School must be starting soon. Ms Ghareeb is already hearing the sixth-grade voices:
“ My Teacher doesn’t like me. That’s why she gave me a D.”
“Middle school is TOO HARD. I can’t do it.”
” All the (books, teachers, kids, whatever) here are dumb. I liked my old school better.”
Well, ladies and gentlemen, this year I have a solution for you. Success in Middle School: a Transition Road Map by Carol Carter (LifeBound Books) is a great book to guide kids through the terrifying, tumultuous path know as grades 6-8.
This book was sent to me by the publisher for review, and I have to say I was highly impressed. Success in Middle School takes the mystery out of this transition by explaining what to expect in plain English. The author goes over logistical basics, like schedules, teacher expectations, and organizing all those notes, and explains social issues (there is nothing on the planet more complicated or traumatic than friendship dynamics at this age). She also goes over important aspects of maturing into a scholar, like taking risks, looking for talents, and taking responsibility for yourself in a way that is accessible to these already overwhelmed kids. The book is woven through with personal narratives from kids who have survived middle school (particularly valuable because, of course, none of us grown ups understand).
I’ll be adding this book to our school library, and will be encouraging students to take a look. Ideas on how to work with that teacher? Covered: chapter 2. How can you make friends? Got it: chapter 3. Is throwing that water balloon at lunch really such a great idea? Chapter 8–that’s the one on taking appropriate risks.
Other LifeBound resources for kids about managing school, being a scholar, and growing up:
Gifts and Talents for Teenagers: Discovering Your Unique Strengths by Carol Carter
People Smarts for Teenagers: Becoming Emotionally Intelligent by Carol Carter
