5th-6th
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A student transitioning from the 5th to 6th grade will experience an increased academic workload, going from elementary school to middle school. However, they will also experience increased independence, the forming of new friendships and the opportunity to participate in new clubs and athletic organizations.
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Parent Tips for Preparing for the 6th Grade
- Encourage organization and strategies for scheduling with your child. Purchase or create a daily planner or homework tracker
- Create a designated work space and allocate time for homework and other school assignments
- Allow your child to engage in a "productive struggle" and explain the need for them to learn from their mistakes
- Get to know your child's school counselor
- Review the student handbook with your child
- Start practicing new routines with your child before school starts
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Ways to Support Your Child During the 6th Grade
- Regularly monitor the Home Access Center (HAC)
- Allow natural consequences, discuss implications and develop a support plan when needed
- Maintain a strong connections and communication with your child by spending intentional time togeth
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Programs to Monitor Your Child's Progress
- Meet with your child's teachers, attend orientation and Open House
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How to Communicate with Your Child's Teacher
- Email your child's teacher regularly with any questions or concerns
- Help your child advocate for themselves by encouraging them to communicate with teachers on their own. (Be ready to step in as needed)
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How to Support Your Child's Social/Emotional Learning
- Help your child prepare for tests by addressing test anxiety
- Set goals for your child (academic and personal)
- Talk with your child about their feelings regarding starting middle school
- Discuss responsible decision making (studying, completing homework, organization, etc.)
- Attend an Open House with your child so that they can familiarize themselves with their new school
- Talk with your child about how to work through conflicts and how to solve problems when issues arise
- Encourage your child to establish healthy relationships with others
- Encourage your child to get involved in extracurricular activities in or out of school to build relationships with other students.
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Behavioral Support Tips for Parents
- Discuss new norms and expectations for secondary school to include multiple teachers and additional coursework
- Review time management and prioritization skills
- Discuss emotions/feelings, how you can tell (physical states that indicate those emotions), and how your child can cope.
- Discuss test-taking skills and strategies (eliminating wrong answers, highlighting, re-reading, etc.)
- Teach your child that there is a time and a place for everything. Review the appropriate times and locations for various activities
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Positive Behavioral Intervention Strategies
- Discuss classroom rules and expectations with your child
- Discuss division-wide rules and expectations with your child
