Our Wildwood, Winter 2018, Volume 42

the self-confidence to meet the increased expectations of middle school. When elementary teachers emphasize the goals of middle school success, students are more likely to succeed. 1 “The kids come to us from the elementary campus very well-prepared,” Becca notes, “with their creative and analytic writing skills, a love of reading, and ability to discuss character and theme at a very high level.” Equally important, she says, “the 5th grade teachers have helped kids get comfortable with asking for help when they need it.” Students have been encouraged to develop a strong sense of curiosity and inquiry. Every summer, Becca and Sandi spend time together . to talk about the past school year and look ahead to . the next. “We talk about our most recent 5th graders—their strengths as individuals and as a class, along with their stretches,” Sandi says. “Every group of kids is unique, . and I tell Becca what approaches our team has used that work best with these kids so she can plan best for the . coming year.” WHEN TEACHERS TALK ...

Becca also uses these summer discussions to help Sandi assess her language arts curriculum and practice with a view toward making the move to middle school as smooth as possible. “As we strengthened our standards at the middle school,” Becca says, “I noticed that my 6th graders needed an earlier start in their skill development. I’ve asked Sandi to help out, and she makes it happen.” As a result, today’s 5th graders focus more intentionally on reading annotation, note taking, and familiarity with the parts of speech—all in order to foster their success in 6th grade.

... KIDS NOTICE

Sixth grader Jacob L. says he felt well-prepared for middle school humanities class. “Sandi talked a lot about what Mrs. H. [as Becca is known to kids] would expect of us,” he says. “And even though I have lots more homework this year, I got a feel for it last year when our 5th grade teachers assigned more as the year went on.”

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“My most embarrassing moment in 6th grade was walking into the wrong classroom at the beginning of the year. I thought I was going into Grace’s room for art class, and I accidentally walked into a 10th grade biology class that was right next door. Oops!”

—JOSIE B., 7TH GRADE