Middle School: School and Academics Articles

8th Grade Social Studies: What to Expect

8th Grade Social Studies: What to Expect

Hard to believe, but in most districts itâs true: barely two years after finishing elementary school, your eighth grader is now a âseniorâ of middle school. Teachers hope that this will mean new levels of good citizenship and disciplined work.

How to Start Thinking about College ... in  Middle School!

How to Start Thinking about College ... in Middle School!

Believe it or not, middle school lays important foundations for higher education. And whether it's calendars or coursework, there's a lot you can do now to pave the way for high school and college success.

Sixth Grade Reading and Writing: What to Expect

Sixth Grade Reading and Writing: What to Expect

English Language Arts, the only subject required every single year from kindergarten through twelfth grade, becomes especially important in the middle school years. Elementary teachers typically spend a large part of the day on English, usually integrating it into a wide variety of subjects.

How to Write a Letter to a Politician

How to Write a Letter to a Politician

Is your middle schooler fired up about politics, but disappointed that he's not old enough to take a trip to the polls? Sure, he may be a preteen, but that doesn't mean he lacks the passion to do good in his community. Here's a quick guide on how to write a letter to your local politician:

Book Therapy: A Middle School Reading List

Book Therapy: A Middle School Reading List

How can parents encourage independence and help tweens cope with middle school? The answer may be as simple as giving them a good book.

Introducing the Five-Paragraph Essay

Introducing the Five-Paragraph Essay

In middle school, students are expected to organize, synthesize, and take real ownership of their essays â no small task for kids who are struggling to balance schoolwork, social life, and raging hormones. But the five paragraph essay should make students feel more in control than ever before â ...

7th Grade Math: What to Expect

7th Grade Math: What to Expect

Your child has survived the big jump to sixth grade. By now, lockers and backpacks may even feel like old hat. So how tough could a little math class be? Though standards vary from state to state, here's a list of general themes to expect.

Organizing Your Preteen: Tools for Success

Organizing Your Preteen: Tools for Success

Middle school can be a challenge for even the best of students. The good news is, with some teamwork between the parent, school and child--and a trip to the office supply store--this situation can be quickly remedied once and for all.

Ready for Middle School?

Ready for Middle School?

Hormones are raging. Voices changing. Pimples forming. Bodies growing faster than humanly possible. It's time for middle school, whether you and your child are ready or not!

A Secret Weapon for 6th Graders

A Secret Weapon for 6th Graders

Other than starting kindergarten, sixth grade is the biggest jump kids have ever taken in school. Not surprisingly, many children feel completely overwhelmed.