Junior high is your training ground. For parents, junior high has two purposes. First, it’s a time to learn how to high school, taking classes and reading books that will prepare you for the task ahead. Like reading “What to Expect When you are Expecting” the learning process should be both fun and educational for you. The second purpose is to practice high school record-keeping skills. That way nothing will come as a surprise, and you won’t have moments of panic or terror because you don’t know what you’re doing.
For the children, junior high also serves two purposes. These two years are set aside for remedial work, so if your child needs extra help in math, or writing, that’s what this time is for. You can’t be behind, because the purpose of 7th and 8th grade is to spend time getting those skills up to grade level. The other purpose of junior high is to allow children to take high school level classes in any areas where they are ready. If they are ready for Algebra 1 or French 1, then they can take those high school level classes (and you can put it on the transcript) even if they are doing remedial work in other subject areas.
So you see, it’s not possible to be “behind” or “ahead” in junior high, because the purpose is to serve both needs.
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Thanks for this post Lee! I’ve been stressing out over my oldest who lost about half a year (because of a poor curriculum choice back in 3rd grade). Whew…I am breathing a sigh of relief now. :o)
Thanks Susan! Remember to breathe 🙂
Blessings,
Lee
This is very timely for me. I have a new middle-schooler! I really appreciate your comments about not being behind. He struggles with writing and we had already determined that this is our year to really focus on that skill.
Not to mention sparing the child all the things about Jr. High that we all wish we could forget…
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What a timely post. Reading your words gave me just the encouragement I needed. We are wrapping up 6th grade in some subjects, but are ahead in others. I don’t feel so unprepared now to move forward. Thank you!
My daughter is depressed and wants to go to Public School. Please pray for me to get her back on track and find a few friends. We live far from the support group. Our Church is full of PS kids with trendy gadgets and expensive clothes. This is sparking jealousy and isolation. Thank you for any advice and prayers.
Tonya, depression is serious business, and not to be taken lightly. Watch carefully, because it can be made worse by public school, because of the problem with bullying. I’m not sure if this article has “the answer” but maybe something in here will help: How to Cope with Lack of Motivation in Teens http://www.thehomescholar.com/how-to-cope-with-lack-of-motivation-in-teens.php. In any even, public school may not solve the problems of depression, jealousy, or isolation. It can sometimes make it worse. Be alert and watchful.
Blessings,
Lee