Author name: Sam

Feeling Safe At School – Important Considerations for Parents

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As Parents, its natural to worry about your children when you’re not around to protect them.

Sending them off to school is no exception – it’s normal to worry, or at least think about, how safe they’ll be. While it’s normal and healthy to consider your child’s safety at school, it is helpful to keep some perspective. Don’t let your imagination run wild dreaming up all the worst-case scenarios as though they were likely to happen (They are not likely to happen).

Over-worrying can at times become the things that does the child harm. For example if they miss out on joining age-appropriate, safe activities with other children due to a parent’s over-the-top caution

If you are wondering – Will my child be safe at school? Then consider this:

Will my child be safe at school?

Yes, your child will almost certainly be safe at school.  Any setting including staying home has some risk. Schools are run by professional staff who have a vested interest in your child being safe and happy so schools are a safe place for children to be.

Will my child feel safe at school?

It can be comforting for parents to know that overwhelmingly, children do feel safe in school.

Data from the from the national Center for Educational Statistics Shows that 95.7% of students at city schools report feeling safe at school. That number jumps to 97.9% feeling safe at suburban schools.

Interestingly, children are more likely to report feeling safe at school if they have “a teacher or adult at school who really cared about them”. (94.1% vs 81.1% for children with no teacher or adult who cared).  *NCES

Why is it important to feel safe at school?

A University Of California study shows that children who feel safe at school are more likely to do well in school. they have better relationships with teachers and peers, have higher GPAs and fewer absences from class.

It also shows that the more students feel safe at school, the more likely they are to get involved in extra-curricular activities like athletics or clubs.

It’s important for parents and educators to help children develop a healthy relationship with school by encouraging them to take part in activities where they can make friends and feel comfortable.

What to do if my child is being bullied at school?

If your child is being bullied, consider talking to their teacher or principal about it. If the bullying is getting worse and there is no improvement, you may want to talk to a school counselor or another adult who works in the school.

You will very likely get the support that you need by talking with the school. If however you don’t then you can also contact the police department at your local police station to file an official report. The police will help you file a report and work with the school district to keep your child safe at school.

If your child is being bullied by peers, there are steps that you should take as well:

Talk to your child about what happened and why it happened. Ask them how they feel about it, what they want you to do, and how they think other people should be treated.

Ask them if anyone else has been involved in their bullying situation. If so, ask them if they have spoken with that person since then and whether or not the situation has been resolved.

If possible, have a conversation with the bully’s parents or guardians. This ensures they know what their son/daughter is going through at school.

Should I move my child to a different school?

These are some things to keep in mind if you’re considering enrolling your child in a new school or making any changes to his or her current one:

  • There are many factors that go into making sure your child will be safe at school, from the school’s policies and procedures to the teachers and parents who staff it.
  • Be prepared for a change in routine. If your child has been at the same school all year, he or she may not be used to the idea of moving or changing teachers or classrooms. Be as supportive as possible and let him/her know that everything will be OK when you move him/her over.
  • Talk with other parents who have children at the same grade level as yours. Find out what they like best about their schools and ask them questions about their experiences there so that you can compare notes with other families in similar situations. You can also ask them how they handled certain situations such as discipline problems and parent-teacher conferences. This information may help ease some of your concerns about leaving family behind when you relocate.
  • Research the different options available for elementary schools

Next, check out our post on building a resilient, happy child.

Wondering How To Study Better? Try These 10 Hacks: The Best Ways to Study

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There are loads of strategies out there on how to make the most of your study time.

I’ve read them all. I’ve tried most. This is the list of the 10 best hacks that will help you master your topic like a boss!

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

1.       Make Yourself More Accountable

Planning to make yourself accountable is a great way to improve your study.  Try writing out a short mission statement that outlines how you will study and refer back to it to stay focused.  Another way to use accountability to your advantage is to find an accountability partner – Sharing your goals with someone and knowing that you are going to report to them on you progress forces you to weigh the discomfort of completing the task against the shame of having to come clean about completing the task

2.       Works In Sprints, Rather Than Long Sessions

Breaking a task down to bite-sized chunks now only makes the job feel more achievable – it also sets you up for earlier success and the sense of momentum that builds.

The folks over at Buffer.com also highlight that breaking work up also keeps you from getting board and helps us retain information.

3.       Focus Mode

Though you may be able to walk and chew gum at the same time, it turns out that being focused on a single task does get that task done faster and better.

When a distraction takes you out of deep concentration it can take as long as 5 minutes to regain the focus so setting yourself up for fewer distractions when studying is a great hack.

So put your phone into Focus Mode and let others around you know that you will be offline until your next scheduled break.

4.       Mix It Up

Test different settings and see what works best for you.  You may find going to the library on a schedule works because there are fewer distractions. 

Perhaps a ritual of rising a few hours earlier will result in more focused study. 

Group study where you can discuss the topic with a peer may be what works for you

Try different things and don’t be afraid to abandon any that you find aren’t worthwhile.

5.       Visualise It – Mind-Map

Mind-maps are a great tool for putting the visual processing side of our brain to use for study.  In particular, mind-maps are helpful for interpreting the information that we take in – Scientifically proven  strategy 😊

6.       Chew Gum When Studying

OK, so you can chew gum while walking though multitasking generally is less effective than focusing on one task. 

That said – a mind hack known as context dependency explains why chewing gum while you study can improve recall if you also chew while recalling.

It’s Hard to keep up I know but stay with me here.

