New Semester, New Mindset

For much of the first semester of the new year, the focus is on acclimation, building routines, and establishing positive habits. This of course will vary based on grade level, the individual student, and on a larger level (perhaps) the emphasis of the school.

As a 6th-grade teacher, a lot of my energy and focus goes into helping my students make as positive a transition into middle school as possible. There are many differences between elementary and middle school they need to adjust to in order to be successful. As middle school starts, students go from 1 or 2 teachers to sometimes as many as 8 different teachers. They need to learn time management skills, organizational skills, and positive study habits, all while balancing friends, more homework, and extracurricular activities.

We spend a lot of time during the first few months working on developing these skills. It's a high level of scaffolding and support. Students thrive when they understand you have their back and will be there for them whenever they make a mistake. If I'm doing my job correctly, my students will come to understand that mistakes are just part of the natural learning process. I make sure to model this by owning up to my own errors! :)

As we approach the second semester, our focus - and expectation - will slowly transition from "positively adjusting to middle school" to "let's start to prepare for the higher expectations of 7th grade." For the most part, these are subtle changes. Deeper evidence of thinking through their writing. Quicker turnaround - and more consistent - with completing work on time. Firmly established routines for studying, planning ahead, and staying organized. In short, getting each and every student building toward more autonomy and ownership of their own learning.

This is partly why this is a great time of the year for students to start working on their academic and study skills, and why I've always aimed to offer these tutoring and organizational services for students - outside of school hours. Getting a boost and head start even before summer starts can make a huge difference heading into the next school year. If you or someone you know has a student who would benefit from this type of work - especially in grades 3 through 7 - feel free to reach out!