The first day of middle school may be an experience you will remember for the rest of your life. Middle school is a fun time because you've given up your predicate as an elementary school kid and are likely to meet lots of new kids who come from different schools. Maybe your head is full of questions right now about how to keep in touch with old friends, how to make a good impression on new friends, and how to deal with new teachers and class schedules. However, preparing ahead of time and leaving for school with a positive attitude will make your first day unforgettable.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Getting Ready
Step 1. Prepare books and stationery
While your day won't be ruined if you go to school without a book, you have to make sure you have everything you need if you want your first day to be perfect. Of course you don't expect to be silent in class or get a bad assessment from the teacher for forgetting to bring the necessary equipment. Although all schools have different rules, make sure you bring a binder or notebook for each lesson, stationery, or anything else you might need. If your school has listed what you need to prepare, you're in luck, if not, look for information on the first day.
- Make sure your school bag or backpack is strong and durable. Chances are you'll get a pack of books on the first day to take home for homework.
- Usually, on the first day there won't be much activity in class other than meeting the other kids, checking names and attendance, studying the syllabus, and being told what equipment to bring. Again, if the teacher or school administrator has said what needs to be brought and stressed the importance of the rule, you should prepare for it.
Step 2. Decide in advance what clothes you will wear if your school does not require uniforms or has not distributed uniforms
The clothes you wore on the first day of school are likely to stick with you for years to come, and it's not easy to choose which one to wear. Luckily, no one really pays attention to your clothes because all the kids will be focusing on their own clothes. Even so, you must choose clothes that are good on your body, fit, and are able to create an impression but don't make you stand out on your own until you end up regretting that choice. The most important thing you have to remember is that the choice of clothes is predetermined so that in the morning you don't stress about choosing the perfect clothes.
- Consider the weather when choosing clothes. In many places in Indonesia, the weather on the first day of school is usually very hot. Maybe you want to wear a new jeans jacket, but if the weather is scorching hot, you will definitely sweat. Make sure you have a thinner reserve in case you wake up in the morning to hot and humid weather.
- Usually girls like to chat with friends about clothes. Maybe you will be comfortable going to school wearing the same type of clothes as your friends. But nothing forbids you if you want to wear your own choice.
- Also, make sure you know the school's permitted dress code. Don't wear clothes that are too short or too tight, and then forced to change into sports clothes.
Step 3. Get as much information as possible about your new school
In advance, try to find out any information about school so that you feel more confident on the first day. Visit the school's website and read the information there. Maybe you will access a lot of them this year, so explore them one by one. Read the manual or other important information provided. Talk to your relatives or acquaintances who have studied there. Ask for tips on getting used to school, how to behave in front of the teacher, or the new kid's seat in the cafeteria.
- Realize that there will be obstacles, no matter how perfect your preparations are. Even so, the information you get will make you calmer.
- If you have a schedule, try talking to a senior who has experience with teachers so you know how to behave in class.
Step 4. Make sure you follow the school orientation
Most schools have an orientation period, but not all. Some simply go on a tour around the school, while others may provide a package containing maps, schedules, library cards, and uniforms. Take this opportunity to explore all sides of the school, if you can. With your schedule and map in hand, look up all the rooms, classes, libraries, labs, and lockers (if any) you'll be using this year, so you know where they all are.
- During the orientation period there is also the introduction of new children from different elementary schools, so this is an opportunity that should be used to meet and make new friends. Show a friendly attitude and introduce yourself. Chances are many students are shy and would love to meet new people. Getting to know a lot of people early on can make your first day go smoothly. Remember all of their names.
- Maybe you will also meet or see some teachers or principals, and you will feel more comfortable knowing who will teach you.
- Many also think that SMP feels much bigger than SD. Taking the opportunity to visit school a few days in advance can help calm you down on the first day.
Step 5. Set up a routine path for changing classes and rooms
If you have a map of the school and know what rooms will be used for study and when, and if you have lockers, it's a good idea to make a routine route in advance. This preparation can help you avoid being late for class and you'll also know when is the best time to go to your locker.
Don't go to the locker after every lesson because you'll be wasting time. Plan to go to the locker if the class and locker positions are close. If you have to carry a lot of books at once, that's fine. But make sure you bring the books you really need on time
Step 6. Organize all your study equipment properly
Have all your notebooks, binders, and other stationery ready. Write the subject on the inside page of the notebook cover and binder, at the top to be precise. If possible, use a different color for each subject, such as blue for math, pink for English, and zebra print for science. For a binder, label the sides with subjects and decorate the front with a smiley image. An arrangement like this will make your first day lighter.
- You can jot down your lessons on loose-leaf lined paper and save them in a subject-by-course binder, or in a regular notebook, depending on your preference. If using notebooks, you can choose partitioned notebooks for several subjects or one book for each subject.