7.       Read Before the Lecture

This just makes sense without much explanation.

If you take the time to review a topic the best way get the feel for the key points and think about what you do and don’t understand ahead of a lecture, then you are going to get more out of the lecture.  This is because your existing, high level understanding of the scope and key points will allow you to focus more on understanding the detail.

It will also allow give you the chance to have concepts that you weren’t clear on explained in a different way and time to think about any clarifying questions.

8.        Eat A Frog for Breakfast

Twenty-first century study guru Mark Twain, known best for his unconventional breakfast preferences says going in hard and doing the least desirable task first is the best way to get it done.  This is wise advice for any student that struggles with procrastination.  The battle is in your head so that’s where you need to fight!  Just get in and get it done regardless of how hard it is or how imperfect the result is. – JUST. GET. IT. DONE. –  so you can move on to the next thing without the mental burden.

9.       Flash

Like the Mind Map, Flash Cards engage different pathways in your brain for learning.

Usign Flashcards also introduces more variety which helps keep study interesting.

10.   Make A Distractions List.

Talking about mental burden, if you find yourself distracted by some off-topic thought or task and it’s disrupting your flow, try adding it to a Distraction List. 

This tactic that is often referenced as a way to deal with persistent thoughts that keep you awake at night can also be great for parking a thought that is keeping you from focusing on study.

The idea is that your brain won’t drop the thought it out of subconscious fear that of it does then the thought will never be handled.  By writing the interrupting thought down on a list for later, you are addressing this subconscious fear so your brain will have an easier job staying focused on your study.

How to Build Resilience for a Happy Child

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Have you ever noticed how we can be so vulnerable to the smallest setbacks? We all have our moments and children are no exception to this. It’s tough to build resilience, but with a little practice, you’ll find that resilience is something can be built on — and developing resilience make all the difference when times get tough.

Let’s explore some of the ways we can build resilience in ourselves and in our children:

Developing self-awareness

Self-awareness is the ability to recognize and understand your own thoughts and feelings. It’s the first step in building resilience, because it allows you to see yourself clearly—and make sure you know what works for you.

For example: If I’m feeling anxious about my job interview tomorrow, but don’t know why or how much it will affect me, then my self-awareness isn’t developed enough yet. If instead I realize that it’s a problem with me being too nervous (rather than being in the wrong place), then I can work on developing this skill further by collecting evidence supporting my theory: “I’m so bad at interviewing,” or maybe “I just don’t like small talk.”

Improving your ability to cope with stressors

  • Recognize what triggers stress. Stress is a normal part of life, but when you’re under constant pressure and dealing with difficult situations, it can become overwhelming. To improve your ability to cope with stressful situations, it’s important that you understand what triggers your stress and know your limits.
  • Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or yoga regularly—this will help keep your mind calm during stressful times.
  • Set realistic goals for yourself so that they don’t feel overwhelming when they are reached (e.g., “I’m going to run three miles every day” instead of “I’ll run 10 miles one day”).
  • Don’t take on too much at once; take things step by step if possible so that there is less chance of burning out on one thing before moving onto another task/goal/project..

Connect with others

Connecting with others is important for resilience. You can have a great life if you connect with people, and the best way to do this is through relationships. Here are some tips:

  • Be open minded: Open your mind to new ideas and experiences, even if they seem unusual or uncomfortable at first. This will help you develop a stronger sense of self-awareness that’s necessary for connecting with others effectively (and vice versa).
  • Be friendly: People often say that we need friends more than anything else in order to be happy—but what does this mean? It means you should make friends wherever possible; after all, without them there’d be no one else who could understand what it was like growing up as an introvert/extrovert!

Maintain a positive outlook

Maintaining a positive outlook is essential to resilience. When you think of the word “resilient,” you might think of someone who bounces back from tough times or doesn’t let setbacks get them down. But this isn’t necessarily true; there’s more to being resilient than just surviving bad things in your life.

To be truly resilient, it’s important that you recognize how much opportunities can change your life for the better—and how much these changes can help make things better for yourself and others around you too! If something happens that seems like it will derail your plans or make things worse, don’t give up hope—think about what happened instead as an opportunity for growth rather than failure (no matter how hard it may seem at first). The key here is not letting anything bad happen enough times so that there are no opportunities left in front of us anymore…

Accept that change is part of life

When we’re young, we may think of change as something to avoid. But as we get older and have more experiences, we realize that change is part of life. We may not like it or understand why it happens, but accepting it allows us to move forward with our lives in a better way.

Acceptance is a key factor when building resilience because it allows us to see things from other people’s perspectives—for example:

  • Accepting that your parents might not always be there when you need them (or know what they’re doing) because they’ve moved on with their lives;
  • Accepting that another person has had an experience similar to yours but still manages his/her life well;
  • Accepting that some days are harder than others but overall life isn’t perfect either

Move toward your goals

  • Focus on the positive.
  • Keep your goals realistic.
  • Be patient, but keep moving forward.
  • Don’t let setbacks stop you from reaching your goal or making progress toward it. If something goes wrong—if there’s an obstacle in your path—don’t let it discourage you! You’ll find a way around those challenges if they stand in the way of achieving your goals and dreams; just keep working toward them until they’re done!

