Transition from Elementary School to Middle School

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As a parent, you want your child to succeed in every aspect of their life. One of the most important transitions your child will make in their learning journey is from elementary school to middle school. This transition can be both exciting and challenging for students, as they move from a familiar environment of homerooms to a new building, or even school, with new teachers, multiple classrooms, schedules to maintain and new peers. However, with proper preparation, students can thrive in middle school and develop important skills that will serve them well in high school and beyond.

The Big Leap from 5th to 6th

As a mom to three teens (14, 16 and 18), I’ve done this transition three times. Each time, there was a part of me that worried. Will they make friends? Will they like their teachers? Will they be able to handle the class transitions and workload? Will they be SEEN? As a teacher, I also have a lot of experience preparing my own grade 5 students for the leap from grade 5 to grade 6, specifically in the IB’s PYP and MYP programs.  For those who don't know, at the heart of the IB’s Primary Years Program (PYP) and Middle Years Program (MYP) are the learner profiles and approaches to learning, which help students become independent, lifelong learners. Basically,learning how to learn in and out of a school context. As PYP educators, we integrate them into the curriculum, making sure they are everyday words that carry significant understanding and impact on learning and character development. It doesn’t matter what type of school your child attends. These profiles and attitudes can be valuable resources for parents too, to guide their children through the transition from elementary school to middle school, and can be used by any student from any academic background.  Think of them as foundations of life skills, to be practiced and built upon with each experience and question a child has. Even we as adults should be taking these to heart in our own lives!

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Skills for Success! 

Here are some important skills that students should gain in 5th grade before entering 6th:

“Parents who support  agency, offer their kids opportunities to choose what they like to do in their free time, listen to them, engage with them in deep discussion about real life problems, and make sure to explain to them that taking risks and learning from mistakes is key for success.”

If you’re interested in learning more about student agency, sign up for Ali Ezzeddine’s session on Let’s Discuss Agency on March 18th.

Learner Profiles…We Should ALL Be Using Them

In addition to these skills, the learner profiles can also be valuable tools for navigating the transition to middle school. Encourage your child to be:

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What Now?

By developing these skills and profiles, your child will be well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities that await them in middle school. As a parent, you can support your child's transition by providing a safe and supportive environment, encouraging them to take ownership of their learning, and helping them develop the skills they need to succeed. With your support and guidance, your child can thrive in middle school and beyond.

As an experienced tutor, I can help your child develop the critical thinking, communication, and organization skills they need to thrive in middle school and beyond.  If you're interested in helping your child make a smooth transition to middle school, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. With my services, I can provide your child with the support and guidance they need to develop the skills and attitudes they need to succeed. Together, we can help your child reach their full potential and achieve their academic goals.


Heather


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