The prospect of transitioning to secondary school is often accompanied by an abundance of responsibilities and even more independence, especially in terms of managing schedules, classes, homework, and more. There are also significant increases in the amount of workload and rigor, just in the first year of high school. Sometimes this transition means changing schools, classmates, teachers, friendships, among other things. Transitioning between middle school and high school is difficult for a number of reasons listed above, but are we preparing our children to face these changes?
The impact of their school transition affects the rest of their school life and beyond. Several studies have shown that ninth-grade academic performance can predict success in high school, on-time graduation, and college-ready graduation (Allensworth & Easton, 2007; Balfanz, Herzog, & Mac Iver, 2007). Preparing for more rigorous coursework and learning to balance academics and extracurricular pursuits does not happen overnight. Building consistency and stability takes time. You are probably asking yourself now: what can I do to ease the transition?
How much harder is high school than middle school?
High school is harder than middle school because of the increased academic rigor, heavier workload, and greater pressure of meeting expectations at home and school. While this has already been established, let us examine another key aspect of high school that calls for importance.
High school is the time when students start preparing for college and career in earnest through course selection, extracurricular activities, career exploration, and beginning the college application process. The beginning of ninth grade often includes emerging dialogue around the teens' futures following high school. Grades from 9th grade start counting towards college application leaving no room for falling off track.
What can parents do for a smooth high school transition?
High school transition preparation should start as early as 6th grade. Transition preparation involves equipping middle school students with sufficient skills for a smooth transition into high school as 9th graders. These may include psychological, academic, social, and experiential preparation designed to make the transition smooth and successful.
Compared to middle school, there is a sharp decline in the level of parental involvement in high school. Parents may also assume that their involvement isn't required as much as their child is getting older and more independent. However, studies show that family engagement is linked to positive high school student outcomes (Epstein & Sheldon, 2006; Sheldon, 2007; Sheldon & Epstein, 2004). Here are a few ways in which parents can contribute to improving the transition between middle school and high school and continue to provide support during the high school years.
Study Skills
As discussed previously, students entering high school face increased academic demands. Assignments and projects are more complex compared to those in middle school. Highly developed study habits and study skills are the most important tools to combat the academic rigors of high school.
Teaching note-taking skills and other study techniques like mind mapping, speed reading, and mnemonics during middle school will help your child deal with the increasing complexities of the high school curriculum. Cultivating effective study habits, such as utilizing a designated study area for homework and school-related tasks or following an after-school routine, not only builds discipline but also stays with them for a lifetime.
Related read: 8 study skills for middle schoolers that actually helps
Social Skills
Transitioning to high school, your child has to navigate peer interactions, fitting into social groups, and even deal with negative instances such as bullying and peer pressure. Developing social skills is crucial to forming lasting interpersonal relationships, making new friends, and establishing positive relationships with high school teachers.
Extracurricular activities and other after-school programs, including sports, dance, theater, and school clubs, offer an excellent training ground for students to develop relevant social skills like communication, teamwork, leadership, empathy, and more. By encouraging participation in middle school, parents can ensure that their teens are prepared to navigate any social situations during high school and beyond.
Related read: Strengthening social skills for middle schoolers
Planning and Organization
As teens move into high school, they are required to maintain a balance between multiple domains of their life, including academic, personal, social, and extracurricular pursuits. It is easy for them to feel overwhelmed and lost with the increasing number of commitments.
To manage the growing number of commitments, parents can help them with organizing and teaching them how to schedule their tasks and daily activities. Middle school is an ideal time to introduce daily planners and calendars to help organize their work, homework, social life, and activities. By demonstrating how to prioritize tasks, set goals, and build daily and weekly schedules, students can maintain balance without overcommitting their time and effort. It is also important to have meaningful discussions about building balance between school, social, and personal life, and if necessary, monitor commitments throughout middle school and high school.
Problem Solving
Parents may often assume it is harmless to provide answers to homework, especially during primary and middle school years. Although it may seem harmless, providing direct answers leads to over-dependence and makes it even more difficult for them to develop independent learning skills as they get older. Instead, model a problem-solving approach to facilitate homework and independent study.
Problem-solving skills include knowing where to go or who to ask for help when they are stuck, teaching them to use textbooks as a resource, and helping them break down larger projects into more manageable parts.
Additionally, it is important for parents to consider homework help and tutoring if they feel their child may need extra assistance. As a starting point, parents could discuss their child's challenges with their teacher to collaborate and come up with the best approach.
Open Dialogues
Open conversations nurture positive relationships and have a positive impact on your child’s mental health. Although teens tend to seek independence at this stage, they pay attention to what parents tell them. In addition to providing guidance, parents could create a safe space at home for their child to discuss important events of their day, challenges, or any other negative experiences.
Recognizing and rewarding your child’s efforts, or even their smallest achievements, builds trust that they can confide in you and creates opportunities for teens to share their joys and concerns with you.
Conclusion
Crimson Rise’s holistic programs are intended to bridge the gap between middle school and high school. We work 1:1 with our students to help them achieve their highest potential. Rise focuses on building skills across multiple domains, including academics, soft skills, and extracurriculars. Our experts also assist students in finding their passion and sense of direction through personalized assessments of their strengths and interests.
Find out how prepared your child is for high school. Book a free session with one of our academic advisors to discuss your child's unique goals and challenges.
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