Middle school is a difficult time for most children. It is during this stage in their lives - at ages 11 to 14 that they are experiencing major changes such as puberty. That in itself is difficult for them to go through, moving to another school will add to more of the stress.
The classes may not seem too difficult to adults, but now more than ever, it is imperative that parents help their children academically. Here are some tips on how parents can help their children go through these awkward stages:
Standing Desks for Students in K-12: Great For Health and Learning https://t.co/xRCWs2SHYE [blog] pic.twitter.com/OUzmQd0xgl
— Justin Baeder (@eduleadership) April 5, 2016
Make sure your child is ready to learn
Many parents make the mistake of letting their kids skip breakfast, but this should never be the case. The first meal of the day remains to be the most important, so kids and teens that eat breakfast generally have more energy to go about the day. Kids Health noted that for children, this is essential as a full stomach before going to school helps boost their attention span, concentration, and memory - in other words, you are sending them to classes physically ready to learn.
To make sure that middle school kids won't have to rush through their mornings, ensuring they follow through with their sleeping patterns will help. In general, middle-school kids need about 10 to 12 hours of sleep each night, so ensure their sleeping habits fall well within these hours.
Help them get organized
Organizational skills are going to be more and more important as a person gets older. It would be helpful if kids have them as early as possible. With pre-teens having more school work, socials and extracurricular activities than elementary school children, it is imperative that they learn not only to get their homework done, but to prioritize tasks and manage time as well.
Help them organize their notebooks and folders. Also remember to teach them how to use planners so that they are always on top of their schedules.
Talk to them about school
Staying connected with preteens is important. In a discussion about the importance of middle school, from the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) this is the time where educators (as well as parents) should understand that adolescents have developmental needs that should not be ignored. They are in an awkward "middle" stage - neither kids nor fully adults - so talking to them about school and what goes beyond academics will help them become more anchored during this difficult time.
Remember that kids go through difficulty -- in academic, as well as their social lives, so make sure your children know that you will always be there to support them. Do you have any other tips for helping middle-school kids cope in school? Sound off below.
