How to Help Kids Prepare for the First Year of Middle School
A Healthier Michigan
| 3 min read
The first year of middle school is full of new experiences and challenges. Parents and mentors have an important role in helping kids acclimate and succeed in middle school. Learn some approaches and tips to help kids prepare for middle school.
Why can the first year of middle school be tough for kids?
There are many ways that middle school is different than elementary school. Students will have more advanced schoolwork and may attend school in a new building. Middle schoolers will also face social and emotional changes. A 2022 survey of middle school students showed that stress, anxiety and depression were some of the most common obstacles to their learning.
Schoolwork is harder.
Middle school course work is more advanced and demanding than in elementary school. Some students may stress over or struggle with new schoolwork at first.
Social life is different.
As kids get older, there are more social clubs and activities available at school. Bullying becomes more prevalent in middle school. Social media can worsen issues among middle schoolers.
There may be new surroundings.
Often, moving up to middle school means attending school in a newbuilding than in elementary school. This can be jarring and stressful for kids who were used to a different school and routine.
Tips for helping students prepare for middle school
There are a few ways parents can help their kids prepare for the first year of middle school, both in preparation for schoolwork and classes, but also for students’ confidence and comfort in navigating obligations and social life.
Review their schedule with them.
Going over the upcoming school year schedule and their daily class schedule can help to alleviate stress and fear about the new school year. Take this opportunity to help the student prepare for their schedule as well as get a feeling for any specific classes, events or issues they may be apprehensive about.
Tour the building ahead of time with a schedule in hand.
Once you’ve gone over their schedule, it can be helpful to tour the school ahead of time to get a grasp on where classes are and the areas the student will be spending time in. This may also provide an opportunity for you and the student to meet teachers, guidance counselors, and other school staff before school starts.
Help them to set a new daily routine.
Routine and consistency are important to students’ focus and development. Determine a new routine that works for you and your student. A new schedule may be a source of stress. Starting the new routine a little before school starts, if possible, may help to ease some stress from starting school. Make sure they are getting enough good quality sleep. More sleep is associated with better outcomes for middle school students.
Help to organize school supplies and class materials before school starts.
Your student may have more textbooks or supplies in middle school than before, so this can be another area of adjustment. Help your student build organizational skills and help them get all their supplies and materials in order before the school year starts. Being organized and having everything prepared can help alleviate stress and anxiety about the new school year and their first year in middle school.
