Supporting Middle School Academics
How can you be involved in your students' learning?
Supporting Writing
Talk students through the process of brainstorming before writing.
Use the vocabulary of writing: include questions about point of view, figurative language, plot structure, thesis statements, text evidence
Offer to read a draft, but focus on only one aspect of writing in giving feedback--grammar, plot or argument, word choices/vocabulary, or structure.
Remind students about the importance of audience.
Supporting Reading
Read. Make sure your children see you reading.
Subscribe to magazines. Encourage a wide variety of reading--both print and electronic, fiction and informational text, short and long pieces.
Choose to read the same texts and engage in dinner table (or car ride) discussions on current event topics or popular novels.
Support your child in their pursuit of reading--take them to the library or bookstore.
Recognize that young adults are often exploring genres and styles of texts; they also are negotiating that hazy space of content between writing for children and writing for adults--sometimes called YA.
Supporting Executive Functioning, Time Management, and Organization
Make sure students have a place and time to complete homework with minimal distractions.
Set up a filing system at home for storing completed work, so binders can be cleaned out regularly.
Students need to own responsibility for bringing supplies and work to and from school; they also need to problem solve independently when they forget materials. This should not mean extra trips to and from school for parents.
Encourage students to email, phone or speak with teachers directly when extra support is needed.
Group projects can often be frustrating and difficult for young adults, but learning to work with all types of people and collaborate is a critical life skill. Support students in the process of learning how to work with individuals who might have different interests and strengths.
Celebrate successes and learn from mistakes.