Most of us who live in the Midwest or Great Plains are very familiar with how East Coasters and West Coasters often casually refer to where we live as “Fly Over Country”. It’s an acknowledgement of our existence but in no way does it reflect a true understanding of the significance and magnificence of our contributions to business, the arts, culture, literature and so much more.
In terms of education, for far too long middle school grades, often 6th grade through 8th grade, have been seen as “Fly Through Grades” not by teachers and parents but often by students themselves. Our 6th through 8th grade students live in a culture many of us never could have imagined. We all know that eleven and twelve year olds are tweens these days. The representations of tweens these days in film, on television, in music and other popular culture often leaves middle schoolers longing to get middle school over quickly because high school looks so much “cooler” than middle school.
Of course, middle school teachers view the middle school years as an essential link between 1st through 5th grade mastery of basic reading, writing and computing and the expectations for future high school students in terms of academic skills such as comprehension, scholarship and discernment. There is an expectation from high schools that students will have strong social skills as well. It’s up to parents and teachers to help their children/students recognize the value and benefit of the middle school years.
Academics
One may think that the best strategy for helping children/students through the middle school years would be to focus on academics. Of course, providing support for student/child learning is helpful, but it is not the only area where a child may need parent/teacher support. Middle school typically introduces more work in school and at times homework as well. Children/students often benefit from learning an organization system for their assignments and homework. It does not have to be a complicated system, maybe just a few labeled folders and an organized backpack are a good start.
Who Am I?
The middle school years commonly prompt your student/child to think more deeply about their feelings, dreams and hopes for the future. Guiding students/children in their decision making is challenging for teachers and parents but it is essential for a child’s goal setting, self-knowledge and character formation. Figuring oneself out often enables a person to more easily understand others. Helping your child or student to better understand themselves often leads your child or student to more easily understand the actions of others.
Relationships
For most children and students their first relationships outside of their families is the kid who lived nearby. Sometimes those early friendships last a lifetime but often that is not the case. Forming relationships can at times lead to misunderstanding and sometimes heartbreak. The relationships created and lost during the middle school years can cause significant grief. Watching your child or student struggle with disappointment, betrayal or other heartache can be very difficult. As adults we might be tempted to rush a child through their pain/disappointment or we may minimize the significance of the hurt in the hope that the child will more quickly or easily recover. Instead, simply being there to talk, listen and support will help. Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help if the child/student needs more support than you can offer.
Written by: Betty Barsley-Marra, Health Educator
