Tips for Helping Your Middle Schooler Manage Homework

Middle school is a time of transition for students.  Not only do they have to deal with social and physical changes, but they also have new academic challenges like multiple teachers and larger homework loads.  Recent brain development research tells us that adolescents often have a difficult time planning ahead and processing cause and effect type consequences, which is why middle school students are often reactive instead of proactive.  Their reactive nature also makes it difficult for them to manage their time and, at times, find the motivation to get their homework done.

Schools play an important role in helping middle school students learn how to manage their time.  CMS offers our students opportunities during the school day and after school to get help on their assignments as well as daily planners to help them learn how to organize their school work.  This year, CMS has also implemented Friday School.  Friday school serves two purposes: first, it is an opportunity to finish homework assignments that have not been turned in and second, it is a consequence for not turning in assignments.

Obviously, parents also play a crucial role in helping their middle school students learn how to manage their time and find academic success.  I know that our students' parents do the best that they can to help their students, but I also know that it can be difficult to talk to middle schoolers about school and academics.  Below is a link from schoolfamily.com that provides some simple tips for parents to help them help their middle school students stay on top of their homework and learn time management skills that will help them now and in their future.

Helping Middle Schoolers Mangae Homework