I’m Middle School English teacher, and I’m also the parent of two teenage boys, so I know first-hand the challenges of navigating the Middle years. The times kids spend in Middle School are incredible transitory years, a time when they teeter between their need for guidance and their need for independence. It is also when adolescents and teens become increasingly more interested in their social lives, often to the detriment of their academics. I have found that a lot of their academic struggles have their roots in disorganization as they try to navigate multiple classes, multiple teachers, and busy extra-curricular activities with increased expectations for independence. Students do need to become independent, of course, but I have found they begin the school year with high expectations and a desire to do well, only to begin a downward spiral of missing assignments, tardies, and poor grades. It’s generally not because they can’t handle the academics, but without desks and single teacher to help them, they soon become overwhelmed and disorganized. Parents can still do a lot to help their Middle School children without robbing them of the chance to make gains toward autonomy. 

 

Most parents supply their kids with a notebook and dividers for their different classes. What kids do with their notebooks is another story entirely. At the end of class, students are generally in a hurry to pack up so they won’t be tardy, or maybe to allow for a little socializing between classes. Aside from the meticulous few, most students will stuff papers in their backpack or notebooks loose with little regard to their carefully placed and purchased dividers. Often when I talk to students about missing assignments we go through their notebooks only to discover the assignment, completed but never turned in, in notebooks that look like they’ve been through a hurricane.

 

I have to do this with my own children all the time. My younger son never takes the time to put his hole-punched papers in place, choosing to jam them in the pockets instead. Once a week, sit down with them and help them sort their papers and place them properly in their notebooks. You will also get a chance to see class work and possible handouts indicating upcoming projects.

 

Don’t use Back-to-School-Night to ask a lot of questions. Usually there is only time for short introductions and to address an entire group. Instead, send a short email teacher at the beginning of quarter. Ask about any ongoing assignments, such as reading logs, or how often they assign large projects. You can also fill the teacher in on any difficulties or concerns you may have.  Most importantly, it’s a chance to lay a foundation for open communication.

 

Many schools provide students with planners, but if not, provide one for your child to use. Ask that they fill it out with both class and homework assignments for you to review. Initially, you may want to check it every day. If your child is regularly on top of his or her assignments, reviewing once a week may be enough. Some teachers even require parents to review and sign planners.

Unfortunately, not all teachers keep an active and informative website, but if they do by all means take advantage of it. A good website will provide an excellent overview of what is being covered in class as well as assigned homework and due dates. Use this information to open a dialogue with your child.

 

It is not always easy for working parents or parents with small children to dedicate a lot of time volunteering at their children’s schools, yet many take the time in the elementary years and pull back once they hit Middle School.   If possible, pick one or two events that you might be able to participate in, such as chaperoning a field trip or working a Book Fair. You’ll get a feel for the school, the students, and the administration. It will also send the message to your son or daughter that what they do at school is important to you.

 

 

Keeping backpack and notebook organized – I have gone through student notebooks only to find missing work fully completed but never turned in