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Parents Guide to Middle School How to Help Your Child Make a Smooth Transition From 5 th to 6 th
At School Binder Backpack Locker Note-taking School Day
Binder Essential Supplies Pencil bag Paper Pens and pencils Post-it notes Colored pencils Markers (thick and thin) Scissors Hole punch Ruler
Accordion Binder Good candidates: Visually strong Stuffers Hoarders Fine motor difficulties Hurried/slow processing
Accordion Binder Tabs for all subjects Label tabs Purged regularly Recommend type with rings for some papers Color-coordinate
Ring Binder Good Candidate Likes things neat Able to place things in binder throughout day Able to manipulate rings and papers that are hole punched May need to be replace more often
Ring Binder Large enough for all classes Tabs Tabs labeled Purged regularly
Ring binder with folders Good candidate Somewhat organized Can handle some level of organization Able to put hands on things quickly
Ring binder with folders Tabbed with folders Can place papers in tabbed folders in lieu of rings Can organize by subject Can move papers to rings later
Locker Organization Shelves Book covers/binders color coordinated 2 binders-2colors (caution)
Locker Supplies Extra pencils Extra paper Note-board or sticky notes Mirror Magnets Lock (student-provided)
Backpack Large enough Compartments Place for money, ID, water bottle etc., Clean-out regularly Extra-large purses not allowed The Organized Student
Backpack Not a paper catcher Separate bag for gym clothes Fit in locker
Note-taking Notes are: Essential Organized Accessible Note-taking options: Spiral notebook Composition book Notebook paper kept in tabbed section of binder
What will you find in the classroom? Objective: We will learn about Ecological succession And equilibrium Agenda 1. Warm Up 2. Check Homework 3. Compare and Contrast in science journal 4. Poster activity
Classroom Agenda
When I walk into the classroom I have My organized binder My homework A writing utensil
Homework
At Home Home Environment Homework Time Supplies Planners
Home Environment Regular place for homework Student s room or other area Limited distractions Plenty of light Comfortable Access to materials
Homework Time Same time each night Set a schedule each week post schedule Look at non-school commitments Work schedules Family schedule
Home Supplies Pens/pencils Sharpener Correction fluid Crayons/markers/ colored pencils Stapler/staples/remover /tape Glue stick Scissors Index cards Paperclips Ruler Calculator Highlighters Sticky notes Hole punch Compass/protractor Extra paper Graph paper Computer paper Reinforcers
Organizing Home Supplies
Planner Daily Planners CVMS Planner Store bought Other Formats One-pager Sticky notes To-do lists Accessing Teacher Web Canyon Vista Middle School Canyon Vista home page Sundays Write in assignments for week update regularly
Sample Planner Page
Organization at Home It is easier for a child to learn how to be organized at school if they also have practice organizing other parts of their life too. Their room and their things TV Chores Daily routines Extracurricular activities Model organization Teach organization The Parent Institute
How Else Can Parents Help? Set an example Reward orderliness Practice Start small Use a timer The Parent Institute
Family Calendars Post family calendar Mark key dates Have child update the calendar Have child refer to the calendar The Parent Institute
What do we see as the biggest struggles? The two biggest issues for middle school are Not completing homework at home Organizational problems
How do I contact teachers? Communicate directly with teachers through email
Parent Resource