Supporting back to school Middle School Students With Their Transition Back to School By Becky Reback
Transitioning back to school can be challenging for middle school students, who face increasing academic demands and social pressures. As parents, you can support your child by helping them build essential skills for time and task management, fostering open communication, and ensuring they can effectively apply feedback. Here are three strategies to ease the transition and set your child up for success:
1. Build Skills for Time and Task Management
Effective time and task management are crucial for middle school students as they juggle more complex schedules and assignments. Here’s how you can help:
- Wall Calendar: Start by posting a large wall calendar in a common area. Mark school days, off days, extracurricular activities, family engagements, and special events. This visual aid helps your child see the bigger picture and plan accordingly.
- Daily Planner: Encourage your child to use a daily planner to write out their homework and daily work plan. While many middle schools post assignments online, having your child physically write down their tasks helps them process and organize their responsibilities. Writing also aids in creating a concrete plan for completing their work.
- Designated Work Space: Create a quiet, distraction-free work space for your child. This area should be equipped with all necessary supplies and should be used consistently for studying and homework.
- Electronics Policy: Establish a clear policy for phone and electronics use. We recommend limiting or avoiding electronic devices, especially during the early stages of the school year, to help your child focus on their work. As they adjust and demonstrate good time management, you can gradually allow limited screen time for social activities. It’s important to be mindful of the risks associated with electronics and social media for this age group. Encourage alternative activities, such as reading, sports, or creative hobbies.
- Organized Digital Files: Help your child organize their laptop or tablet with folders for each subject. This organization makes it easier to find and manage school materials and assignments.
2. Designate Time for Planning and Communication
Regular communication and planning are key to staying on top of school and extracurricular activities. Here’s how to involve your child:
- Weekly Meetings: Set aside a specific time each week, such as Sunday, to review the upcoming week’s schedule. Discuss school assignments, extracurricular activities, and any forms or paperwork that need to be completed. Use this time to help your child understand how they will get from one activity to another and to address any logistical concerns.
- Involve Your Child: Involve your child in the planning process by having them fill out forms or write down key information. This participation helps them develop responsibility and understand the administrative side of their activities. It’s also an opportunity for them to learn about time management and planning skills.
- Open Dialogue: Keep an open line of communication with your child about their school experiences, challenges, and successes. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings, and be supportive and understanding in your responses.
3. Encourage a Strong Feedback and Application Process
Feedback is a valuable tool for growth, and helping your child learn to use it effectively is essential:
- Track Feedback: Encourage your child to take note of the feedback they receive from teachers on assignments, tests, and projects. Discuss this feedback during your weekly meetings and help them identify areas for improvement.
- Application of Feedback: Work with your child to develop a plan for applying the feedback they receive. This might involve revising study habits, seeking additional help in certain subjects, or setting specific goals for improvement.
- Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate your child’s successes and progress, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement encourages a growth mindset and motivates them to keep striving for improvement.
By implementing these strategies, you can help your middle schooler transition back to school with confidence and key skills in place. At Evolved Education Company, we are here to support your child’s educational journey. If you would like to consult with our team for more personalized advice, please email Becky Reback at becky@evolvededucationcompany.com. Additionally, consider joining our BootCamp in late August with Mary Miele. Sign up on our website for more details. Let’s make this school year a successful and enriching experience for your child!