School and Academics
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:
The Write Stuff: Introducing Genre to Middle Schoolers
Kids must become familiar with different forms of writing before they can break free from their sets of rules. Here's a sampling of types of writing, examples of prompts your child may face, and tips to tackle them.
7th and 8th Grade Reading: What to Expect
In case you were in doubt, your seventh or eighth grader is probably all too happy to remind you: for kids this age, elementary school is definitely over. When your kids say this, of course, they’ll probably be thinking of skateboards and iPods, but in the classroom it’s definitely true, too. ...
7th Grade Social Studies: What to Expect
Congratulations! Your child has made it through sixth grade. In a perfect world, that means that lockers, planners, backpacks, and all the other new systems of middle school are old hat.
Social and Emotional
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.
Middle School Power Struggles
One of the most fun parts of raising children is their love of exploration. As children enter into middle school, one of their favorite things to explore is power: who's got it, how much do they have and how can I get some? Though this may be a difficult exploratory process for you and others in ...
Building Leadership Skills in Middle School Girls Through Interscholastic Athletics
Participation in sports supports leadership by teaching girls to cooperate with their teammates and opponents as well as abide by the rules, take turns, and develop a sense of fair play.
Vigorous Activity Linked to Higher Grades in Middle Schoolers
Students who performed vigorous physical activity outside of school achieved higher grades than less active students.
Milestones and Development
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?
6th Grade Social Studies:What to Expect
It’s the first month of sixth grade. If you’re waiting with baited breath, you’re not alone: it can be a nerve-wracking time. Sixth grade typically means a new and larger school building; several teachers, and new responsibilities like homework planners and lockers.
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.
Gender Differences: Middle School
Until now, family members have been the most important people in your child’s life. You still matter – a lot – but by junior high, most kids look to their peers, not their parents, for social cues. It may not bother you when your son rolls his eyes at your advice or your daughter criticizes ...
Our Essential Middle School Gift Guide
We've looked high and low for the best toys, books, games, and gadgets to make gift-giving easy. Check out our gift guide for top picks that combine learning value, staying power, and major kid-appeal!
Recent Discussions
Fun Learning Ideas
- Introducing the Five-Paragraph Essay
- Is Your Middle Schooler a Reluctant Reader?
- Study Skills They Don't Teach in School
- Gender Differences: Middle School
- Tackling Theme in Literature
- What Happens Over Time To Those Who Bully And Those Who Are Victimized?
- Helping Children Overcome Test Anxiety
- Reading: Getting the Main Point
- How Your Middle Schooler Thinks
- Middle School Power Struggles
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