Ten Ways to Survive the First Year of Middle School

by Donna M. Mcdine

While you are excited to be entering Middle School you are nervous. What with all the changes, lockers, changing classes for every subject, not knowing everyone you may become easily overwhelmed. But don’t get too upset. If you follow the below ten tips your transition should go smoothly:

Purchase a 3-ring binder with folder compartments for your subjects to help you stay organized throughout the day, which make completing your homework assignments and studying go easier.

Make sure you complete your homework organizer daily and bring it with you to each class.

Complete all homework assignments on time and correctly.

Have on hand at least five sharpened pencils, one hand eraser, one highlighter, one pad of post-it notes, and one calculator.

Ask questions to your teachers with anything that you do not understand from the get go.

Review and read class notes each day and highlight important facts noted by the teacher.

Setup flash cards for all vocabulary words as received. This will save you time when preparing for quizzes and tests.

Complete all extra credit assignments given, even if you are an “A” student. This important if you do not do well on tests. The extra effort will be noticed and recognized by your teacher(s). By completing these assignments it will help your grade in the long run.

Try out for a sport that you are interested in. This will help you to get to know more fellow students that you normally don’t interact with during the day.

Be kind to others. What you dish out is what you get back in return. When a disagreement or argument amongst your peers occurs try your absolute best to say out of it.

Put yourself out there with your teachers and peers. Most of all relax and have fun!

Donna is a graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature and is a member of the SCBWI, The National Writing for Children Center, and Musing Our Children Group. Using her children, extended family, and their friends as inspiration, she consistently studies the children’s magazine markets for submittal of articles and short stories. Donna also continues to participate in children and young adult writing workshops and critique groups on an ongoing basis to sharpen her writing skills.

Visit her at:

http://www.authorsden.com/donnamcdine or http://www.donna-mcdine.blogspot.com/

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