Take care of yourself

  • Get enough sleep. Sleep is the most important thing you can do for yourself, as well as being one of the best ways to build resilience.
  • Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet will help keep you feeling energized and focused throughout your day, making it easier to handle stress and anxiety when they arise.
  • Exercise regularly (preferably daily). Regular exercise is key for building resilience because it helps keep our bodies strong physically and mentally through regular physical activity or mental challenges like meditation or yoga! The more often we move our bodies—whether by running around outside or taking a walk after work—the better prepared we are for whatever life throws at us next!
  • Take time out from work sometimes—even if only 5 minutes every day! Taking breaks from work every once in awhile allows us all sorts of benefits including reducing blood pressure levels which has been shown time after time again; burning calories faster than usual; increasing productivity levels across various tasks such as writing reports during conference calls etcetera.”

Nurture a resilient spirit

Luckily, there are a few things you can do to cultivate resilience. Here’s how:

  • Be grateful for what you have. When we’re in a state of overwhelm or stress, it’s easy to forget our blessings (and this is true even if it’s just the light outside your window). But being thankful for what we have helps us feel more grounded and balanced by reminding us that everything is okay at this moment—even if it isn’t exactly ideal. Plus, gratitude has been shown to reduce anxiety by strengthening our immune systems; so don’t be afraid to tell yourself “thank you” every day!
  • Practice mindfulness meditation regularly so that when something stressful happens in your life (or even just when something doesn’t go according to plan), instead of getting upset or overwhelmed with negativity over whatever happened (e.g., “I shouldn’t have said ‘no'”), try remembering all those times where things went right instead: “I was able to get through my morning commute without getting behind schedule” or “My daughter got into college after all.” Being grateful helps us become aware of all these positive moments while simultaneously giving ourselves permission not take them for granted anymore—which leads me directly onto my next point…

Build resilience by connecting with others

Building resilience is a process. It’s not just about being resilient, it’s about building a positive quality of being that will help you get through tough times. There are many ways to build resilience: connecting with others, maintaining a positive outlook on life, accepting change and moving toward your goals. Taking care of yourself and nurturing your spirit are also important facets of the process.

This article has explored the importance of building resilience and how you can do it. As we saw, resilience is a complex trait that can be learned and improved through connection with others, maintaining a positive outlook, accepting change as part of life, moving toward your goals, taking care of yourself and nurturing a resilient spirit.

Building a child’s resilience gives them tools to deal with life’s challenges including things like Bullying.

Is My Child Being Bullied? The Warning Signs

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Bullying can be an awful experience for a child. It can cause them to feel unsafe and unable to trust people.

Bullying can also affect the way a child learns, eats and sleeps. It can cause intense stress which can affect their body and mind.

If you think your child is being bullied, it is important to get help as soon as possible.

You should contact your child’s school or call the local council to report the bullying.

If you are worried about your child, here are some signs of bullying to look out for:

  • Feelings of helplessness or decreased self esteem
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Changes in eating patterns
  • Unexplainable injuries
  • Frequent tears or anger
  • Mood swings
  • Feels ill in the morning
  • Becomes aggressive and unreasonable
  • Declining grades, loss of interest in schoolwork, or not wanting to go to school
  • Refuses to talk about what is wrong
  • Has unexplained bruises, cuts, scratches
  • Comes home with missing or damaged belongings or clothes
  • Comes home hungry.

If you suspect your child may be getting bullied you should contact the school at the earliest opportunity, as bullying problems can sometimes be resolved with guidance from staff. Don’t leave it too long – you need act sooner rather than later.

If you are after more information on bullying then check out the resources at stopbullying.gov, Otherwise, why not have a look at another school-aged related topics on SqueakyLocker!

5 Things to Know About Middle School History

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You’re probably thinking history is boring. I know, but it’s not. It’s actually a fascinating class. Students get the chance to unpack some of the big events that shaped the world we have today. From the great upheaval of Middle Ages to the American Revolution when the US flipped-out and unfriended the British!

What should you expect in middle school history classes? What big events are covered? Why do students need to learn about it in the first place? This article answers those questions.

Here are five things you should know about middle school history:

  1. The curriculum is broken up into time periods – such as ancient civilizations, medieval and early modern times, colonial America, 19th century America and 20th century America.
  2. Middle school students typically study two or three time periods each year. A few extra weeks at the end of each grade level are devoted to studying one specific topic in greater detail (e.g., women’s history).
  3. Students may spend more than half of their class time learning about American history. They also study other parts of the world during related topics rather than as separate units in themselves (e.g., World War II).
  4. Most schools have adopted a standards-based approach to teaching history. This approach focuses on core content instead of specific textbooks.
  5. History is a really important subject, understanding the past helps with understanding the now and also helps with how we think about the future.

What topics are covered in Middle school History?

  1. Neolithic period

The Neolithic period was a time when humans first began to settle down and farm. They started growing crops and raising animals, which led to more permanent settlements.

  • Middle Ages

The Middle Ages were a time of great upheaval in Western Europe. Many wars being fought over land and religion. But it was also a time when great artists like Leonardo da Vinci were born, along with Michelangelo and Botticelli.

  • Renaissance

The Renaissance was a period of history that stretched from the 14th century to the 17th century. It was characterized by a renewed interest in classical culture, which included mathematics and art.

  • Scientific Revolution

The Scientific Revolution is a period that took place in Europe between the mid-15th century and the end of the 17th century. It was a time when many great minds began to question the nature of the world around them and how it worked. This led to many new discoveries, including the invention of the microscope and telescope.

  • The American Revolution

The American Revolution was a time of great change in the United States. It was also a time of great conflict, with the Patriots fighting against the British for their freedom.

