November 2013
Madison Public Schools
Matthew Mingle, Director of Curriculum
Focus on setting academic expectations for your child
Research consistently shows that students feel more positive and connected
to their school when they believe that hard work will lead to success. With
the national focus on college and career readiness,
it’s important to let your child know that you
expect her to put forth her best effort with
schoolwork. You should also expect your
child to:
• Challenge herself with rigorous
courses. She should take as much
math as she can, for example, and
read more complex materials. She
may not always make top grades, but
research shows that all students benefit
more from taking harder courses than
easier ones. Kids rise to the occasion if
given a chance.
• Devote serious time to schoolwork.
She should have a set schedule for
studying each night, but also have time
for family, exercise, food and sleep.
• Set goals. Her effort needs to be
connected to something. She should make her goals specific and
achievable, such as, “I will raise my math grade to a B next quarter.”
And there should be a way to see her progress.
Source: S.L. Christenson and C. Peterson, “Research: Standards and Expectations,” University of Minnesota
Extension, www1.extension.umn.edu/family/partnering-for-school-success/resources-for-schools/expectations/.
Help your child tackle research projects
Many students struggle with research projects. These projects usually require
reading nonfiction texts which can contain unfamiliar vocabulary and concepts.
Encourage your child to:
• Look for related material. A fiction book might explore a
similar theme. A book with a lower
reading level may also help increase
understanding of a concept.
• Look for clues in the text.
Important ideas are often indicated
by graphics, boldface type, or
featured in questions at the end
of chapters.
• Watch the calendar. Students
often struggle with research projects
simply because they tend to put
them off. Suddenly there are two
days left and still a mountain of
work to be done! Tell your child
to set weekly deadlines. With each
deadline, he can accomplish one
goal toward getting the project
done.
Source: Scholastic, “The Research Report Blues,”
Scholastic.com, www.scholastic.com/resources/
article/the-research-report-blues.
Revising improves writing
After your child completes a writing
assignment for class, have her:
• Read it aloud. Are there sections that
sound clunky or awkward?
• Revise it. Have her see
where her writing can be
clarified.
• Ask for help. Look
online or ask a teacher for
ideas for improving writing.
Source: R. Kavanagh, “Help Middle School Students Improve
Writing Skills,” EduGuide, http://tinyurl.com/kagrorc.
Communicate with your
child to show support
Talking with a middle schooler can often
seem like a one-sided conversation. But it’s
important to let your child know that you
are always available to talk and listen.
Consider these things as you communicate
with your child:
• Listen. Communication isn’t just about
talking. When your child has something
to say, stop what you’re doing and listen.
• Take his ideas
seriously. Avoid
negative reactions.
Say, “You’ll need a
good plan for that,
but if anyone can
pull it off, you can.”
• Show that you value his input.
Frequently ask, “What do you think?”
Source: E. Hartley-Brewer, Talking to Tweens: Getting it Right
Before it Gets Rocky with Your 8-to-12-Year-Old, Lifelong Books.
Recovering from setbacks
builds perseverence
When your child takes risks, such as trying
out for a play, the results can be exciting—
or painful. Talk about learning from the
experience and setting new goals. Remind
him that working hard is something to be
proud of, no matter the outcome.
Copyright © 2013, The Parent Institute®, www.parent-institute.com
Be clear about cheating
November 2013
How can I boost my middle
schooler’s self-esteem?
Q: My child used to be so confident, but recently he’s been saying that he doesn’t fit in or that he’s so “weird.” How can I
help him feel good about himself again?
A: Middle school is a time of enormous change and growth for kids, and
your child is starting to become his own person. As long as he isn’t socially
isolated, struggling with schoolwork or being bullied, there’s nothing wrong
with letting him blossom into his own quirky, unique person.
To support him along the way:
• Respect his views. You don’t have to agree
with your child’s opinions, but don’t belittle
them, either.
• Be tolerant of his individuality. His
choice of clothing, hairstyle or entertainment
may not be to your taste, but as long as it isn’t
inappropriate or offensive, let him enjoy what
he likes.
• Spend time together. Do something
you both enjoy. But don’t expect him to like
a certain activity just because you do—or because he did when he was
younger.
• Talk about learning from mistakes. Everyone stumbles occasionally,
and that includes your child. Remind him that missteps aren’t horrible or
the end of the world. They can be chances for growth.
Is your child learning about responsibility?
Take this quiz to see if you are encouraging your child to take more
responsibility. This is necessary for success in middle school. Answer yes for
something you do often or no for something you do rarely or never.
___1. Do you expect your child
to care for personal needs,
including getting herself up
for school?
___2. Do you give your child
chores to do at home, such as
taking out the trash?
___3. Does your child know she
must do her homework on
her own?
___4. Do you expect your
child to take advantage of
opportunities to improve her
work, such as by staying after
school for extra help?
___5. Do you help your child use
basic time-management tools,
like an assignment notebook
and a calendar?
How did you do?
Mostly yes answers mean you are
fostering responsibility in your child.
Mostly no? Check the quiz for some
suggestions on helping your child take
on responsibility.
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The research on cheating is sobering. Cheating:
• Has risen dramatically in the past 50 years.
• Occurs with above-average students as
well as lower-achieving peers.
• D
oesn’t carry much of a stigma anymore.
• Isn’t “okay” because “everyone does it.”
• Is easier than ever because of technology.
Let your child know you expect honesty at
all times, whether she’s at home or in class.
Source: “Cheating is a Personal Foul: Academic Cheating Fact
Sheet,” Educational Testing Service/Ad Council, http://tinyurl.
com/5smux.
Your child can take control
of where to do homework
When it comes to homework, middle schoolers
often like to work somewhere besides home—
especially if their friends are around. To make
sure your child is completing his work:
• Have a trial period where your child
can do his homework when and where
he chooses.
• Check on your child’s achievement. If
he’s doing well, continue to honor his
preferences for where he completes his
homework.
Source: Source: C. Jarrett, “A preliminary psychology of
homework,” BPS Research Digest, http://tinyurl.com/4rr6u3b.
Tackle tests with positive
thoughts and preparation
The big exam is approaching and your child
has a case of test anxiety. Encourage her to:
• Dismiss “I can’t do this” thoughts.
Positive self-talk can lead to positive results.
• Avoid cramming.
Regular study sessions
leading up to an exam
are much more helpful
than frantic cramming.
• Keep things in perspective. No
single test will make or break her future.
Helping Students Learn®
Published in English and Spanish, September through May.
Publisher: John H. Wherry, Ed.D.
Editor: Stacey Marin.
Staff Editors: Rebecca Miyares & Erika Beasley.
Writer: Erika Beasley. Production Manager: Pat Carter.
Translations Editor: Victoria Gaviola.
Layout & Illustrations: Maher & Mignella, Cherry Hill, NJ.
Copyright © 2013, The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc.
P.O. Box 7474, Fairfax Station, VA 22039-7474
1-800-756-5525 • www.parent-institute.com • ISSN 1526-9272
1527-1021
Copyright © 2013, The Parent Institute®, www.parent-institute.com
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