#5thchat is for people interested in chatting about topics in education, especially as they relate to Grade 5. The goal is to connect people who enjoy learning & sharing, plus supporting & creating partnerships worldwide!
Good evening, #5thchat! Honored to be asked by @PaulSolarz to moderate tonight's discussion on "Transitioning to Middle School." I'm a MS Head in my 5th year of leadership at St. Martin's Episcopal School, just outside of New Orleans! Please introduce yourself.
Hey all, Phil from Northern Virginia signing in. I teach 7th grade US History II and am the founder of #waledchat which meets Thursdays at 9pm. First time here, I like the topic! #5thchat
This is my first time hosting a Twitter chat, so please be patient and provide any feedback after.... I've got thick skin and love to grow! First question posted in one minute. #5thchat
A1 Agreed that there is lots of fear of the unknown. Lockers, friends, switching classes with a 3 min. passing period, teachers who don't have time to get to know them like they're used to, much more homework. #5thchat
A1: Being a middle school teacher myself for 7 years and now teaching 5th grade, this is up my alley! I have students that are struggling now with academics and I know it will only get worse if they don’t put in the effort from the get go. #5thchat
A1
We’ve heard feedback from Ss:
- staying organized with multiple classes
- using locks
- Ts not accepting all the excuses
We talk with the Ss & Ps all year about the transition and prepping them best we can for taking on responsibility & ownership of their learning
#5thchat
A1 - Learning how to adjust to multiple teachers, multiple homework assignments, multiple papers, books, folders, etc. Making new friends, Learning teachers' styles, lockers, getting to class on time... #5thchat
A1- I think it would be the change in the amount of responsibility they have. They no longer have 1 teacher taking care of everything. They have to keep track of 6-7 classes and all the materials/assignments for each class #5thchat
A1: The unknown. Ss are used to being in the same place with the same people for the past 6 years & now they’re headed someplace completely new. New Ts, new Ss, new classes, new building, new expectations. they’ve been preparing this whole time #5thchat#LoveLiteracyLearning
A1: I find that many of my students fear the unknown more than anything. They fear changing classes if they’ve never done it before, “What if I get lost or I’m late?” They fear the curriculum, “Will it be really hard?” They fear the workload, “Will there be more work?” #5thchat
A1 I think traveling the school & stressing about being on time is a major issue at the beginning. I know I talk about that alot w/my little ones & their Ps coming in prior to school starting. But lockers w/combinations gets kids too. #5thchat
Q2: It seems most cite two major challenges for Ss transitioning into Middle School: 1) fear of the unknown & 2) handling multiple classes, multiple teachers, multiple sets of expectations. What specific steps does your school take to ease these issues? #5thchat
A2: Our school gives our 6th graders extra time in the morning to go to their locker to get organized and extra time at the end of the day to make sure they are organized. We also spend lots of time at the beginning of the year inviting families in. #5thchat
A2 our MS spends the first 4 wks doing an adjusting to MS class. They have little HW, talk about anxieties and discuss what is expected of them during MS. Kids like this and it helps ease them into MS.#5thchat
A2: Our @Beulah_ES 5th grade team works very hard to hold our students accountable to prepare them for the transition. Personally, I strive to introduce my students to life skills that prepare them for unfamiliar social situations. #5thchat
Q2: It seems most cite two major challenges for Ss transitioning into Middle School: 1) fear of the unknown & 2) handling multiple classes, multiple teachers, multiple sets of expectations. What specific steps does your school take to ease these issues? #5thchat
A2: our counselor has class lessons & discusses questions, concerns, even shows them how to open locks. Our Ss visit the MS as a field trip. When possible, we have past Ss come and speak to the kids & answer any ?s they may have #5thchat#LoveLiteracyLearning
A2: We have some Ts whose Ss change classes for diff subjects. We really try to hold them more accountable for their assignments, behavior, and learning. They assist new students and do a lot of reflecting on choices made. @Beulah_ES#5thchat
A2 we do MS transition field trips over to the MS, we have multiples aren’t night opportunities for families, I also invite our MS GRT over for a small session with our gifted Ss so they will have at least 1 familiar face #5thchat
A2. Our 5th graders will go MS one afternoon yet this year. We practice lock openings in class. Our guidance teacher has been talking to them discussing rules as well. #5thchat
A2 - I'm not sure that we address those issues directly (which we should), but I teach my students to be adaptable, observant, hard-working, to work well with others (especially other teachers), etc. These skills help make the adjustment to middle school go smoothly! #5thchat
A2
We borrow locks from the MS to help teach Ss now how to use them. 1 less new thing to stress about.