  • The Cold War

The Cold War was one of the most important events in 20th century history. It shaped our world and made us who we are today.

The Cold War began with World War II and ended with the fall of communism in Central and Eastern Europe in 1989. It was an ideological conflict between two superpowers — the United States and its NATO allies on one side, and the Soviet Union on the other — that lasted nearly half a century.

The Wrap Up

So, there you have it. Now you know what to expect from middle school history. It’s a fascinating class – You will get the chance to unpack some of the big events that shaped the world we have today – From the great upheaval of Middle Ages to the American Revolution when the US kicked out the Brits!

You should probably go check out our guide to middle school math now: What You Will Learn About In Middle School Math – How to Blitz Math Class

What You Will Learn About In Middle School Math – How to Blitz Math Class

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In middle school, you’ll continue to build on the skills you learned in elementary school, but you’ll start to tackle more complicated problems and concepts. Middle school math is a little bit different than elementary school. The most important thing to remember is that the math you’re doing now is designed to prepare you for high school and beyond.

Most of your math instruction will be in core classes like algebra, geometry, and statistics. You’ll also have some math electives like computer science or business math.

Middle school students will learn about a wide range of subjects in math. The content will depend on the grade level and state or district, but there are some common topics that you can expect to see.

The topics covered in middle school math include:

Geometry – Geometry is the study of shapes and spatial relationships. You will learn about congruence (two figures are congruent if they have exactly the same shape), similarity (two figures are similar if they have the same angles but different overall sizes), angles and their measure, triangles, quadrilaterals (squares and rectangles), polygons and their properties, circles and their properties, three-dimensional objects such as cubes or pyramids (known as polyhedra), parallel lines and transversals.

Addition – Adding two or more numbers together is a basic skill taught in middle school. Students will learn how to add two-digit numbers together, as well as three-digit numbers. Students also learn how to add mixed numbers (numbers with a whole number and a fraction), such as 3 1/2 plus 4 3/4.

Subtraction – Subtraction is another basic skill that students learn in middle school. You will need to know how to subtract two-digit numbers from one another, as well as three-digit numbers from one another. You will learn how to subtract mixed numbers from one another (those with a whole number and a fraction). For example, you could be asked how much 3 1/2 minus 4 3/4 equals.

Multiplication– Multiplication is an important part of middle school math because it teaches you how many ways, they can combine two or more things together to get something else — often referred as solving “times tables”.

Variables – In middle school, you will begin learning about variables, algebraic equations and functions. You’ll also learn about quadratic equations, which are used to find the roots of polynomials. In addition to these topics, you will start learning the basics of geometry and trigonometry.

You may be expected to memorize facts and formulas for use later in your studies. This can include information on ratios, proportions and percentages. Also, you’ll need to know how to divide fractions as well as use scientific notation with numbers expressed in exponential form.

Middle school math courses often include homework assignments that require you to practice what you’ve learned in class by completing problems that require you to apply mathematical knowledge and reasoning skills in real-world situations. These assignments help students prepare for standardized tests such as SATs (Scholastic Aptitude Tests) or ACTs (American College Testing).

Measurement & data analysis. This topic covers how to measure length using rulers and other tools such as calculators or computers; how to measure weight using scales; how to measure temperature using thermometers; how to calculate averages; how to calculate proportions and rates of change over time; and what it means for two quantities to be equal (or not).

Statistics & probability. This topic examines how statistics is used in everyday life; how statistics can be used to compare two groups or populations; how statistics can help us answer questions about data collected from surveys

Problem Solving – You’ll learn to solve problems using a variety of methods, including modelling, reasoning and mental computation. You will also learn to recognize when there is no solution to a problem, as well as when a solution is not appropriate given certain conditions.

Connections -you may be asked to make connections between different topics within mathematics, between mathematics and other disciplines such as science and technology, and between mathematics and real-world contexts.

Communication – you will be shown how to communicate effectively your mathematical thinking through words, symbols and drawings as well as orally for more complex concepts.

Measurement (length, area, volume) – Measurement is the process of figuring out how big or small something is. It’s also the process of finding out how many units there are in a given space, such as a square foot or an acre. In middle school, kids learn about the different types of measurement — length, area and volume — and how to use them to solve problems.

I hope this outline has helped you understand how your math classes are structured and that you have a better idea of what to expect as you begin middle school. Math can be an interesting even if it is a bit challenging at times. remember, if you find there are particular types of problems that you struggle on, try to seek help from a tutor, teacher, or parent.

Middle School – Ultimate Student’s Guide to The Best School Dance Ever!

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When you go to your first school dance, there is going to be a lot of excitement.  With Middle School Dances, the emphasis is on fun. It’s an amazing opportunity to meet new people and have a good time. But where do you start? Never fear, this post will guide you through all the things you need to consider so that you are ready for the fun, so read on and don’t forget to share your thoughts with us at the end.

What Can I Expect to Happen At Middle School Dance?

Middle school dances are usually held in the gym or cafeteria. If it’s your first time going to one, don’t worry about dressing up too fancy — most people don’t wear anything special.

You’ll probably have some free time before the dance starts so that you can get ready for it. You may want to bring makeup, hairspray and other hair products with you so that you can touch up your look once you’re there. Just check with you school to make sure you don’t bring anything that is not permitted.

