Learning New Stuff
Your homework — and the work you do in class — likely will get more
challenging, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. You're growing up and you get
to build on all that learning you already did in elementary school. You'll also probably
be learning some new and different stuff in middle school — like foreign languages,
more advanced courses in computer technology, music and art, health, and life skills,
such as cooking.
On top of that, middle school will probably offer a variety of new teams, clubs,
and activities you can join. Maybe you love lacrosse, ceramics, or jazz music. You
might find opportunities to do all three at middle school.
Still worried about middle school? Let's talk about how to make the transition
and not get too freaked out!
Visit more than once. Most middle schools have orientation day
for students who will be attending in the fall. Orientation is a day when you tour
the school and get a little information about what it will be like to go there. Another
great way to get oriented is to attend a concert or sporting event at your new school.
And talk to friends who already go there. Ask them about any problems they had and
ask if they could help you if you need it when you get there. It's cool to have an
older kid as a friend at your new school!
It also might help if your mom or dad drove you to the school in the summertime.
You might see sports teams practicing outside and just get a sense of the place. It's
also good to get an idea of where it is in your area. Is it over near the mall or
on the other side of town?
Prepare for Day 1. Read any materials you get at orientation or
that arrive by mail in the summer. Are there books you need to read or supplies you
have to buy? You'll also want to figure out what time school starts and what time
the bus will pick you up, if you take one. Then you can decide what time you'll need
to wake up. You also might want to find out when your lunch
is. If it's later than usual, you might want to pack a snack. Also in advance, think
about what you'll wear. Choose something that you like and feel comfortable in. If
you'll be wearing a uniform, try it on to see that all the pieces fit and that they
feel good.
Get to bed on time the night before! Try to get a good night's
sleep — even
if you're so excited you don't think you can sleep. Before bed, lay out all your stuff
so you don't forget anything. Set your alarm, but tell your mom or dad when you need
to get up in case you sleep right through it!
On the big day, eat breakfast and be brave. Breakfast
might seem skippable if you're in a major hurry, but don't cut it out. You'll feel
terrible by mid-morning, just when you need your energy and brain power to navigate
your new school.
On your way out the door, take everything you need and try to remember that this
is a big adventure. You might get lost in the halls. Oh, well, it's your first day!
Check in with friends you know and try to be brave and say "hi" to other new kids.
Don't know the kid with the locker next to yours? Say "hello." You'll be seeing a
lot of each other this year!
In class, listen to what the teacher says and take notes because it's hard to remember
everything. Try to write down the important stuff — like your locker combination
and your homeroom number. Then you can look it over when you get home and be prepared
for Day 2.
On Day 2, repeat. On the second day, do everything you did on
Day 1. Hopefully, things are starting to go a little more smoothly. Keep referring
to your notes. It might help to look over your class schedule at home so you start
to memorize that math follows English and science follows gym, but only on Tuesdays!
After 1 week, pat yourself on the back. When you've been at your
school for a whole week, it's time to give yourself a round of applause. You've probably
absorbed a ton of new information — all in a short time. You probably know your
locker combination, where your assigned seat is in all your classes, where the bathrooms
are, and how to get to the cafeteria. Do you still get lost on the way to gym? If
so, find a buddy who goes to gym at the same time and walk together.