School and Academics

Easing into Middle School
If your child is entering middle school, how can you help? Studies consistently show that, while kids may seem to push parents away, it's a better time than ever to stay involved.
Middle School Summer Reading List
We've searched high and low for new titles to entice even the most reluctant of middle school readers. Here are our list of favorites:
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 ...
When Your Child Hates the Textbook
We might as well admit it: by the time your kid hits middle school, textbook reading just isn't as "fun" as it used to be.
Social and Emotional

According to the School Psychologist: Middle School
And suddenly itâs upon your child. Adolescence. You remember the sweaty palms, crushing insecurities, trembling fear of saying something embarrassing, doing something embarrassing, or worst of all, being seen with your embarrassing parents. It seems like only yesterday â but you suddenly find ...

Game On! Educational Picks for Middle Schoolers
Playing games can be a great way to learn, and the middle years are no exception. Here are 8 cool games sure to kick learning into high gear.
Your Middle Schooler's Social Life
Think fifth grade was a bumpy ride? Welcome to middle school, the roller coaster of puberty, peer pressure, and social insecurity. As their bodies change, so do their social interactions: middle schoolers are constantly seeking to assert themselves socially as they look for affirmation in their ...
Social Graces: What to Expect From Your Middle Schooler
Education and manners expert Cindy Post Senning says parents play a key role in guiding their children through adolescence to become compassionate and mannerly adults. Post co-authored a book on the subject of teaching manners by age called "The Gift of Good Manners: A Parent’s Guide to Raising ...
Milestones and Development

Gender Differences: Middle School
Here is a thorough parenting guide to understanding gender differences in middle school.

How Your Middle Schooler Thinks
Middle schoolers are officially in the realm of the "young adult." Your once little tot is now beginning to look and talk just like a grown-up. But, although your child does think mostly like an adult, there will be some exceptions. So, what are they?
How to Talk to Your Middle Schooler
Does your middle schooler blame others for her actions? Perhaps she says, "The teacher gave me a D" when she should say, "I didn't check my answers and got a D." Boost your child's sense of responsibility by adding these three words to their daily vocabulary: chose, decide, and pick.
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.
Recent Questions
Our Essential Middle School Gift Guide
Fun Learning Ideas
- Introducing the Five-Paragraph Essay
- Middle School Summer Reading List
- Reading: Getting the Main Point
- Game On! Educational Picks for Middle Schoolers
- Is Your Middle Schooler a Reluctant Reader?
- What Happens Over Time To Those Who Bully And Those Who Are Victimized?
- Study Skills They Don't Teach in School
- Tackling Theme in Literature
- Middle School Summer Reading
- Sixth Grade Reading and Writing: What to Expect
Great Gift Ideas

to help build your child’s brain, and they’re chock full of fun! Browse Our Recommendations.
Finder
Click on the categories below to expand