Once the dance starts, there will be music playing in the background while kids hang out and talk with their friends. There may be some games on the dance floor or just off to the side where students can play together during breaks between songs. Some dances even have contests where students sign up ahead of time and compete against each other for prizes like gift cards or stuffed animals!

What about the actual Dancing?

There are many ways to dance at school. You may choose to go solo and dance by yourself, or you may choose to ask someone to dance with you.

Ask someone – Approach who you want to dance with and just ask if they can dance with you. If they say no, don’t take it personally. If they say yes, don’t forget to thank them for dancing with you!

Solo Dance – Feel free to dance solo as well, whether it be in a group setting or at home alone. If you’re having trouble finding people to dance with, try taking some classes at your local community center or YMCA/YWCA center and meet new people that way!

Social Dance – Social dances are usually done in groups of two or more people who are dancing together as a couple or group of friends looking for a good time. These dances usually don’t have any steps; instead, they focus on the interaction between dancers and their ability to move freely without worrying about steps like in ballroom dancing.

How Not to Be Awkward At School Dances

Here are some tips for how not to be awkward at school dances:

Don’t try too hard. If you’re nervous about going to a middle school dance, don’t worry! Everyone else is too! Don’t worry about making mistakes — everyone else is making them too. And don’t worry about talking to people — everyone else is trying too! If you want someone’s attention, just go up and talk to them like they’re a normal person. You’ll be fine!

Remember that it’s just like any other party — except that it’s at school and has some extra rules. You’re allowed to have fun as long as it doesn’t break any rules or get anyone in trouble (and especially if it doesn’t get your teacher in trouble).

Don’t stress out about what other people think of you. This is a common issue for middle schoolers who are entering their tween years and going through puberty. It’s important not to let what other people think hold you back from having fun at school dances.

Practice dancing with your friends so that you don’t look like a total newbie when it’s time to hit the dance floor with your date (if you’re bringing one). These days, most middle school dances have a “couples” theme so even if you don’t have someone to go with, there’s no shame in asking someone else to be your partner!

Dress comfortably, but not too casual! You want to look nice while still being comfortable enough to dance around freely. Don’t wear high heels if you’ll be spending the whole night on concrete floors—they’ll kill your feet!

If things do get awkward between you and your date (or dance-partner), just smile and say something funny like “don’t worry, this will all be over soon.”  A little comedy will help break the awkwardness.

How To Dance and Not Look Awkward

You can take dance lessons or watch some YouTube videos to get started. It’s easy to look awkward when you’re just learning how to dance, but once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to enjoy yourself and have fun without feeling self-conscious about your skills.

• Listen to the beat and dance in time with it
• Loosen up
• Match your intensity to the music
• Enjoy the moment
• Remember that everyone else is nervous too

Do You Have to Dance at A Middle School Dance?

No, but you should! Dancing is a big part of the fun. Remember that everyone else at the middle school dance probably feels as awkward as you do! If you see someone standing alone, go up and talk to them — they might just want some company! And if someone else is standing alone, invite them to dance with you. It’s better than just standing there by yourself. The best way to avoid feeling awkward at a middle school dance is to just relax and go with the flow. You don’t need to know every single move or have perfect coordination — just try your best and have fun!

Some tips for Slow Dancing

Slow dancing is the perfect opportunity to get close to a crush, but it can be pretty intimidating if you’ve never done it before. If you’re nervous about slow dancing with your crush at your middle school dance, try these tips:

When someone asks you to dance and you would like to dance with them, smile and say “yes.” Then follow their lead as they put their hands on your waist or shoulder and guide you around the floor together. Don’t worry about doing something wrong — just enjoy yourself!

Don’t be afraid of being close with your dance partner. It’s okay if you feel nervous at first because most people do when they slow dance for the first time, but don’t worry about it because it will pass once you get used to dancing with each other.

Once the song ends and you’re done slow dancing you might wonder what to do next. You could simply smile at your partner and say “Thank you for dancing with me” and then if you do not want to continue dancing with them “Enjoy the rest of the night”.  If you would like to spend more time with your dance partner then you could say something like “Would you like to come get a drink with me?” or “I hope we get another chance to dance tonight”

Avoid the Drama

Drama, or problems between students, is something that starts small but can grow out of control quickly. Don’t let drama get to you. Some people will want to start drama with you or about you, but try not to let it bother you too much. Keep calm and move on from anything that happens. Don’t let things get under your skin—it’s not worth it!

Getting Ready for School Dance – 8 Steps

  1. Decide what to wear and shop for it
    • Consider the dress code that your school has for the dance
    • Talk with your friends about what they are wearing – ladies usually want to avoid wearing the same thing (It happens but don’t fret if this does happens to you!)
    • Choose something that will be comfortable to dance in for a few hours
    • Guys: A formal suit or Tux are most often an example of ‘too much’
    • Ladies: High heels are pretty difficult to dance in and in no way necessary
    • Make sure you’re not going to be too hot or cold – Consider a jacked or coat that can be taken off if moving between heated and non-heated areas.
    • Make sure you look like you have made some effort but don’t go over the top
    • If you’re taking a date, think about if your outfits go well together – they don’t need to match but you should make sure they don’t clash for your photos
  2. Make sure the date is marked on the calendar to help avoid clashes
  3. Have a plan for how you will get there and home again.  If you’re going to a middle school dance then most often your parents will take you by car.
  4. Allow yourself enough time to get ready so you’re not rushed.  Don’t forget to allow time for ironing clothes, having a shower, doing hair/makeup
  5. Leave for the dance a little early – consider what the traffic will be like at the date and time that you will be leaving and make sure you are not going to be stuck and stressing out in traffic!
  6. Have a meal before you leave – Have something that you are used to eating so you don’t risk an upset stomach at the dance – don’t eat too much either to avoid feeling bloated.
  7. Charge your phone so you can snap photos with your friends without worrying that you won’t have enough charge to call your parents if needed
  8. Agree on a meeting place and time with your friends and/or date before the day so you’re not feeling anxious about finding them when you arrive.

