The Shift from 5th Grade to Middle School

One of the biggest shifts in education is the transition from elementary school to middle school. So much is different: the responsibility and independence, class transitions, multiple teachers, student expectations, new building, relationships, etc.

On top of all that, students are going through one of the biggest changes of their life: puberty. All of this comes at what may be a very vulnerable and challenging time for students and parents.

From the beginning years, The Willows fosters a love for learning, connections, and scaffolding (educational instruction to support independent learning), while teaching students the skills needed to become independent lifelong learners. As students embark on middle school, The Willows doesn’t lose sight of the foundation that was built in the lower grades and really encourages and expects students to be more independent and resourceful. Middle school years are a time of profound growth–physically, social emotionally and cognitively. During these middle school years, students really discover themselves as learners and as individuals.

To help ease with this transition and ensure its success, The Willows has implemented many opportunities to help parents and students navigate the shift from 5^th grade to middle school.

Home Visits

Before the school year begins, middle school teachers visit each individual student’s home and spend 30 minutes one-on-one getting to know their students. This home visit allows students while in their own comfortable setting to ask questions and get acquainted with their new teacher.

Class Virtual Meeting

Prior to school starting, the middle school teachers host a virtual meeting for all incoming 6^th grade students and parents. This gives parents and students the opportunity to hear about middle school and what to expect.

Meet & Greet

This is an opportunity for parents to visit the middle school building and meet the middle school teachers before the school year starts. They see their child’s classrooms, the layout of the building, and student lockers.

Shadow Day

Near the end of the school year, the 5^th graders have the opportunity to shadow 7^th graders for half the day. The 5^th grader can ask questions, attend classes, and get a feel of the new building and the flow of the day.

In School Q & A

Near the end of the school year, the 5^th grade teachers coordinate a time with middle school teachers to do a Q&A with the 5^th graders to answer any of their questions.

In addition to these opportunities, The Willows has strategically placed teachers in 5^th grade that have middle school teaching experience. This creates a bridge between the upper elementary and middle school. Knowing the style of the middle school, the 5^th grade teachers can then mimic the middle school style of teaching and expectations to prepare 5^th grade students in a developmentally appropriate way.

The Willows goal is to instill in all the students the confidence and persistence to tackle any challenges that lie ahead while providing the right amount of scaffolding to both parents and students.

Learn about The Willows Middle School Program