Transitioning from elementary to middle school brings many questions and concerns for both parents and students. Parents can help preteens prepare for this transition by gathering information and staying involved in their child’s education. Here are some ideas for parents to help make their children’s transition from elementary school a success.

Don’t Be a Stranger

The LSU Lab School hosts a 6^th grade orientation and an open house to assist you in becoming acquainted with our school. By attending these meetings, you’ll have an opportunity to meet the administration, teachers, and counselor. You will also have a chance to ask questions about classes, scheduling, homework, etc. You may even take a tour of the school and walk through your child’s schedule.

Outline the Expectations

Middle school students have more personal responsibilities than elementary school students do. Students will learn to change classes several times a day and have as many as 8 different teachers. Students will be responsible for memorizing their class schedule, carrying their school supplies, remembering to turn in their homework and maintaining appropriate behavior. Let your child know what you expect and define the consequences for not meeting those expectations.

Listen, Listen, Listen

As with any stage and rite of passage of childhood, communication between parent and child is crucial. Staying connected to your child’s school and his or her friends is an important component to parenting during the middle school years. Your kids will need you to be a good listener more than ever before. Parents can be a constructive sounding board for their kids before and after the transition. Encourage your preteen to come to you if he or she is having a problem. Daily communication with your child will aid the transition and will help your child achieve personal, social, emotional and academic success in middle school.

Emphasize the Positive

Talk to your child about the privileges that go along with being in middle school. Here are 10 reasons it’s good to be a middle school student at The Lab School:

1. You have the chance to participate in various clubs and sports not offered in elementary school.
2. You get a personal locker to store things.  Not even little bro or little sis can crack this combination!
3. You get to change classes every 90 minutes. Ah, it’s good to stretch.
4. Even more computers in the classrooms.
5. You can sign up to go to Europe. See you later mom and dad!
6. The 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grade teachers rock!
7. We feed our middle school better than the elementary school. Just kidding!
8. The middle school counselor is pretty amazing if I may say so in my most objective opinion.
9. Only six more years and you’re off to college and the great blue yonder.

Get “In the Know”

Major projects are posted on Blackboard, whereas daily assignments are to be written in the agenda. Grades are posted on posted Home Plus. Links to Blackboard and Home Plus may be found on our website at http://www.uhigh.lsu.edu/. Check Blackboard, the agenda, and Home Plus regularly to stay informed.

Go Shopping

It’s amazing how being prepared can ease jitters. Grab the school supply list and take you child shopping. Let him pick out all the cool supplies (within reason of course) that will help him feel unique while being ready for whatever comes his way.

Middle school can be an exciting time during the early years of adolescence. Most students handle the adjustment well and show little to no anxiety after the first month of school. If you feel that your child is not transitioning well, call or email me. We’ll find solutions to the problem together. Productive middle school years will prove to be an investment in your child’s future.

Information provided Louise Diamond