In Conclusion – Middle school dances can be a lot of fun if you go in with an open mind and don’t sweat the small stuff. Plan ahead so you’re not stressing about things on the day. Most importantly remember that your peers are all about as experienced as you are and will be feeling the same mix of excitement and anxiety as you feel.  Talk about things with your friends and remember to be gentle with each – If you and your friends consciously focus on making it a happy and memorable time you will all have the best dance ever!

School Camp – What You Need to Know Before Going on School Camp

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This guide is here to give you a heads up on what to expect from school camp and what to bring. We’ve covered everything from preparing for school camp, packing list, activities info and everything else you need to know about school camp.

School camps are a great way to try new things and meet new people. They also provide an opportunity to practise independence skills and learn new things in a safe environment.

The following tips will help you get the most out of your school camp experience:

  • Plan what you want to do at school camp before you go so that you can take advantage of all the activities on offer.
  • Be responsible for yourself and follow directions given by staff and teachers at all times.
  • Be polite, courteous and respectful towards everyone at school camp including teachers, other students and parents/carers who may be visiting during the day or staying overnight with their children.

How To Prepare for Having A Great Time At School Camp

Here are some tips on how to prepare for having a great time at school camp:

  1. Get enough sleep before school camp starts. If you feel tired, you will not be able to enjoy yourself as much or learn as much from the activities that are going on around you. It is important to get enough sleep in order to have energy throughout the day.
  2. Come with an open mind and get involved. Going to camp puts you into a new environment so embrace it or you might as well stay at home
  3. Prepare your clothes and personal items in advance. Don’t get caught out by something you forgot! Make sure that everything that you need is packed up properly so that there will be no last-minute searching for essentials like deodorant or shampoo!

School Camp Packing List – What to Bring

Packing for school camp is exciting and Camp can be tricky if you forget something. Below is a list of what I recommend bringing. Please note that there are no lockers at school camp, so it’s important to pack light and only take what you need!

  • Clothes including
    • socks
    • underwear
    • Comfortable daytime clothes appropriate for the climate of where you are staying (you probably want a new set of clothes each day)
    • bathing suit / swim-shirt
    • Sun hat
    • warm clothes for the evening
    • shoes for walking
    • flip-flops for the showers
    • pyjamas
  • A sleeping bag
  • A pillow case and pillow (or a sleeping bag liner)
  • A torch or headlamp (and batteries)
  • toiletries,
  • Sunscreen (at least 30+ SPF),
  • insect repellent
  • lip balm with sun protection factor 15+ or higher
  • Snacks
  • Small games (e.g., travel games) to play with your friends during down-time
  • Bring along some spending money with you so that if there are any extras (such as snacks) available at school camp, then they will not cost anything extra out of your pocket!

What Will Happen at School Camp?

You should prepare for having an open mind and being ready for some challenges. But it’s also about enjoying yourself and spending time with your friends so don’t forget to pack games and books or whatever you like to do when you’re having fun hanging out with your friends outside of school!

The full range of activities offered at school camps varies from one camp to another, but most camps will offer some activities in common. These include:

  1. Swimming is one of the most popular activities that people do at school camp. Swimming is a great way to keep fit and healthy. And it’s also very relaxing!
  2. Hiking is another popular activity at school camp. Hiking is good exercise, but also gives you time to be alone with your thoughts and enjoy nature.
  3. Canoeing or kayaking is a fun way to explore rivers, lakes or oceans! You might even see some wildlife along the way!
  4. Archery or rifle shooting for older students. Archery or rifle shooting are great ways to practice your skills as well as have fun with friends from other schools!
  5. Creative arts is often an option at school camps – many schools include art and music classes as part of their program at school camp. Activities can include drama, dance and photography.
  6. Crafts – You’ll also learn how to do different kinds of arts and crafts, like drawing, painting and sculpting.
  7. Swimming is a very popular activity at school camp – especially in the warmer months.
  8. Science activities that are designed to be fun and challenging, so you’ll get a real sense of achievement from completing them successfully
  9. Woodwork classes are often the most popular class at school camp. Woodworking classes teach students how to safely use power tools and build a variety of projects
  10. Campfire cooking classes are a fun way for students to learn about camping and cooking on an open fire.Games
  11. Movie nights – People always have amazing stories about their school camps and one of the most popular ones is when they talk about movie nights at their camps. Movie nights are probably one of the most fun activities that happen during school camps. Kids get together, watch some of their favourite movies, eat popcorn and generally have a great time together.
  12. Storytelling – You can tell stories about anything – your own life or made-up ones about monsters and fairies. If you want to try something different why not write your own story?

What If I Get Homesick at School Camp?

You can feel homesick at school camp. The first few nights can be hard. You might miss your family, your friends or your pets. But don’t worry! You’re not alone and there are lots of things you can do to help yourself feel better.

