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January Middle Years - Sponsored by the PTSO

Middle Years Working Together for School Success

Short Stops

On their best behavior…

Everyone likes to be recognized when they do something right. When you catch your middle grader working hard or being especially considerate, make a point of saying, "I'm proud of you." She may roll her eyes, but she'll remember.

Make a clean start

Here's a great way for your middle grader to start the new year off right. Suggest cleaning out lockers. Removing old papers and trash will make it easier to get back into the swing of things after winter break.

Get the message

Many middle graders love wearing T-shirts with messages. They use them to make a statement or feel like they're part of a group. But some insult people or promote harmful products. Talk with your child about the difference between positive and negative messages.

Worth Quoting

"Ideas are a dime a dozen. People who put them into action are priceless." Anonymous

 

Making Friends

Parents often help young children make friends by scheduling play dates and signing them up for extracurriculars. How can you help your middle grader develop friendships? Here are two ideas.

Encourage your child to look for people who share similar interests and hobbies. Where? School clubs, sports teams or community center classes.

Suggest your middle grader invite friends over after school or on weekends. Give him some suggestions ahead of time for fun activities, such as looking at his card collection or shooting baskets outside. 

Put it to the test

Test-taking skills that work

Butterflies. Rapid breathing. Sweaty palms. Taking important tests makes many middle graders very nervous. How can you help cure performance jitters and improve test scores? Share these tips for better test taking -- before, during, and after the big event.

Before

 Map out a study plan as soon as a test is announced. Example: Monday, reread chapters; Tuesday, summarize class and reading notes on a study sheet; Wednesday, answer questions at the end of chapters and review past homework; Thursday have Dad quiz me; Friday, look over study sheet before test.

 Ask the teacher what type of questions will be on the test. For instance, for fill-in-the-blanks, you have to memorize terms. For essays you need to understand concepts and ideas.

 Get a good night's rest and eat a healthy breakfast.

During

 If you're nervous, picture your favorite place, take a deep breath and begin.

 Skim the entire test. Answer the easiest questions and those worth the most points first.

 Read through the questions once. Then, read them again to avoid misunderstandings.

 Try not to get distracted if others finish before you do.

 If time allows, check your work and try to answer questions you left blank.

After

 Look up questions you missed.

 Talk with the teacher about any answers you still don't understand.

 Save you tests as study tools for final exams.

 

Remember: Tests are only one part of the grading system for most subjects. Class participation, homework and projects may also make up the final grade.

 

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