Middle School is an Opportunity for Exploration 

Middle school is a time when students’ interests and abilities slowly start to pave the way for what classes they take in high school, what activities they engage in, and ultimately what future studies and career paths lie ahead for them. This is a great time for exploration and discovery, where students can dabble in many different things without any expectation. While grades do become more important at this stage compared to elementary school, they ultimately do not matter too much. College applications will only ask for high school grades, not those from middle school. Hence, while taking on academically challenging courses and making school a priority, middle schoolers should also use this time to discover their interests and try new things. 

 

What are some things they can do in this exploration and discovery phase? 

 

Try many things and start focusing on areas of strength

Middle schoolers should look at taking classes in a diverse range of subjects, and learn to approach these with an open mind.  At this stage, they will begin seeing what classes interest them and which ones don't. Middle school students should begin focusing on the classes that interest them and devote more of their time and energy to these classes. This will allow them to move on to take more advanced classes in this subject both in middle school and high school, paving the way for higher studies. Understanding educational interests at a young age sets the stage for early preparation for your child’s future, allowing you to work backward and strengthen their skills and exposure to the discipline. Ultimately, students will love the subject more when they are good at it, and enjoy it. In the future, they will be happier having invested in their area of strength.

 

Don’t give up on areas of weakness, but don’t harp on it too much either

While focusing on subjects of interest to them, this does not mean that students must neglect their lesser liked subjects as well. Students should look into why a subject might not interest them and try working on this. For example, students often come to dislike classes if they perform poorly on it. Not understanding a subject can hinder an interest in a subject that your child might actually really enjoy! Students should work on trying to improve their understanding in these courses, either through reaching out to teachers, working alongside peers, or trying out tutoring services. Improving their overall understanding and performance in the subject could help them see the discipline in a new light and they may come to enjoy it! Even if they still dislike the subject, this becomes an opportunity for them to understand how to navigate through subjects and experiences that they might dislike, understanding that they will encounter many more such experiences in the future. But that being said, they do not need to pursue the most rigorous path in these areas.

 

If classes are not available at school, pursue them outside of school

Along with exploring the classes offered in school, middle school years provide students with enough time and opportunity to take up classes outside of the classroom. If your student is interested in subjects that are not offered in school, such as Latin, classics, environmental science, and computer science, , they can look into taking online classes. Especially nowadays, there are many easy to access and inexpensive options that are readily available to students. In our Summer 2021 for Academically Motivated Middle Schoolers blog, we have listed a variety of online classes students can consider partaking in over this summer. Many of the points hold true not just for the summer, but during the school year as well. 

 

Take advantage of after school clubs, sports, arts and music

Middle schoolers should approach extracurricular activities in a similar manner, taking up diverse activities including ones they have been exposed to before as well as possibly new ventures. Many middle schools offer a lot of different clubs, athletic teams, and art/music classes  for students to join. They should take full advantage of  these opportunities and try to stick with these activities for at least a semester if not a full year. This will give them the appropriate exposure to understand the activity they are undertaking and figure out whether it is something they would like to stick with into their high school years. Some popular clubs and organizations available to middle school students include school band, dance ensemble, robotics club, or simply sitting at the French language table at lunch. Getting involved in sports is always  a great option as it  helps with understanding competition, teamwork, commitment, and hard work. 

 

Explore activities outside of schools as well

If there are no clubs, organizations, or sports teams for your child to join at school, they should consider getting involved in activities outside of school. There are a plethora of online classes and groups in every field, ranging from art to languages to math to Model UN and so much more. Alternatively, they can begin their own club with friends, or take time to improve their reading habits, or take up a sport outside of school. Check out Summer 2021 for Academically Motivated Middle Schoolers and 12 Things Middle Schoolers Can Do This Summer for ideas. If your child is against trying new things, try enlisting the support of a peer. Having children get involved in activities or classes with friends will make it easier for them to try new things. Get a group of like minded friends together and work toward making it into a regular activity or formal club! That way, children are both working with peers and working on activities they're interested in. 

 

For addition insights on supporting your child during middle school years, read:

5 Important Skills Middle Schoolers Should Develop Before High School

What You Need to know About Academic Tracking in Middle School

Summer 2021 for Academically Motivated Middle Schoolers

10 Habits Of Highly Successful College Applicants

 

Be sure to download The Versed Middle School Guide below for insights into how to help your child get the most out of middle school years.

 

As every child and every school is unique, if you would like to speak to one of our advisors about helping your child with academic and extracurricular planning, summer options, and high school choices, please schedule a free consultation with us.

 

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