Middle school is a period of change, both in terms of study habits and in terms of self-development from children to teenagers. This time of change can cause anxiety and stress, but it can also be a time to experience new opportunities. In order to have a good junior high school, read this article to prepare yourself for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead of you.
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Part 1 of 6: Preparing for Middle School
Step 1. Be prepared for new things
In some ways, the first day of middle school is the same as when you enter kindergarten, for example a new school, new faces, new activities, and a new way of living. Although you can still meet friends when you were in kindergarten, things still feel different. Maybe you will meet new friends, and so will they, but this new friendship will be completely different. Come to school with an open mind so you are ready to experience things in new ways. Remember that you've adapted well when you started school and this time too, you can.
People you've known for a long time will look different. You yourself also look different to them. This is a natural thing in its infancy
Step 2. Determine what success means to you
Does it mean academic success or being a good person? Ideally, success should be a combination of the two. The only person who can determine whether or not you will succeed in middle school is yourself, but there must be a set of criteria. In order to make the best first impression, it's a good idea to find out the situation in the school from a sibling or friend who has studied here.
Parents usually have their own views on the meaning of success. Explain to them what your goals are in middle school and how to achieve them. Keep in mind that your parents may have different priorities, which can lead to disagreements. If your wishes are opposed, try to be tactful and not angry so that this matter can be resolved properly because both parties are happy and can continue the conversation well
Step 3. Be prepared for awkward situations
Middle school is always full of things that cause awkwardness. You are growing, your body is still changing, and your interests are growing. There are some people who start to get acne, have to go to school on their own, feel embarrassed when they have to change clothes in the locker room, get rejected by a friend of the opposite sex you like, and so on. Don't worry about things that haven't happened and what other people have been through. Begin to learn to put yourself in other people's shoes, imagine and feel what they are going through, and realize that no one is paying attention to your actions. So, if one day you have a really bad experience, remember that it won't be the talk of all the students for the next 5 years. So, try to breathe deeply and just relax.
Read an article on how to have a good junior high school which explains some tips for dealing with awkward situations in middle school. Also, don't hesitate to talk to your parents, teachers, counselor, friends, or someone who can help
Step 4. Be who you are
In general, teenagers will face demands to adjust to their environment or to be like other people. Don't let other people define who you are or your goals. If someone pressures you, don't be afraid. Regardless of what advice is given, it's okay to adjust a little. Do what is right and feel good about yourself.
Stick to your beliefs and what is right for you. For example, stay away from friends who bullied you or other children, even if you lose an old friend. There are still many opportunities to make new, better friends in middle school
Part 2 of 6: Preparing for School Supplies
Step 1. Use the school agenda book
Teenagers are usually notorious for being very untidy in organizing their things. However, you need to be able to manage yourself and your school supplies well in order to do well in school. An agenda book is a book-shaped calendar to keep track of homework deadlines, soccer or choir practice schedules, or when you'll be studying together at a friend's house. Keep a good record of all schedules and read them every day. If you're not used to using an agenda, start by taking notes at the end of each lesson.
Step 2. Use a separate binder or notebook for each subject
Prepare one notebook for one subject. Mark each book with a different color, for example blue for history books and red for math books.
Organize the contents of your binder. Use delimiters to separate notes and homework. The sooner you find your notes, homework, and class schedules, the sooner you'll be done
Step 3. Get in the habit of keeping your bookshelf or locker tidy
Decorate your bookcase or locker however you like according to your personality, but fill it with the things you need. Don't look like a storefront that's overcrowded (with toys or souvenirs, for example) and can't be filled with anything else. Organize all school supplies neatly so that they are easy to pick up and put back in. Don't let things fall every time you open the door.
Step 4. Prepare a study area at home
It's a good idea to set up a special place at home to do your homework. Ideally, there is a study desk and a computer or laptop. Clear your desk so you can comfortably sit down and do your homework after school.
Keep all your school supplies in a certain place so you don't have to look for pencil sharpeners in every corner of the house
Step 5. Take time to chat with your parents every Sunday
Tell me about things that you have recently experienced at school. Take this opportunity to remind them of a match or concert that you will be attending in the near future. Plus, you know when to help mom prepare dinner or do other chores around the house.
Part 3 of 6: Achieving Academic Success
Step 1. Come to school
As cliché as this may sound, these activities are essential for your success in school. Several studies have proven that good grades and consistent attendance are indicators of success while studying in high school and college. Come on time and don't be truant.
