Moving up to middle school from elementary school can be a significant transition for students. They go from being comfortable as the oldest on campus in a space they’ve become familiar with, to stepping into new territory at a bigger school as the youngest on campus. Although not for all, for some, it can be quite intimidating.
At Downey Unified, we help our students as they make the next steps in their education journeys by providing them with welcoming, nurturing environments. We also offer our students a variety of opportunities, including clubs, electives, athletics, and art options to encourage them to realize their potential and interests as they continue to pursue their passions.
Below are some tips to help your student more easily transition to a new school and adjust to a different academic environment and schedule.
Practice self-management skills and independence — Middle school provides students with the opportunity to learn how to manage their time on their own and use schedules to help keep them on track as they reach their goals. They no longer have only one teacher and classroom and must, instead, monitor their time to ensure they complete their assignments and get to each class on time.
Encourage communication — Talking to your child often and creating open lines of communication can help them develop more trusting relationships and be more comfortable communicating with teachers and other students. Middle school can be a challenging time as students are trying to fit in more with their peers, but parents/guardians can offer listening ears and meaningful conversations that can be helpful for middle schoolers.
Provide additional privileges — As students continue to grow and mature, it’s important to ensure that they feel like they are gaining a bit of independence. Whether it’s allowing them to spend more time with friends, having more freedom in the house for activities they enjoy, or several other opportunities, families can allow their children to develop a sense of responsibility and maturity with some added incentives.
Establish rules and expectations — As their independence grows, they should also understand the rules and expectations of them as they continue to take the next steps in their preteen and teen years. Students will be expected to follow the rules and expectations set forth in the middle school setting, so getting them used to some at home first will benefit them as they transition away from elementary school.
Discuss your student’s feelings about the upcoming changes — Starting at a new school and entering into a different stage of education and young adult life can often be scary for students. Families can become safe spaces for their children to comfortably share their feelings regarding the transition without fear of judgment. Doing so can help ease some of their anxieties and create opportunities for them to feel more prepared for the new school year.
Change can certainly be difficult, which is one reason why it is important to help students establish self-confidence and understand certain aspects of what the upcoming school year will hold. For more information on what our middle schools offer our students and families, you can visit our middle school website and see for yourself why our district is the ideal place for children and adolescents to grow as learners and caring individuals.