How to Help Your Child Transition from Elementary to Middle School

It is every parents dream to see their kids succeed in school and bring home a great report card. Even the most successful elementary school students will undoubtedly come to face a challenging new subject or an increased workload as they enter middle school. So, we as parents, need to be our child's at home support system and help them stay on track with good study habits and organizational skills. The following tips should help you and your student as you both experience the middle school years together.

Instructions

1. 

   Write a homework contract with your child. Sit down and discuss what your expectations of each other will be, rewards for meeting those expectations and consequences to enforce when either of you don't meet the expectations you've agreed upon. This contract is a combination of both of your responsibilities to each other during the school year.

2. 

   Start with a schedule of when his or her free time will be and when homework time will be. This can obviously be adjusted due to after school sports or other activities that may change throughout the year but try to be as consistent as possible.

3. 

   Designate a quiet distraction free homework zone where your student will have a calm and peaceful atmosphere to focus on his or her studies. When it's homework time, cell phones, video games, lap-tops (unless being used for homework) and the like should be turned off or put away.

4. 

   Since middle school may be the first time your child is working with several different teachers on different subjects, be sure both of you know the expectations of each teacher as this will most likely differ amongst them. For example, your child's math teacher may be able to accomplish more in class and therefore give less homework than the science teacher who may have a more rigorous lesson plan.

5. 

   Middle school also seems to be the time when some kids act out and make poor choices, such as getting involved in gangs, bullying or fighting with others, drugs, alcohol and even sex. Be aware of any changes in your child's behavior, friend selection, grades, attitude, etc and communicate with them as soon as possible to correct the situation. Also, notify his/her teachers or counselors at school and communicate your concerns as they should be able to help you sort out any problems and make your child's middle school years more enjoyable and successful.

Tips & Warnings

• Parents who make themselves available for homework help or teachers conferences or volunteering at school will see the positive impact they've made on their students progress.

Resources

• Middle School Survival Guide