If you have to miss school, ask your teacher or friends about the subject matter by email, text, or phone. Also ask if there is homework or material you should study at home. Get your homework done and complete your notes as soon as possible
Step 2. Learn how to take good notes
Whether you used to take notes or not when you were in elementary school, taking notes in junior high school will be a new experience for you. Taking good notes doesn't mean writing down every word your teacher says. Do the following ways to be able to take good notes:
- Keep your notes tidy by writing down the date when you start taking notes. Use a new page, if needed. In addition to writing the date, also write down the topic to be discussed.
- Watch carefully for clues in your teacher's tone of voice when he or she speaks because important things are usually said with a certain emphasis.
- Don't worry about writing complete sentences. Create shorthand letters and codes for yourself. Keep in mind that these notes are not for anyone but yourself to read. Make a small circle every time your teacher says "mitosis". It's fine as long as you can understand the meaning.
- Reread your notes every day while doing your homework and take time to copy them to make them neater and more complete. In addition, you will also find it easier to memorize lessons.
Step 3. Learn how to learn
Just like taking notes, the duration of studying in middle school may surprise you. Good study skills are not just memorizing certain chapters from a printed book. You need to do the following things in order to be successful in your studies:
- Learn how to determine the most important concepts. Mark it with a certain color or stick a small piece of adhesive paper on a printed book to mark important subject matter.
- Make notes in neat, easy-to-read writing so that you can rearrange the material just discussed.
- Make study aids, such as note cards, diagrams, etc.
- Find a study buddy who understands the subject matter well. Studying with friends can be a way to see things from a different perspective. Try to focus on the lesson. Postpone talking about music or football until another time.
Step 4. Master the skills of taking tests well
You have to master more material because the test questions can become more difficult. Do the following ways so that you are able to do well on the test:
- Listen carefully to the instructions your teacher gives. Read all instructions for taking the test.
- Work quietly. Arrange the time well so that you can work on the test questions to completion. Do not keep looking at the clock because you will be more stressed. Estimate the time it will take to answer each group of questions. Skip first if there are questions that confuse you and try again after you finish working on the easier questions.
- Double-check all your answers before submitting them.
- Relieve anxiety during tests. Anxiety will be reduced if you are ready and understand the material to be tested well. Before the test starts, try to breathe deeply while saying over and over "I will do well on this test".
Step 5. Finish the homework as soon as possible
You should allocate more time in junior high school because there will be more subjects, homework, tests, and extracurricular activities. The key is to improve your time management skills. Make learning activities a top priority so that everything can be completed on time.
- Finish your after-school homework as soon as you get home. Do your homework immediately before your attention is distracted by the demands of responsibility for other tasks. If you have other things to do after school, set aside a special time in the evening to finish your homework.
- Limit the time you spend “staring at the screen” of your phone, TV, computer, etc. For example, don't play computer games or text friends before you've finished your homework.
- Be responsible when studying and doing homework. Don't copy your friends' PR answers.
- If you're having trouble keeping up with the lessons, talk to your teacher about this right away, the sooner the better. Don't wait until you feel hopeless about missing a lesson.
Step 6. Ask for help if needed
As you get older, the responsibility for achieving academic success will increase. However, you don't have to do it alone as there are plenty of people willing to help if you need it.
If you're having trouble with algebra or history, try to get help by asking other sources of information or asking your teacher for an explanation. Some junior high schools provide opportunities for students to take additional lessons under the guidance of a teacher
Step 7. Admit if you made a mistake
Don't lie to the teacher if you don't do your homework. Instead, say that you will finish your homework tonight and submit the results tomorrow. Teachers will appreciate students who are able to take responsibility.
Don't cheat on a test or copy a friend's homework. If you get caught, don't lie and tell the truth
Part 4 of 6: Achieving Success in Relationships
Step 1. Get yourself involved
In middle school, you will meet new friends in many activities. Instead of feeling sad because conditions are always different, take this opportunity to broaden your horizons. There are many opportunities to be active and involved after entering middle school.
- Join the association. You can join a math club, scout group, or Intra-School Student Organization (OSIS). Use this opportunity to meet new friends or old friends in a new way so that you can identify your interests and manifest them in a new, more mature way.
- Do sports games. Join a basketball or soccer team. Even though you are only a substitute, you can still feel the atmosphere of friendship and competition through this activity.
- Be a volunteer. Do class cleaning assignments according to a picket schedule or sell cookies for charity. Invite old friends and new friends to this activity. Don't be afraid to take the initiative.
Step 2. Choose friends wisely
Once you enter junior high school, you will meet seventh grade students and seniors. So, there will be lots of opportunities to make new friends that seem fun. However, during your preteens through to your teens, you should be able to choose positive, supportive people. Choose friends wisely because the friends you choose can be an indicator of your success in the years to come.