If you have a friend who is going on the same trip as you, make sure that you spend time together every day. It might help if one of your friends goes with their parents on an outing or tries something new like rock climbing or horse riding. You could even arrange for your group leader or parent helper to take photos of your group doing things together so that everyone gets into the photos!

Doing activities together as part of your day program helps create bonds between campers, which makes it easier for everyone to feel comfortable at camp.

Here are a few more tips to deal with homesickness when you’re on school camp:

  1. Talk about it with other people in your group or cabin
  2. Write a letter to someone at home (but don’t send it)
  3. Play games with other people in your group or cabin
  4. Write down all the good things about being away from home (and show this list to someone if you want).
  5. Look at photos of your family and friends back home so that when you do see them again, they will seem even more special than ever!
  6. Call home every day – it will make you feel closer to them and take away some of your homesickness
  7. Make friends with other students and hang out with them – this will help you get over your loneliness quickly
  8. Talk to the counsellors or teachers – they want to hear about how you are feeling, so they can help in any way they can

School Camp can be a wonderful and memorable experience.  If you’re preparing for School Camp is a really fun experience and it only takes one or two days to make a bunch of new friends. You could end up meeting some great people that you wouldn’t have met in your day-to-day life at school or even your neighbourhood. You never know who might end up being your next best friend!

First day of middle school – Ultimate Student Guide

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Welcome to the Ultimate Student Guide on your first day of middle school! I’m Jo, and I’ll be your guide through the year. I’ve been a student teacher for 6 years now, and have seen the highs and lows of this journey. Here are some tips that I wish someone had told me when I was all nervous and unsure!

What To Bring to The First Day of Middle School?

The first day of middle school can be an exciting time for students and their families, but it also can be a stressful one.

If you’re not sure what you need to bring to the first day of middle school, here are some things to consider:

School supplies. Go shopping with your parents early, before the school year starts and buy anything that is on your school supplies list that you don’t already have – including uniforms.

Food – A healthy lunch for the first day is a must. It’s a good idea to pack a few snacks too, especially if you take public transport home in the afternoon.

Organise The Materials That You Need for Day One of Middle School

Check your class schedule to see what classes you have each day – If there are any materials that you need for class, bring them with you so that they’re available during class time. You can also leave these materials at home if it turns out that they’re not needed or useful in class.

Try On Your Uniform Before the First Day

Before you head to school for the first time, try on your uniform. Make sure that it fits you properly and that it looks good. If you have any questions or concerns, talk with your parents about them at home before you go to school the next day.

Print Out Your Class Schedule and Plan How to Get to Classes. If you are taking the bus, make sure you know when the bus arrives and what route it takes. You can also plan where you will park your car when arriving at school.

If you have questions about how to get to classes, talk with your teacher or parent about it before going to school.

Have A Plan for The Year / Have Some Goals?

Planning and goal setting is a very important part of middle school. In order to get a good start in your new school, you need to have a plan for the year, but also set some goals for yourself. During the first couple of weeks of school, ask your teacher or guidance counsellor what they would like you to focus on during this time. This will help your teacher know where they can help you and will give you some ideas about what you could achieve this year.

What Classes Should I Sign Up for In Middle School?

Before you can decide what courses to take in middle school, you should think about the subjects that interest you and find out what they’re like. For example, if you like art or music and would like to study in a class that uses these subjects, you’ll need to ask your teacher if there’s one available.

Be Ready for Group Work in Middle School

Middle schoolers are more likely to be encouraged to work together in group projects. This is because middle school teachers often want students to learn how to collaborate with others, solve problems and think critically. Group projects allow you to practice these skills while working with your friends.

In Middle School there’s a good chance that your class will be split up into groups and given specific tasks: maybe one person will be in charge of research and another person will be responsible for writing up an outline while another student writes the paper itself. Or maybe all three people will each do one part of the paper — making sure it’s grammatically correct, making sure it has enough facts and figures to back up its arguments, etc.

Group work can be fun! But it can also be stressful if you’re not used to working with other people on projects or if you’re shy about sharing ideas with other people.  Be prepared for a mix of personalities in your group and try approach the challenge with a friendly and open mind!

Be Ready for More Responsibility in Middle School

You’ll have to get used to being away from your parents, and being responsible for yourself during the school day. You’ll be expected to keep track of your homework and assignments, and organize your time so you can get everything done. You might even have some choices to make — like deciding which classes to take or how much time to spend on homework each night.

Be ready for homework on weekends and during summer vacation. Middle school teachers expect students to keep up with classwork on weekends and during summer vacation just like they would during regular school hours. The same goes for teachers who assign papers or projects outside of class time; they expect students to do work when they’re not in class so that they can help them if they get stuck somewhere along the way.

Focus on getting along with your classmates. It might not seem important now, but in high school, it’s all about who your friends are. Try to keep up with old friends from elementary school — they’ll be more likely to help you out as you get older if they know that you’re still friends with them!

Try Harder in The Classes You Hate

You may not have been excited about math or science when you were younger, but it’s important that you do well in those subjects now because they’re considered “gateway” courses. They’re required for most high school courses and SAT tests. And good grades will look good on college applications.

Focus On Getting Along with Your Classmates.

It might not seem important now, but in high school, it’s all about who your friends are. Try to keep up with old friends from elementary school — they’ll be more likely to help you out as you get older if they know that you’re still friends with them!