- Put your things in a backpack. Make sure you put all your pencils, pens, erasers, etc. in the pencil case so they don't fall apart and you don't have to rummage through your bag to find what you need.
- Find a safe place to store student cards, library cards, etc. Clean your desk or other place in the room to do your homework. Make sure there are no distractions around you so you can finish your homework on time. Hang calendars and bulletin boards on the wall near your desk.
- If you want, buy supplies to organize your locker at school, such as mirrors, magnets, pencil cases, and small shelves (unless you already have a shelf in your locker). Decide how you want to store it before school starts, because a cluttered locker will make you late for class and get in trouble.
Step 7. Make a plan with your friends who are also attending the same middle school
Talk to them before school starts and ask if you can go to school together. Whatever the transportation, by bus, walking or other means, you can go with friends because showing up at school alone can be scary sometimes and if you don't know where to go, you can help each other out. You will not feel foreign if you have good friends by your side.
Even so, don't worry if you go to school in a new area or don't have many friends. You are not alone and will surely make new friends soon if your attitude is positive
Step 8. Get enough rest the night before
Even though it seems impossible to get a good night's sleep before the first day of middle school, you have to do something to get a good rest. About two weeks before school starts, familiarize yourself with the school schedule. Go to bed earlier than usual and get up gradually earlier until you can get up at your proper time to go to school. Get in the habit of sticking to that schedule.
Avoid soda or sugary and caffeinated drinks the day before school. Do not let you can not sleep on that important night
Step 9. Prepare yourself
The night before the first day of school (actually also a normal school day), prepare school clothes for the next day. If your school doesn't require uniforms, wear neat and comfortable clothes that make you feel confident. Make sure your shoes, socks, accessories and anything else you want to wear are readily available. If everything is ready, your first morning in middle school will be much calmer.
- Prepare lunch if you want to bring lunch, or prepare pocket money if you want to buy lunch at the canteen.
- If you want to style your hair specifically, plan ahead (but don't overdo it). Don't let your tension on the first day be compounded by hair problems.
- Bring your ID (if you have one), class schedule, cell phone (if applicable), and everything else you will need while at school.
Part 2 of 3: Living the First Day
Step 1. Get up 15 minutes earlier than you should
Allow at least 15 minutes of extra time to solidify your preparation. The first day can be stressful at times and you'll feel calmer if you don't have to rush. This extra time can be used to perfect your appearance, have a good breakfast, take a quiet bath, and anything else you need to do to start the day in a good mood.
It's a good idea to have your backpack ready the night before to make sure you've got all the gear you need. This will save time in the morning so you don't rush
Step 2. Make sure you know where to go once you get to school
You have to know where your class, or where new students hang out, is when you step through the school gates. But if you get lost, ask the teacher, staff, or even seniors. You have to know where to go so you don't wander aimlessly or miss something important. Usually new students have to go to a special room, such as the hall, or their respective classes to meet the teacher and get information that must be known.
While it's important to have a plan in place, you don't have to worry if something doesn't go according to plan. There might be a few surprises on your first day, and that's fine
Step 3. Show a friendly attitude with all new students
Even though you may feel shy, you should as much as possible be nice and friendly to all the new kids in your class. Introduce yourself, ask for information about new friends, and talk about each other's impressions of junior high school so far. Give a smile and a wave to children who see you, and make them feel welcome when they are around you. Don't be afraid of students who seem too cold or unfriendly. From your side, just try to be open and relaxed.
- Most students will be more open to new friends at the beginning of the school year, before the formation of a group or gang. The sooner you chat with the new kid, the more likely a friendship will be formed.
- If you see a beautiful or handsome student, don't be shy to say hello. Many enjoy hanging out with confident people, and you shouldn't be shy about asking them out.
Step 4. Get involved in class during lessons
While middle school students sometimes think that showing interest in lessons isn't cool, if you want to go through your middle school years smoothly, you should pay attention to the teacher, participate when the teacher asks questions, take notes, or avoid distractions. Such an attitude is far better than being ignorant or indifferent. Try to be a good student and follow all the lessons. If you care about the material given, the lesson will feel easier and more enjoyable than if you just sit there frowning and waiting for the bell to ring.
Although usually on the first day there are not many opportunities to participate, you have to show that you care about the lesson, for example by asking questions about the syllabus
Step 5. Start positive relationships with teachers
Make sure you show up to class on time and make a good impression the first time. Maybe you accidentally created a bad impression by laughing too loudly or chatting with your friends even though you are normally a good student. Unfortunately, first impressions are very difficult to change, so try to make a good impression from the moment you step into the classroom.