If a "friend" is acting unkindly, try talking about it with him. If he doesn't want to change, try making new friends
Step 3. Learn what a healthy relationship means
In middle school, children will experience the peak of puberty and hormonal changes. Maybe you're starting to think about the opposite sex and want to date. Therefore, you must know what are the criteria for a healthy relationship. Research has shown that many junior high school students experience sexual harassment and violence during dating, partly because they don't know what is and isn't appropriate.
- Healthy relationships begin with mutual respect, trust, and friendship. You also have to feel free to make friends with other people and be able to be independent.
- Don't feel pressured because you want to date right away. Maybe you're in a rush to date because your friends are already doing it. However, several studies have shown that dating too early will distract from learning activities so that learning performance decreases.
Step 4. Give other people a chance
Children will change when they become teenagers. The little kid you've known for years but haven't been friends with may have turned into a perfect match for you.
Teenagers will automatically form social groups with like-minded friends. While it's not always bad, don't be too quick to judge and reject other people. Be an example by being accepting and willing to open up to others
Step 5. Don't be a bully
Treat others with kindness and friendliness. Try to put yourself in the other person's shoes before saying or doing something hurtful.
Try to stand up for a friend who is being bullied. Don't just sit back and let others be bullied. If you are being bullied or see this happening to someone else, report it to your teacher. Bullying is bad behavior
Part 5 of 6: Getting Support
Step 1. Seek advice from parents
During middle school, you start to feel like you can do anything on your own, but remember that there are people around who are always ready and willing to help. Believe it or not, parents are the best helpers because they too have experienced the same thing.
Ask for advice on how to take notes in class, study for tests, avoid trouble, and even take the opposite sex to school parties
Step 2. Ask your sister to share her experience
Your sister has gone through middle school. Usually, he can give advice on how to deal with the teacher, choosing a favorite cafeteria for lunch, etc.
Step 3. Talk to the teacher regularly
At the beginning of the school year, ask the teacher what you should do and ask for advice on how to study well. You must be able to take responsibility for the success of your own studies.
Try to get to know other adults in the school, starting from the administrative staff, counselors, nurses in the school health unit, to the librarian
Step 4. Talk to the counselor at school if needed
Don't be shy about asking for help if you need it. The school counselor is in charge of helping you and understanding the issues that cause problems for junior high school students. He can provide guidance in dealing with academic challenges, social, and personal problems.
If you have suicidal thoughts, call Halo Kemkes immediately at number (local code) 500567. For those of you who live in the US, call the suicide attempt prevention service at 800-273-8255
Part 6 of 6: Taking Care of Yourself
Step 1. Get enough sleep
You'll be busier in middle school and beyond. Resting, feeling refreshed, energized and focused is the best way to stay at your best. Your body is still growing and undergoing changes. You need to get enough sleep for your body to function properly. If the schedule is too busy, your energy will be used up and must be replaced. Get 8-9 hours of sleep every night.
If you have trouble falling asleep, turn off all electronic devices 15-30 minutes before bedtime. Research has shown that our brains stay active while looking at a screen (phone or TV, for example) which makes it difficult for us to fall asleep
Step 2. Adopt a good diet
Good nutritional intake will improve memory, concentration, emotions, energy levels, and self-image. All of these are very important in the success of junior high school students. Stay away from machines that sell fast food and eat healthy foods. Get in the habit of eating lots of fruit, vegetables, protein, whole grains, and low-fat dairy products. Avoid processed, fried and sugary foods.
Get in the habit of eating a healthy breakfast. Research has proven that a good breakfast can improve learning performance throughout the day. Get used to drinking fruit juice with yogurt, eating oatmeal or eggs and toast as a breakfast menu
Step 3. Get in the habit of exercising regularly
Regular exercise can reduce stress, improve brain function, and improve mood. Young children and teens should exercise at least 30 minutes a day. Instead of watching TV right after school, take a friend on a bike ride with you.
Step 4. Be a positive person
There are times when it feels like too much is because there's too much homework, pressure, or annoying kids in class. However, you can definitely handle it. Always keep your goals in mind and focus on what you need to do to achieve them in order to be a successful middle school student.
You will meet many things during your studies in junior high school. Keep learning by trying new things. Even though sometimes you have to face failure, get up and try again
Tips
- Follow school rules and policies to avoid problems.
- If you're having trouble getting your homework done and focused, reward yourself after you've finished your assignment.
- Make a plan for tomorrow morning before going to bed at night. Get your clothes and school supplies ready the night before.
- Be respectful of others and don't talk during class, because the teacher and your classmates will be annoyed!
- You will experience stress in middle school. Talk to someone you trust if you are under stress. It won't necessarily help, but you'll feel better. Be a positive person!