We have some departmentalized classes to help teach transitions.
Our 5th grade does an excellent job holding Ss accountable and prepping for the academic challenges
#5thchat
Q2: It seems most cite two major challenges for Ss transitioning into Middle School: 1) fear of the unknown & 2) handling multiple classes, multiple teachers, multiple sets of expectations. What specific steps does your school take to ease these issues? #5thchat
A2, part 2 - The counselor who will be with the 6th graders comes to each class to explain registration and course offerings and answer questions in a smaller setting. That helps those Ss who were nervous to speak up on the tour day. #5thchat
A2-With team teaching, the expectations are set at the start of the year. Ss change classes, so they are responsible for keeping up with their materials, assignments, etc for each teacher. We give some leniency at 1st, but after a few weeks, it’s a citizenship mark.#5thchat
A3: Parents have to “let go.” Make Ss more responsible and no more excuses. Accept that their children will make mistakes and it’s ok. @Beulah_ES#5thchat
A3: if this is their first child transitioning into MS- they also have unknowns. They’re used to communicating with 1 T & now they have 5-7 Ts. If the MS follows block scheduling, that’s another added detail that parents may not be familiar with. #5thchat#LoveLiteracyLearning
A3 - More teachers to communicate with, getting your child out the door earlier in the morning (with their tougher attitude), tons more homework. #5thchat
A3: Helping their student become the advocate for themselves, rather than them always having to contact the teacher. I really appreciate when a student comes up to chat with me about their grade/work/learning. Shows me that they are aware of their learning! #5thchat
To teach the importance of communication, I encourage them to challenge me, politely if I make a mistake or they think I am wrong. I also ask them to address interpersonal problems themselves before asking for adult interference - on a case by case basis. #5thchat
A2 Our 6th Grade classrooms & teams are near each other & the Ss are with a small group of T's, except when traveling across the building to P.E., Art, or to me, in Band. 6th Gr T's walk them through the school, help w/lockers, & help w/ organization. They're rockstars. #5thchat
Hi #5thchat! Great topic you have tonight. I am jumping in a bit late, but we have a 5/6 school so our 6th graders transition to middle school, and so this topic is relevant to me. I'm Kristin and teach 6th grade ELA and SS.
Q2: It seems most cite two major challenges for Ss transitioning into Middle School: 1) fear of the unknown & 2) handling multiple classes, multiple teachers, multiple sets of expectations. What specific steps does your school take to ease these issues? #5thchat
A3 I think it depends on the child! First, middle, last child? Child with special needs/plans? Ps need to learn to trust a new school and staff after having their child known and cared for for 6 yrs. Again, fear of unknown. Gradual release. #5thchat
A2) We tour the MS with our classes. The principal there and a few members of their staff take Ss in small groups on a tour, and then let Ss ask questions. Parents have a meeting that same night. #6thchat
A3: To let go and let their child take responsibility for their own learning. However, some parents let go too much, so there needs to be a middle point:) #5thchat
A3: The lack of communication from ALL teachers. They may be use to one teacher communicating absolutely everything & will have to deal w/different teaching styles & personalities in terms lf https://t.co/Nabp1NuMiT it’s the kids responsibility to relay testing/due dates #5thchat
A3- I would think the toughest part for parents is not having one point of contact to get all info. Part of the responsibility from the student when in MS is to communicate info home. I also think the simple fact that their kid is in MS now can be tough #5thchat
A3) Ps don't always realize how challenging it is for Ss to learn how to balance consecutive classes, staying organized, and managing deadlines. #5thchat
A4: When our 5th graders leave, we encourage them to speak up, ask questions, seek guidance when needed. We encourage parents to stay informed, communicate concerns, encourage Ss to become more independent & accept more responsibility. #5thchat#LoveLiteracyLearning
A4: This is the time for your students to begin to take more responsibility in their learning. Once a week sit down with your child and reflect on their learning & grades. If you or your child need to reach out to me, feel free. I'm friendly and don't bite! #5thchat
A4 - Again, individual advice depending on individual S needs and P need to know. Some Ps roll with the change, others are more concerned, so my advice would be different. Universal advice? Keep the lines of communication open, and ask, don't assume. #5thchat
A4) In 6th grade, we let Ps know that it is important for Ss to write in planners, and for Ps to check in with Ss regularly; we establish this so Ps can continue when Ss move to MS. #5thchat
Take a deep breath. Get your child involved in their new school. Keep close contact with school. Be there for your child if/when they fall/get discouraged. #5thchat
A2: Incorporating more rigor based learning. Incorporating more responsibility on the students with data notebooks to track academic progress. #5thchat
A4- I would recommend to take a step back. Let your kid make a mistake or 2 and let them figure out/deal with the consequence. Support their education and the teachers that are doing the educating. #5thchat
Good evening, #5thchat! Honored to be asked by @PaulSolarz to moderate tonight's discussion on "Transitioning to Middle School." I'm a MS Head in my 5th year of leadership at St. Martin's Episcopal School, just outside of New Orleans! Please introduce yourself.
