Coping with Middle School to High School Transition

The transition from middle school to high school can be challenging. Once children are finished with their eighth grade year, they are officially high school freshman. With it come new teachers, harder classes, new friends, and a whole new school experience. This is a time when children tend to discover themselves and figure out what their interests are. This can also be a period of high emotions. There are things parents can do to help their kid transition from middle school to high school.

Your Child's Schedule/ Class Materials

1. Show interest in what their high school schedule will be like. Suggest that they take classes that will challenge them. Let them know that this will help them in the future. Eighth graders typically sign up for classes at the end of the year.

2. Consider buying an advanced calculator that they can use during their high school career. Math classes become more complicated in high school and require more advanced equipment. Graphing calculators may come in handy.

3. Since a high school student typically has six or seven classes, consider purchasing several high quality binders for each class. I remember just about every one of my teachers wanted the students to have a binder dedicated just to their class.

4. Consider buying paper in bulk from Costco or numerous online suppliers. Paper can run very cheap. High school students need a lot of paper. There can never be too much paper. Your children will be doing a lot of writing in just about every class. They will do numerous note taking, several homework assignments, and several class assignments. You may want to also consider buying composition books. When I started high school, I had enough paper to last for the whole year and into the beginning of the next. I had to clean out my folders every quarter (or about every two months). There was so much paper in my binders that they would literally bulge out.

5. Consider buying them a computer for school use or let them use your home computer. They will be expected to type several papers and assignments for classes. Be sure to monitor their actions on the computer.

Comfort Them

High school can be just as intimidating as middle school. Unless a lot of your child's friends from middle school end up going to his/her high school, the transition may take some time. It does not take long for kids to form their own clicks. Also, it is important for you to be involved with their schooling and to make sure that your child can get in contact with you when he/she needs you.

6. Suggest that they join a club, sport, or organization. This will help them meet people who may share their interests.

7. Be sure to attend the school open house and meet your child's teachers as well as other parents. This may help your child feel more comfortable and you will fully understand what he/she will be learning. Also, this will show them that you are interested in their school life.

8. Consider throwing a small supervised party for your child and some of his/her classmates. This can be at a number of places including your own home, a park, or even a bowling alley.

9. Always give your children encouragement. Let them know that they are doing a good job and that you will always be there for them if they need help. This will raise their self esteem and they'll know that they have someone behind them.

10. Make sure they have a cell phone. This will allow them to get a hold of you if they need you. Also, they are good to have in case of an emergency. Schools allow cell phone use between classes and at lunch.