The transition from elementary to middle school can be difficult for most students, but for those with Attention Deficit Disorder, it can be devastating. In elementary school, students have the advantage of working with one or two teachers and benefit from increased structure and monitoring. That routing and support can vanish in the middle school.
Suddenly, children are expected to be more responsible for homework, schedules, and belongings. A single set of classroom expectations mushrooms into five to eight separate sets of routines, rules, and regimens. Students spend more time moving between classes in less supervised settings. These changes can combine into a recipe for disaster. Fortunately, a bit of planning, preparation, and practice can turn this terrifying transition into the growth experience that it is meant to be.
Planning for this change should begin one to two years before your student will make the big move. Start by helping him or her discover strategies and techniques that allow greater academic and personal independence. Be intentional about using a daily planner to organize school assignments and commitments. Build the habit of bringing home needed materials and turning in completed homework. Set up a close communication with elementary teachers and utilize a behavior management system to shape these skills.
During the year before middle school, contact the counselor or administration to discuss your child's needs. Be prepared to outline what techniques and accommodations have been effective so far and ask what services are available. See if you can meet with teachers and support staff to get information about routines, expectations, and rules. Networking with other families who have already walked your path will be very helpful.
Finally, you can increase chances for success with practice. Take your child to any orientation activities before the school year begins. Get his or her schedule as early as possible and actually walk the paths that need to be followed between classes. Try out the locker. Purchase locker organizers and set them up before school starts. Discuss and role play the new skills your child needs to learn, such as getting all supplies from the locker for the next class. Consider developing a checklist to help with organization.
The move from elementary school to middle school doesn't have to be traumatic for your ADHD child. Plan ahead by teaching needed organizational and academic skills well ahead of the need. Prepare for the move by communicating with staff at the new school and by talking to parents of older students about strategies. Practice as many of the required skills and behaviors in the new setting and through role play. Your support and attention to the details of this transition will help ensure your student's success in the years to come.
