When a student first enters elementary school, he is usually placed in a classroom with one teacher all day long. He may go to a separate physical education or art teacher, but basically he is in one classroom with one teacher. He becomes familiar with that teacher's way of doing things and classes become routine. The student quickly learns his teacher's expectations and discipline methods.
When a child starts junior high, he is thrown into uncharted territory. Suddenly, he is given a piece of paper with several different classes and teachers on it and expected to know where to go and when to be there. He may suddenly be separated from the friends he made in elementary school and faced with the challenge of making new ones. Since junior high students are immature and inexperienced at making important decisions, they may choose the wrong friends. Because each teacher has his own rules and expectations, a student can become confused.
As a young person enters junior high school, he is at the age where physical and emotional changes are taking place. Puberty can play a large part in behavior. Every student grows at a different rate physically and emotionally. Girls become taller than boys. Boys compare their physique to other boys. Name calling and bullying occur frequently in junior high school because students do not understand the changes that are taking place. While some students may excel at physical, musical, or artistic activities, others may not, which can cause conflict and jealousy. Teachers and administrators should make a conscious effort to assure that each student feels successful and important. Teachers should watch for signs of trouble and intervene as soon as possible.
One of the best ways to help a middle school student be successful is parent involvement. In today's society, where many families have both parents working outside the home, it may be difficult for parents to be aware of trouble at school. It is important for parents to stay in contact with teachers. Sometimes, a sudden change at home, such as a severe illness, hospitalization of a family member, or divorce, can change a student's behavior or cause grades to drop. Teachers need to be aware of these changes through communication with students. Teachers and parents should become e-mail contacts.