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We Can Do This Together A team approach to transitioning from elementary school to middle school
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BY KIMBERLY COCKLEY, PH.D., AND MICHAEL J. SEDLAK hat if I forget my locker combination? What’s it like having so many teachers? Will I see my friends? What if I get lost? How do I find my bus?
When students transition from elementary to middle school, they have many questions about what it will be like and how to navigate their day. Through research, conversations, and experience, we know that the more we can prepare students with knowledge and experiences to help address their questions, the more comfortable they’ll feel. WHERE WE STARTED Students in our school district are used to transitioning from building to building. With four separate elementary buildings configured by grade level (K-1, 2, 3, and 4-5), changing schools for our students is nothing new. However, the change from elementary school to middle school is still significantly different for both our students and their parents. Like most schools, we prepared our students for the middle school transition in various ways: • Teaming structure in grades 4-5, for students to experience “teams” for the first time (K-3 students are in self-contained classrooms, while 4-5 students are on a team of 2 teachers.) • Presentations by the elementary school counselor in each 5th grade homeroom, to share with students about the middle school and answer their questions • Meetings between middle school counselor and elementary teachers to learn about students’ needs including academic and social support • Meetings between middle school special education teachers and elementary special education teachers to learn about students’ needs and strengths • Tours of the middle school, led by the middle school counselor, for each elementary homeroom • Parent Orientation Night, led by the middle school, to welcome incoming families, introduce middle school concepts, and address common questions.
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THE WHY While the practices we had in place were beneficial, we knew we needed to do even more for our students. To focus our transition planning, we spent time in deliberate conversations with students, familes, and staff. ELEMENTARY STUDENTS At the elementary school, we met with small groups of 5th graders to understand their questions, worries, and anticipations. TOP FIVE WORRIES 1. What if I forget my locker combination? 2. What if we get lost or are late to a class? 3. How do we keep track of homework from so many teachers? 4. At lunch, where do we sit? Is the food good? Do we have recess? 5. Do we get to choose any of our specials classes? MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS At the middle school, we met with Student Council and our Advisory Groups to learn their advice and words of wisdom for incoming 6th grade students. Additionally, we asked them what they wish they had known when they first entered the middle school. TOP FIVE WORDS OF WISDOM 1. The teachers are really nice, and they will teach you how to use the resources here. 2. There is more independence—which is scary, but better. 3. You will learn how to navigate your schedule and find your way around the building in a day or two. 4. You won’t have as much homework as you’d think, but keep a to-do list that is organized. 5. You will still get to see your old friends. It’s also important to get to know new people. TEACHERS We met with teachers at both buildings to understand their questions and uncertainties about the structure and students’ experiences in the opposite building.
