Middle School is a very different environment from Elementary School. Proper preparation for this big change is important for the success of each student. Teachers can do several things to help this transition go smoothly, including and beyond the traditional middle school tour.
Prepare Students for Middle School Behavior Expectations
Students in middle school are not coddled, and need to be able to follow the teacher's commands the first time without warnings. In elementary school, students are allowed some leeway as they learn the rules and expectations because they are still children who are growing and maturing, but these expectations begin to tighten in middle school. Before students move up to middle school, teachers need to begin to become firm and unwavering with rules and expectations and
- Require immediate obedience for class rules and expectations
- Enforce consistent discipline for disobedience
- Reduce frivolous reinforcements that may seem "childish" in middle school
Prepare Students for Middle School Work Load
Students are going to experience many changes in middle school. They will be switching to different classes throughout the day, expected to keep their work organized, and expected to work to a higher standard. Many elementary schools are helping prepare students for these expectations in a couple different ways, including switching for math classes. While this is an important step, there are other things teachers should do to help prepare students, such as
- Help students develop and keep up with an organization method for all classwork
- Raise expectations for handwriting, name on paper and other basic skills students should have mastered
- Begin assigning more difficult work, including more lengthy essays and reading assignments
Prepare Students for Middle School Social Environment
Students going into middle school are entering a stage in life where hormones are changing, boys and girls are discovering each other and friendships take on a new dynamic. Teaching proper ways to handle social situations will help students manage the new environment and stage of life they are about to enter. It is important that teachers realize that they cannot expect mature responses to social situations without first being specifically taught how to handle themselves in these situations.
Use role playing to teach students how to manage themselves properly in various situations including:
- What to do when a student calls you a name
- How to react to a student trying to pick a fight
- How to appropriately interact with students of the opposite sex
- The importance of being honest in every situation
- How to be a good friend
Students are in for a lot of changes as they move up to middle school with behavior expectations, work load and the social environment. Teachers need to prepare their students for these changes and talk openly about the challenges and rewards that middle school will bring. Spend extra time with students who need additional help with simple things like organization and handwriting so they will be able to continue to be successful.
You may also be interested in reading about the psychosocial development of adolescent children.
Jennifer Wagaman - Jennifer is a mother of 2 and has both public, private and administrative experience in the education field.
Join the Conversation