Welcome to 7th

Grade!

AgendaIntroductions: Mrs. Dowty (A-L)

Mrs. Jennings (M-Z)Group ActivityPhysical Changes and ChallengesSocial Changes and ChallengesAcademic Changes and ChallengesParent to Parent discussionQuestions/Evaluations

Group ActivityDiscuss as a table what changes you have noticed in your 7th grader from when your he or she began 6th grade last year. Are the changes social, academic, or physical in nature? (or all of the above?!?!)

On the index cards provided, please write a situation that you have encountered with your 7th grader related to these changes.

Physical, Social, and Academic Changes

Physical Changes• High energy• Rest needed• Skin problems• Most girls reach

their mature height and begin menstruation

• Most boys start growth spurts and voice changes

Resulting Challenges

• Need for privacy• Clothing needs• Athletic status• Being prepared• Feeling inferior/need to fit in• Change in sleep patterns

Social ChangesGirls:• More emphasis on looks & neatness• Social awareness• Loyalty to friends increases• In-fighting with peer group• More fighting at home• Feelings easily hurt

Boys:• Identification with a group of guys• Possible struggles with academics • Become private; give one word answers• Increased interest in girls• Become angry more often; sometimes with physical

responses• Need to be cool

Resulting Challenges

• Technology – cell phones, computers• Peer groups • Family dynamics• Communication• Self-esteem• Trust

Academic ChangesMore emphasis on:

Managing the change in their daily school schedule

Organizational skillsIndependence Self-advocacyGoal settingCareer explorationTime management

Resulting Challenges

• Balancing schedule• Student planner• Homework• Extra help• Parent involvement• Trust

Thanks for joining us!

Please fill out your evaluations.