It's hard to believe another school year is coming to a close. Transitions to a new grade level can be exciting yet challenging for students, parents, and educators. Preparing students for grade transitions early and providing support and resources during this time can ease the anxiety of the transition for both students and families and promote student success.

Talking about school and grades can be a sensitive subject with our students. Here are some tips to make those conversations more manageable for both sides.

Be proactive and communicate. Talk to your child about the upcoming transition. Continue conversing with your child about school throughout the quarter, not just in the last weeks. Ask them what they are learning, how they feel they are doing in classes, and if any projects or tests are coming up. If so, address any concerns they may have and offer your support. Having these continued conversations may help catch issues before they become more complicated.
Your child is more than their grade. Your child is also learning other essential life skills, such as conflict resolution, advocating for their needs, organization, managing relationships, stress management, and resilience. Additionally, they have many more qualities to their personality besides what grades they get at school.
Practice empathy. These conversations can bring about shame for students. Shame can cause a breakdown in the conversation and raise defensiveness. Empathy combats shame in these conversations. As Brené Brown put it, "Empathy is connection; it's a ladder out of the shame hole." Active listening is a key component of empathy. Ask your students questions and listen to their responses before formulating your next question.
Use mistakes as an opportunity to reflect. As your child grows from their mistakes, ask them what they would have done differently, what they feel they did right, and how they can apply that knowledge moving forward. This is using our growth mindset: not living in our past mistakes but instead moving forward to the next challenge with the knowledge gained.
Celebrate achievements. No matter how small. It boosts their confidence and motivates them to excel.
Stay involved. Attend school events, volunteer if you can, and stay in touch with teachers.

Remember, we offer a back-to-school night, which is not only an excellent opportunity to get the much-awaited schedule and drop off school supplies but also to meet the new teachers and learn where their classes are located. Next year is going to be a great year!