The transition from elementary to junior high is a big one.
Your child will be dealing with new classmates and teachers, a new routine and schedule structure, and a new set of academic expectations. Helping your child prepare for these changes can get them started on the right foot to hit the ground running.
Children who are not appropriately prepared can struggle to keep up with their peers both in and outside the classroom. That sort of pressure can lead to frustration and anxiety. You can help your child avoid these potential problems by getting them ready before the school year begins.
What can you do to be helpful during this transition?
Fortunately, there are ways to help your child move smoothly from elementary to junior high school. Here are a few that may work well for your kiddo:
Visit the school with your child.
One of the best things you can do to help your child transition to a new school is to visit the campus with them. Let them see the school’s layout and meet some of their new classmates and teachers. Walking around the school and pointing out different classrooms and facilities will help familiarize your child, making them feel more comfortable attending school there.
Talk about their fears.
Attending a new school can be daunting for many children, especially regarding class schedules, intermingling with kids from other elementary schools, and maintaining elementary school friendships. It’s important to talk to your child about their fears so that you can help them address them head-on.
One way to do this is by having your child brainstorm potential problems they’re afraid they may face and listing them out on paper. Once they’re done, you can go through each item on the list and help them come up with a practical solution or debunk any misconceptions about what the junior high experience will be like. This exercise will help your child feel empowered and more confident about facing their fears.
For example, if your child is worried about getting lost going from one class to the next, you can help them create a school map. If they are concerned about making friends, jot down a list of conversation starters and have them practice with you as if you’re one of their new classmates.
Get involved in your child’s education.
As your child enters junior high, staying or becoming involved in their education is essential. This means staying up-to-date on the curriculum, attending parent-teacher conferences, volunteering at the school, and on field trips when possible. Staying involved will not only help smooth your child’s transition to junior high school, but it will also help them be successful.
When you are involved in your child’s education, you can provide them with fluid support and guidance between home and school. In addition, you can get to know their teachers, friends, and other parents, which can be a valuable resource for information and support.
So don’t hesitate to get involved in your child’s education. It will make a difference in their success in junior high and beyond.
Build up their confidence.
A child’s confidence is often one of the most significant factors in their success in school. If your child feels good about themselves and their ability to succeed, they will be more likely to take on challenges and overcome obstacles.
One way to help build up your child’s confidence is by providing them with opportunities to succeed. This can mean enrolling them in challenging classes, signing them up for extracurricular activities, or simply encouraging them to step out of their comfort zone. Additionally, it’s important to praise your child for their accomplishments, no matter how small. This will help them feel appreciated and motivated to continue doing their best.
