Middle school brings new challenges. Here are a few ways to help your child develop strong study habits:

• Create a "No-Phone Zone": Designate a specific time and place for homework that is free from distractions like phones, TV, or video games.
• Check for Understanding, Don't Give Answers: Instead of giving the answer, ask guiding questions like, "What does the question ask?" or "Where in your notes could you find a clue?" This builds problem-solving skills.
• Break It Down: For large projects or tough assignments, help your child break the task into smaller, manageable steps. A checklist can make a big project feel less intimidating.
• Review the Class Calendar Together: Spend 5 minutes each Sunday evening looking at the class calendar to plan for the week's assignments and quizzes.

Encouraging reading is one of the best ways to support learning. Here are a few highly-recommended books appropriate for middle schoolers that touch on themes of science, curiosity, and resilience: