dramatic;you name it, they go through the emotions at a fast pace and sometimes it is overwhelming for parents.  Know that your student is changing and doesn't necessarily understand his/her own feelings!  Try not to overreact to an angry response, a low grade or a non-communicative student.  I know that's hard, but if you stay consistent and calm as the parent, it gives your child reassurance that not everything is changing!  If you ask about their day and they don't want to talk, then start by telling them about your day, and tell them that you will be in the kitchen or doing laundry and if they want to, you are there to listen.  Be approachable and stay in tune. Try not to "interrogate" them but be willing to listen when they are ready. They may act like they don't need you but they need you more than ever! 

Middle school students need more sleep than the younger ones.  As they grow, their bodies require it so please take this into consideration.  Make sure they are getting the sleep, exercise and proper nutrition to help make this time easier.  Students that are involved in clubs, sports, and extracurricular activities tend to get in less trouble and do better in school.  Remember that peer influence becomes very strong at this age and being involved can help balance that out. Discuss what makes a good friend, how to be one, and how to recognize one. Listening is a good way to make friends as well as helping them to learn to ask questions and be considerate. Remind them that if they have a friend that they can't tell you about, then they probably shouldn't have them as a friend! Friends can change often in middle school, even daily!  This is normal and to be expected.

Maintain your family traditions even if it means having a sullen tween at your dinner table.  This is more important to them than they will let on.  Help your student with their self-perception.  They may say: "I can't do anything right."  Teach them to tell themselves, "mistakes are a learning opportunity," or teach them that asking a teacher for help is okay!
Middle school is a time when many parents step back, but ironically, it is a time when parents need to be very in tune with what is going on in their child's life and to be available and approachable.  We will do all we can at YPA to make middle school a wonderful learning opportunity and a great memory!!  Please don't hesitate to contact us during the year for support or just to bounce things off of.  We are here for you as much as for the kids!

Tara V. Huechtker
Academic Director