Back to School: How to Prepare Your Child to Start Middle School

For many children, the transition from elementary to middle school is a big change. They go from being the top dogs on campus, to suddenly being thrown into an environment where they have lots of different teachers, only have 5 minutes to find the next classroom, and are the youngest ones on campus. With some preparatory work on your part, your child can be ready to start middle school on the right foot.

Starting Middle School: They're Not Alone

One of the most important things for new middle school students to remember is that they are not alone. They are entering this situation with often a few hundred classmates, all of whom are probably just as nervous as they are. Not only that, but the rest of the students at the middle school have also been in their shoes before, and are not out to make things tough for the new kids on campus. This should provide consolation for your child that they are entering a supportive environment, not a hostile one.

Starting Middle School: Familiarize Your Child with the Campus

If possible, find a time when you and your child can go to the middle school campus and walk around, getting to know the buildings. Ideally, do this after your child has gotten their class schedule (which often is given during pre-registration) so you can find all the classrooms. This will assure your child that they will not get lost on the first day of school.

If a campus visit is not possible (as with many schools where the doors to the classrooms are all on interior hallways rather than exterior quads), see if you can get a printed map or floor plan of the campus. That way your child can at least visually see where each classroom is in relation to the others, and plan a route to take on the first day of school.

Starting Middle School: Talk About Gym Class

Going to gym class can be a difficult experience for shy children who are not used to changing their clothes in front of non-family members, so if your child might fit in this category, it is a good idea to talk about what gym class will be like. Many schools do not require students to shower after gym class, which eliminates the biggest potential invasion to personal privacy, but students still need to feel comfortable changing from school clothes into gym clothes.

If your child might be a little nervous about gym class, the first step is to make sure they feel comfortable with their own body. It is important here to emphasize that other students are not there to look at them, but to change into their own gym clothes as well, and there is nothing to worry about because they will all be in the same situation together. Make sure your child has underwear that they are comfortable wearing in front of others, and if needed, make the comparison between underwear and swimsuits, which are worn in public with no qualms.

Starting Middle School: Continue to Check Up on Your Child

Most importantly, not only before school begins, but all through the first weeks and months, communicate with your child about any fears or worries they have. Your support should be tailored to fit their needs, and communication is key to making sure that your child has a positive experience making the transition from elementary school to middle school.