I think for many, it is not knowing how to be comfortable enough to advocate for themselves or others. One of my biggest goals is to ingrain this in them before they leave. #KidsDeserveIt#5thchat
A5: negatively: many Ss have more access to social media due to MS schedules so Ps provide means to contact them- social media can get out of hand
Positively: you can stay informed by the minute- you can easily contact school -
#5thchat#LoveLiteracyLearning
A1 it has to be the new scene. They just left a place where they have been for years and now it is off to a new place. Sometime I wish I could go with them the first day just so they have a familiar face!#5thchat
Q2: It seems most cite two major challenges for Ss transitioning into Middle School: 1) fear of the unknown & 2) handling multiple classes, multiple teachers, multiple sets of expectations. What specific steps does your school take to ease these issues? #5thchat
A5: Positives: Students have been able to view videos of the new school in our area being built and the process behind it. They are also able to keep up with upcoming events at the MS. #5thchat
A5 Lots of my 5th graders have maintained connection with 6th Ss on Snapchat and Instagram, so they see a 2D sensationalized view of MS. Lots of drama on social media, so fear is increased. #5thchat
A5) Ss feel increased pressure and social commitment with social media. Bullying concerns expanded beyond school and can be a 24-7 experience. Often Ss do not know how to handle the weight of the social connections they make. Some Ss who don't have phones feel left out #5thchat
This is another reason why I love where I work. Our school and 5th grade does a great job having them be leaders in the classroom. I also have them speak a list of truths over themselves every morning so they know what to believe 😁 #5thchat
Q2: It seems most cite two major challenges for Ss transitioning into Middle School: 1) fear of the unknown & 2) handling multiple classes, multiple teachers, multiple sets of expectations. What specific steps does your school take to ease these issues? #5thchat
I think it's easily the progression from being inundated with info to very little. I've had parents express how middle school is hard because there are several Ts & the Ss are responsible for communicating most info. #5thchat
A5- I think the positive side of social media is they have been able to keep up with past students and maybe they will see a familiar face or two. Negative side is the drama that it can create. #5thchat
I share with mine to keep being involved. Find their PTA/PTSA & get involved. Parent involvement shouldn't stop at the elementary level. #KidsDeserveIt#5thchat
A4: we speak truth over each other everyday. I want to instill these positive sayings before I have to say goodbye. My advice would be to always ALWAYS believe what you know is true, not what other Ss say about you. #5thchat
I have enjoyed chatting with #5thchat folks tonight! Feel free to head over to join #6thchat now as we talk about creating an Epic End of Year Experience for our Ss! All are welcome!
A5: I think it has a positive and negative affect. Positive because they can always keep in touch with each other and stay up to date. Negative because people can be cruel over social media and it is hard on self confidence. #5thchat
A5: I do not know how to handle social media bullying/issues! It’s made it a little more challenging to help mediate social issues. On the flip, it is a great way to keep parents and students informed or up to date. #5thchat
Q6: Final question for #5thchat tonight! If there was one action you could take to make the first day of school easier on a new Middle School Ss, what would it be?
It's increased the pressure on Ss to be "whatever everybody else is" being. S don't realize that's just their highlight reel and that everybody struggles with something. That is a talk we have @ the EOY. #5thchat
Thanks to everyone who participated in this week's #5thchat! Thanks especially to @jvelNOLA for moderating!
Please join #5thchat next week (5/22 at 7pm Central) as @JuliePJones moderates. TOPIC: "Reflecting on the School Year and Visioning 2018-2019."
Q6: Final question for #5thchat tonight! If there was one action you could take to make the first day of school easier on a new Middle School Ss, what would it be?
A6 I'd love to be there for the last 10 minutes of their first day. Reassure them, see their excitement, and encourage them to trust themselves. #5thchat
A6: Have a letter for them from one of their ES teachers just to say hi, give words of encouragement, & let them know that they will always be supported
#5thchat#LoveLiteracyLearning