But keep in mind, you don't have to lick the teacher. You just have to pay attention and show concern
Step 6. Make the most of your time in the canteen
Each school is different, so you have to pay attention to how the seating arrangement in the cafeteria is. If you can choose a new seat every day, try to make plans to meet up with friends ahead of time so you can sit with them. If you have to pick the same table for a whole year, see if you can get a group of people together. If you don't have many acquaintances, don't worry. All you have to do is be friendly, find a good looking kid, and ask if you can sit next to him.
If you can, go to the cafeteria earlier than others. That way, you can find your friends or find a seat
Step 7. Maintain a positive attitude
If you want to perfect your first day, you have to try to go through it with a big smile. Don't complain to your friends, criticize the teacher, or be afraid of everyone in the class. Instead, try to approach everything with an “I can” attitude and never feel that you don't stand a chance. If you smile, hope for the best, and try to choose an optimistic topic, your day will be much better.
- Plus, people are attracted to positive people, so the more cheerful you are, the easier it will be for you to make new friends.
- Don't compare yourself to other children. Maybe you feel that you are not as beautiful/handsome or as good as they are in dressing, but such thoughts are pointless and will only make you feel inferior. Remember that you also have a lot of positives, and that fashionable kid in your class may have his own problems.
Step 8. Don't be mean or judge other people
Unfortunately, the junior high school period may not show the true qualities of a person. Middle school is prone to gang formation, gossip, or it's easy for a group of kids to judge other kids they don't know well. However, if you want to go through the first day in a good mood, you shouldn't judge other people before getting to know them well and don't take part in silly gossip. You certainly don't want to be gossiped about by kids who barely know you, do you?
You don't know who will be your best friend yet, and you certainly don't want to make fun of the kid who could actually be your best friend if you just gave him the chance
Part 3 of 3: Ending Day One
Step 1. Organize your things
The first day is almost over, it's time to pack your school bag with books or homework to take home. It doesn't seem like you have much to bring, but make sure you bring everything you need so you won't be confused once you get home. Allow enough time in the last hour to pack the goods as well as possible. You can also create a checklist to make it more efficient.
If you're taking the bus home and don't want to miss it, make it a habit to pack things up when you have time between classes so you don't have to catch the bus or wait long for the next bus
Step 2. Rest when you get home
No matter what you're doing after school, catching the bus or joining your first extracurricular activity or sports league, you're probably going to be sleepy and tired after a long day full of surprises. When you get home, you should take a nap to recover your energy.
However, don't sleep too long. Otherwise, you will have trouble sleeping at night so your second day will be affected
Step 3. Make plans for a more enjoyable second day
Even if your first day goes better than you think, there's always a lot you can improve on the next day. Maybe on the first day you wear shoes that are not very good but very comfortable and want to wear shoes that are cooler the next day. Maybe your backpack isn't big enough to carry all the books. Maybe you forgot to bring an important stationery or want to get up early. Small flaws you can fix the next day so you continue to enjoy school.
The most important thing to do is rest and a positive attitude. You'll be able to enjoy middle school more if you're not so hard on yourself
Tips
- Write down all assignments, even if they are simple ones.
- Don't wait until the last day to buy stationery and school supplies.
- Don't get too excited on the first day, or too anxious. If you relax, your first day will be much better.
- Try not to follow stereotypes, you will only look stupid.
- Try not to be like other people. You will be called a “copycat” even if you don't want to imitate. If someone calls you a copycat, ignore it and remember that they have nothing but a sharp mouth.
- Be kind to everyone, even when you don't want to.
- Don't gossip. Try to be well prepared and avoid drama.
- Don't feel embarrassed if you are accompanied by your mother or sister.
- Don't lend your things to people you know won't return them.
- Be yourself on the first day and the days that follow. Don't hang out with bad popular kids or with people you really don't want to be.
- You will get a lot of syllabus, but don't feel burdened.
- Double-check your schedule to make sure you're in the right class.
Warning
- Junior high schools are usually larger than elementary, but don't get confused. You can always ask your teacher or friends for directions.
- Some teachers may not be friendly. Do your best, but if any teacher persists, don't be offended. Maybe he's not in a good mood.
- Usually there is the option of doing additional assignments to boost grades. If your grades are not very good, ask for additional assignments to improve your grades.
- There will be some students who are rude. Ignore them. Don't think about what they say. Be yourself and don't change yourself just to impress others.
What You Need
- Notebooks and folders for each subject.
- Main binder
- Pencils and pens
- A lot of paper
- Calendar and agenda for tasks and homework
- Comfortable and attractive clothes that comply with school regulations
- School map (if any)
- lesson timetable
- Combination lock if your school has lockers
- Backpack
- Calculator
- Sport shoes
- Bags for sports
- Uniforms or sportswear (shirts, pants)
- Kolonye to wear after sports
- Spare clothes (just in case)
- Small shelf for locker
- Binder block
- Extra deodorant to wear after exercise (if you don't like cologne)
