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For many kids,
pre-adolescence can be a time of upheaval. Puberty kicks in, peer pressure
becomes a significant factor, and new relationships take on major importance as
children pull farther away from their families. With all this going on for
preteens, is it any wonder that their desire to focus on academics might wane?
Studies show that many
children's grades drop during the first year of middle school. It's at this
point that they sometimes become less interested in studying and less
self-assured about their abilities.
However, today's students
are facing more rigorous academic standards and tougher high school graduation
requirements. At the end of eighth grade, students will take four state exams in
English, math, social studies, and science to test how well they are doing at
mastering state learning standards. Some may also take a fifth exam in a foreign
language. According to David Payton, supervisor of the middle-level education
program at the New York State Education Department, the only way students can
hope to prepare for the types of work that await them in high school is to be
diligent with their studies throughout the middle school years.
"These tests are
designed to let students know if they are on track to earn a high school
diploma," says Payton. "Learning the information and skills that these
tests reflect takes time and effort. Students can't wait until they are in high
school to begin to master the standards."
Motivating your middle
schooler
So how do you spark an
interest in academics when Sponge Bob Square Pants has become your child's guru
and the lure of Internet chat rooms looms large? Here are some ideas:
- Be
a positive role model. When talking about your own work, emphasize not
only the frustrations but also the satisfactions that go along with
reaching a goal or finishing a job. This is a great way to show your
children that achievement has its rewards.
- Give
your children lots of support. Although the middle years are a time
when children crave more independence, they still need your understanding
and clear expectations from you. Your positive, patient support can be one
of the best motivators there is.
- Praise
your children realistically. Use words like "bright,"
"creative," "imaginative," "kind" and
"hard-working," as opposed to "brilliant,"
"genius," "smartest" and "perfect." And let
them know that struggling with a task is not a bad thing.
- Stay
involved in your children's learning. This includes asking questions
of your children and their teachers, participating in school activities,
and checking on homework, test grades, etc.
- Tap
into your children's interests. For example, subscribing to a preteen
or sports magazine can promote reading; using the Internet along with your
children to locate information on their favorite musical groups can
promote good research skills.
Skills for school
success
- Make
sure your children use their assignment notebooks. Talk with them about
how to use them and why.
- Suggest
they open the notebook at the beginning of each class and leave it on
their desk until they have written down the daily homework assignment.
Encourage them to review their assignments before leaving school to make
sure they bring home the appropriate books and materials.
- Have
your children use folders or binders to organize paperwork for each
subject.
- Help
your children decide on a regular location to do homework. Some kids need
a quiet space away from all distractions. Others do fine with a little
background noise or in the company of others. By settling on an acceptable
location in advance, you'll minimize daily fights over who sits where and
whether or not it's okay to have the television on.
- Have
your children keep all of the supplies they will need to complete
assignments in one location, and make it their responsibility to let you
know if they are running low.
- Involve
your children in developing a study routine. Together, agree upon a set
time for them to do assignments.
- Consider
a weekly family planning meeting on Sundays to help everyone
"regroup" and get organized for the coming week.
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permission to reprint this article, please contact the
Capital Region BOCES Communications Service at (518)
464-3960.
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