What to Expect on the First Day of Middle School

The first day of middle school is exciting and nerve-wracking. Let’s discuss what your tween can expect on the first day of middle school and how you can prepare them for it.

Read on for lots of tips on making the transition smooth!

What to expect on the first day of middle school

The first day of middle school can be both exciting and daunting, but you can help your child prepare for it!

Here are a few things you can tell your tween to expect: 

First, they will probably have a lot of new classmates. Middle schools often have students from several different elementary schools, so they might not know anyone at first.

Second, their classes will be longer than they were in elementary school. They will have a few minute breaks between each class.

Third, they will likely have a locker for the first time. Don’t worry if it takes them a few days to get used to opening their locker; everyone goes through that phase!

Overall, the first day of middle school can be overwhelming, but it’s also an exciting time full of new experiences.

Just take a deep breath. Your tween will be fine!

how to prepare your child for the first day of middle school

The first day of middle school can be both exciting and nerve-wracking for tweens.

To help them prepare, here are a few tips:

• Encourage them to make a list of everything they need to bring on the first day, from school supplies to gym clothes. Organizing their things will help them feel organized and prepared. Set out their first day of school clothes the night before and help them pack their backpack so they don’t feel rushed in the morning.
• Talk to them about their schedule and the location of their classes. The week before school starts, do a walk-through of their schedule so they know precisely where they need to be and when. Knowing where to go will help ease any anxiety they might have about getting around the school.
• Remind them that everyone is in the same boat on the first day and that it’s normal to feel a little nervous. Encourage them to reach out and make new friends.
• Finally, tell them to have fun and enjoy this new phase of their life. Middle school is a great time to explore new interests and discover who they are as a person.

For more ideas, see The Best Tips for Middle School Parents Ever.

10 tips for a smooth transition to middle school

The first day of middle school can be a big adjustment, but there are some things you can do to make the transition smoother for your middle schooler.

Here are ten tips:

1. Help them with their schedule.

Before the first day, take some time to familiarize your child with their class schedule and where their classes are located. Find out where the important places are, like the office, the nurse’s station, and the cafeteria. This familiarization will help them feel more confident and less lost on the first day. Tuck a copy of their schedule in their backpack so your kid can refer to it if they get lost.

2. make sure your child gets enough sleep the night before their first day of middle school.

A good night’s sleep will help your tween feel more alert and less stressed on the first day. A good night’s sleep is crucial for several reasons. It helps the brain rest and recharge so it’s ready to learn. Second, it gives the body the energy to get through a busy day. And finally, it helps to reduce stress so your tween can approach the first day with confidence. So don’t let them stay up late watching TV or playing video games. Get them to bed early and make sure they’re well-rested for the first day of school.

3. ask them to eat breakfast.

The first day of middle school can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. It’s essential to have a nutritious meal to start the day. Eating breakfast will help your tween concentrate and feel energized for the day ahead.

Make sure your middle schooler starts the day off right with a healthy and filling breakfast.

Here are some high-quality breakfast ideas:

• Whole-grain toast with peanut butter and banana slices
• Overnight oats with almond milk and berries
• Yogurt parfait with granola and fruit
• Protein smoothie made with milk, yogurt, and PB2 powder
• Whole-grain cereal with milk and dried fruit.

Whatever your tween chooses, make sure it’s something that gives them the energy they need to get through the first day of middle school.

4. Arrive early.

Getting to school early will allow your middle schooler time to find their locker and settle before the first bell rings. Most middle schools start around 7 am, and the first bell usually rings around 20 minutes before class starts. You should aim to have your tween at school 30 minutes before their first class for that first week. Their early arrival will give them plenty of time to find their locker, put away their things, and get to know their way around the school.

5. encourage them to Find a buddy.

Middle school is a great time for your tween to expand their social circle. It can be helpful for them to find someone in their classes who they can sit and walk with between periods. Having a friendly face nearby can make the first day feel less intimidating.

6. make sure they’re prepared for class on the first day of middle school.

Ensure your middle schooler has all the supplies they need for each of their classes, including textbooks, notebooks, and pens/pencils. The extra preparation will help them feel organized and ready to learn. Ask them to load their backpack the night before the first day of school, so they’re not rushing around in the morning trying to find everything they need.

7. suggest that they connect with teachers.

Suggest that they get to know their teachers. They should take some time to introduce themselves to their teacher and mention any questions or concerns. Knowing their teachers will make it easier for them to ask for help when they need it and build a positive relationship with the adults at their school.

8. they should find a seat in each of their classes.

Trying out different seats can help your tween figure out where they’re most comfortable and make it easier to focus during class.

9. Encourage them to participate in class.

Middle school is a great time for your tween to get involved in their education and show their teachers what they’re capable of doing. They shouldn’t be afraid to raise their hand and participate in class discussions, even on their first day of middle school.

10. Urge them to ask questions.

If your middle schooler feels lost or confused, they shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether it’s about the material, their schedule, or where they can find the bathrooms, there is no stupid question. There are plenty of people at school who are there to help your tween. And if YOU need help with anything, don’t hesitate to reach out to teachers, or guidance counselors.

additional resources for parents of middle schoolers

The first day of middle school can be a big adjustment for parents. You might find yourself with more questions about your child’s schooling than ever before. You don’t have to go through this transition alone. School guidance counselors are valuable resources.

Here are just a few reasons why it’s worth reaching out to your child’s guidance counselor:

• They can help you understand your child’s new schedule and how middle school works overall.
• When you have questions about your child’s classes or teachers, they can answer them.
• They can give you advice on how to support your child through the transition to middle school.
• If you’re concerned about your child’s academic progress or social life, they can provide you with resources.

Don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s guidance counselor if you have any questions or concerns. They’re there to help, and they’ll be happy to do whatever they can to make the transition to middle school as smooth as possible for both you and your child.

Here is a list of books that might help you prepare for this transition:

Fagell helps parents use the middle school years as a low-stakes training ground to teach kids the key skills they’ll need to thrive now and in the future, including making good friend choices, negotiating conflict, regulating their own emotions, being their own advocates, and more. To answer parents’ most common questions and struggles with middle school-aged children, Fagell combines her professional and personal expertise with stories and advice from prominent psychologists, doctors, parents, educators, school professionals, and middle schoolers themselves.

After decades of research, world-renowned Stanford University psychologist Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D., discovered a simple but groundbreaking idea: the power of mindset. In this brilliant book, she shows how success in school, work, sports, the arts, and almost every area of human endeavor can be dramatically influenced by how we think about our talents and abilities. People with a fixed mindset—those who believe that abilities are fixed—are less likely to flourish than those with a growth mindset—those who believe that abilities can be developed. Mindset reveals how great parents, teachers, managers, and athletes can put this idea to use to foster outstanding accomplishment.

Yesterday, your child was a sweet, well-adjusted eight-year-old. Today, a moody, disrespectful twelve-year-old. What happened? And more important, how do you handle it? How you respond to these whirlwind changes will not only affect your child’s behavior now but will determine how he or she turns out later. Julie A. Ross, executive director of Parenting Horizons, shows you exactly what’s going on with your child and provides all the tools you need to correctly handle even the prickliest tween porcupine.

In sum

The first day of middle school can be nerve-wracking for students and parents alike, but it can be a smooth transition with a bit of preparation. We’ve outlined some tips to help make the first day go as smoothly as possible, including finding a buddy, preparing for class, and getting to know your teachers. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s guidance counselor – they’re there to help!

With some preparation and some helpful tips, the first day of middle school can be a breeze. Do you have any other tips for surviving the first day of middle school? Let us know below!