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Twelve Ways to Prepare for Middle School
Making the Switch from Homeschooling to the Classroom
Editor's Note: These suggestions come from Ko Spyksma, a middle-school teacher.
- Increase the school day if it is short.
- Create structure and consistency in your school day.
- Have your students write, write, and write some more—the greatest area of weakness for most. Grade 7 students will be expected to do three to five research papers.
- Teach independent study skills—how to find information independently (not the same as “do my own thing”).
- Please make sure the basic skills are mastered.
- Require the best your child can do (most of the time).
- Accept your own limitations and find other resources, people, and programs to assist you.
- Teach with others so your child experiences different styles/ways of doing things.
- Have FUN with your children!
- Support the teacher, even if you would like him/her to do things differently. (Please go talk with the teacher if you have concerns.)
- Teach your child to organize school tools, papers, and assignments for easy access.
- Prepare children for taking different kinds of tests; teach them how to study.
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