Here Are A Few More Tips to Help You Make This Transition a Positive Experience:

  1. Explore your new environment. Find out where the restrooms and cafeteria are located, locate your classes and get comfortable with the layout of the school building before it gets too crazy at lunchtime or after school.
  2. Meet new people. You’ll probably have a few classes with students you know from elementary school but most of your classmates won’t be familiar faces — so go ahead and introduce yourself!
  3. Get involved in extracurricular activities. Whether it’s sports, music or theatre, joining clubs and organizations is a great way to meet new friends who share similar interests and talents.
  4. Make plans for after school activities that interest you — whether it’s playing sports at recess or practicing piano after dinner — so you don’t just sit around waiting for it to end each day.
  5. Ask questions! If something confuses you or doesn’t seem right, don’t wait until tomorrow — ask an adult about it right away

Hopefully, this guide has provided some valuable insights on the middle school years. It can be an emotional time, to say the least. Be sure to take care of your academic needs and communicate with your parents regularly. Also be mindful of your friends. Middle school can be tough sometimes, but you’ll be better prepared for it by making connections and attending extracurricular activities today. You’re already halfway there!

I hope you enjoyed reading these ideas. I have more tips on the way, so stay tuned. Please feel free to comment on any article.

Middle School Friendship – Your Guide to Having Great Friendships

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What’s a healthy middle school friendship look like?

Middle school friendships can be tricky, especially when you’re in the thick of the social scene. It’s hard to find people who you feel comfortable with and who will accept you for who you are. When it comes to being friends, there are some things that your age group does not understand. Here is what you need to know about making healthy friendships in middle school:

Don’t Be Afraid To Break Up With Your Friends

Your best friend may be annoying or even mean at times, but don’t let that stop you from being friends with them. If they are not meeting your needs as a friend, then it is time to break up with them. Middle school can be hard because everyone has different interests, but if your friend doesn’t share those interests then it might be best for them not to be friends with you anymore.

Be Nice To Everyone

When we were younger we often criticized others without realizing how much pain they were feeling inside. We may have thought they were being mean or bad when really they just needed our kindness more than anything else! Middle schoolers tend to

There are many ways to have a healthy middle school friendship. You can enjoy each other’s company, share interests, and even help each other with homework.

Here are some tips for making your middle school friendships healthy:

Be honest. Honesty is one of the most important things in any friendship. If you’re not being honest about what you’re thinking or doing, it will lead to problems in your relationship. This can also cause stress between you and your friend because they may feel like they aren’t getting the truth from you.

Take turns helping each other out with homework. Doing something together, like going to the movies or playing a video game while they do their work can help build trust between you and your friend and also shows that you care about them as well as their education.

Talk about things that are important to both of you. It’s important that both parties feel comfortable sharing their opinions and feelings because this helps build trust in the relationship. If your friend has something bothering them but doesn’t want to bring it up at first, let them know that it’s okay if they don’t want to talk about it right now; just make sure

Friendships in middle school are different than friendships in elementary school. They’re more intense, and they can be more challenging. But they can also be more rewarding.

Just as you had friends during your early years of school, you’ll have friends at middle school. You may have a few close friends who have been friends since kindergarten together, or maybe you have a few new friends who are growing into your friendship as the year goes on. Whatever the case may be, there’s one thing that all friendships in middle school share: the need for support.

As you make new friends and form bonds with them, it’s important to remember that no matter how much fun your classes may seem like on the surface, underneath it all there is a lot of stress and pressure on your mind and body because of the changes happening around you — changes that aren’t necessarily easy to deal with.

So as we approach another year at middle school, I want to remind you of some of these things:

1) Friendships don’t always last forever. Your best friend today may not be your best friend tomorrow because two people can grow apart over time.

The best part of middle school is that you can have so many friends. You have your friends from school, you have your friends from sports, and sometimes even other classes.

You don’t need to be best friends with everyone in your grade but you should always try to make at least one good friend that you can talk to about everything and trust completely. If you don’t have any friends in your class, then try making some new ones! It’s never too late to start building a strong friendship with someone else.

How To Make (and keep) Good Friends in Middle School

Making good friends in middle school is hard, and it’s even harder if you’re not used to having a lot of friends. If you think you might be struggling with this issue, here are some tips to help you get started:

1. Try to get out of your comfort zone as much as possible. Your middle school years are all about trying new things, so don’t be afraid to try something new!

2. Ask people questions! Don’t be afraid to ask someone why they did something or what they’re thinking about doing next. You never know what kind of insight you’ll find out about them!

3. Be patient—it will take time for people to get comfortable around you, but it’s totally worth it when they do! Overcoming challenges with middle school friendships

Best things to do with friends in middle school

If you want to make your middle school years even better, here are some of the best things to do with friends in middle school:

-Go on a sleepover! It’s not just for kids anymore.

-Get a group together and play board games. Board games are so much fun, but they’re also good for bonding!

-Get together with your friends and do something fun every week. Middle school friendships don’t have to be all about hanging out—they can also be about doing things together like going to the movies or making crafts together!

-Going on hikes. Hiking is one of the best ways to get outside and enjoy nature—and it’s even better when there’s someone else with you who shares the same passion for hiking as you do! You can even find great hikes near your house or near where you live.

-Playing video games together in the living room

Overall, middle school friendships may be difficult to navigate at times, but they can be very rewarding once you have found someone who you connect with. Just remember to find people who treat you well. It can be hard to form new friendships when the social pressures at this stage of your life are so intense. Be patient and make an effort to get to know others—that might just be your ticket out of the middle school friendship scene.