7 Tips to Help Kids w/Learning Differences Develop Skills Needed to Thrive in Middle School

1. Be open and honest about the transition.

Middle school brings big changes. Students are often using lockers and managing a schedule that has them moving between multiple classrooms for the first time. Academics and sports are becoming more competitive. Friendships ebb and flow

Parents can help ease the transition by having honest conversations ahead of time about what to expect. Share your own experiences and assure them that it's okay to feel unsure or overwhelmed at times.

2. Help them own their learning

Middle school is about gaining independence, including becoming a more independent learner. Start by talking with your child about their role in the "learning triangle" between parents, teachers and students. Then, encourage them to take on more responsibility around their schoolwork, such as organizing themselves for the day and week ahead. Have them take ownership of their assignments, while also reassuring them that support is always there.

Students with learning differences also need to become increasingly independent in managing those differences. As a parent, you can help your student recognize which supports serve them best in various situations and encourage them to use those supports independently or advocate for them when needed. This is a gradual, progressive process. 

Our mutual goal is for students to be able to fully advocate for their needs before they graduate from high school.

3. Partner with the school.

When parents and schools work together, students benefit. One great way to do this is to volunteer when you can, whether at social events, extracurriculars or other programs. Active involvement shows your child you're "all in" on their success.

Another technique for partnering with your school is to keep up with communications from teachers and administration. That way, you will be well informed about instructional themes and can reinforce key messages at home.

When in doubt, reach out. Teachers and administrators can provide helpful feedback on your student's performance and suggest strategies for supporting their development at home.

4. Foster a growth mindset.

Learning differences can make school especially challenging, but a growth mindset can be transformational. Remind your child that challenges are part of progress. "It's hard, but you can do it," is a powerful message to hear again and again.

5. Reinforce that mistakes are okay.

Middle schoolers often take failure personally, but mistakes and failures are part of learning. Add to that the fact that for many students, middle school marks the first time in their academic careers when they receive meaningful grades for their school work, and it is easy to see how pressure can mount.

At The Howard School, we tell students that missteps don't define you. Mistakes are inevitable and help you build resilience. As parents, you can help your child set realistic expectations for their own achievements and view inevitable missteps as growth opportunities. When parents help us reinforce this message, it gives students confidence and shows them everyone is on their team.

6. Celebrate every success.

At The Howard School, one of our core values is celebrating both successes and differences. No win is too small! Celebrating success helps create a positive environment where students feel psychologically safe. They can share their authentic selves — strengths, weaknesses and all.

Mirroring this approach at home is a great way to support your student. Whether mastering a tricky concept or sticking with something challenging, find moments to cheer for your student's progress. When the needle moves even a little bit in the right direction, make some noise so your student knows you're on their team.

7. Help them navigate conflict.

Don't be surprised if at some point in your child's middle school career, you hear them say, "My teachers don't like me," or "I don't like my teachers." Middle school is a tricky time, and at some point, there is bound to be a mismatch of personalities between student and teacher. As the parent, you can help your student recognize that navigating this mismatch is a skill they will need as they move on to high school and college. Resist the urge to say anything negative about the teacher in front of your child. Instead, acknowledge that there may be a mismatch but reassure them that their teacher wants the best for them.

Middle school is also a time to learn how to manage conflicts with peers. Parents can help get ahead of this by talking openly about how people don't always get along with all of their friends. Alleviate their concerns and anxieties that something is wrong with them if there is a conflict with a friend. Teach your child that it's okay not to click with everyone, but it is important to treat everyone with respect.

Success is a team effort

Middle school is a time of great growth, and when home and school work together, kids feel supported and empowered. When parents and teachers send consistent, encouraging messages, students see that we're all in their corner. With that alignment, kids develop confidence and resilience that will carry them through middle school and beyond.

The Howard School is a private K-12 school in Atlanta serving students with one or more of the following learning differences: dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, expressive language disorder, receptive language disorder, auditory processing disorder, executive functioning challenges and attention deficit disorder.

To learn more about whether The Howard School is a good fit for your child, complete our inquiry form. Our team will reach out to connect with you and schedule a guided tour of campus.