New and Changing Friendships
Doing this directly and calmly instead of spreading rumors when a friend upsets you can save the friendship
What is talking to them? (Communicating)
Taking a few slow, deep ones of these can instantly calm your nervous system when you feel overwhelmed by a test
Because you have multiple teachers in middle school, it’s crucial to write your assignments down in this digital or paper tool.
What is an agenda?
These after-school activities are hands-down the best way to meet people who like the exact same things you do.
What are clubs and sports?
This metal storage unit with a combination lock is notoriously tricky for incoming students, but practice makes perfect.
What is a locker?
This term describes pressure you might feel from a classmate to fit in or do something you aren't totally comfortable with.
What is peer pressure?
Getting 8 to 10 hours of this every night is a total game-changer for keeping your mood up and your stress low.
What is sleep?
This major middle school trap involves putting off a project or studying until the absolute last minute.
What is procrastination?
Inviting someone who is sitting alone to join you during this daily social period is an easy way to make a big difference.
What is lunch?
This piece of paper tells you exactly where to go, when to go there, and which room number you need to find.
What is your schedule?
If a friendship starts to feel toxic or dramatic or one-sided, it is healthy and ok to set this kind of space or limit
What is a boundary?
This two-word term describes healthy activities—like drawing, playing sports, or listening to music—that help you recharge.
What are coping skills?
Logging into this online portal at least once a week ensures you don’t get surprised by missing assignments.
What is PowerSchool?
Trying something brand new—like theater, coding, or track—requires you to step out of this metaphorical, cozy area.
What is your comfort zone?
Unlike elementary school, you will do this physically at the end of almost every single class period. It's important to get where you need to go quickly!
What is switch classes?
True or False: To be happy in middle school, you need to be friends with everyone in your grade?
False: You just need to be respectful to everyone, but you only need a few, close trustworthy friends.
Instead of letting anxious thoughts swirl around in your head, doing this in a notebook can help clear your mind
What is journaling?
This is the best time to ask a teacher for clarity if you don’t understand homework instructions.
What is before you leave class or during extra help?
Even if you don't make the team or end up loving the club, doing this anyway shows incredible resilience and bravery.
What is putting yourself out there?
If you get completely lost on day one, these people standing in the hallways are always happy to point you in the right direction.
Who are teachers and staff?
When stress feels too big to handle on your own, this specific school staff member is always there to listen and help you problem-solve.
Who is the counselor / psychologist?
Instead of studying for three straight hours the night before a huge final, it is much more effective to do this with your study time.
What is break it into smaller chunks over a few days?
Because middle school is a fresh start, it gives you the perfect opportunity to reinvent this—meaning you aren't stuck being who you were in elementary school.
What is your reputation / identity?
This crucial life skill involves speaking up for yourself and asking for what you need from an adult or teacher.
What is self-advocacy?