Tips From a Los Angeles Private Tutor: 5 Ways to End the Eighth Grade Strong

Eighth-graders are about to make a big jump from middle to high school over the summer. This is one of the biggest transitions kids have, and it requires a lot of maturity and help from family and teachers. Some kids adjust well, but others may need a little bit of time to tackle the challenging high school level learning material. It’s really important for kids to be able to finish the eighth grade on top of things and be ready for a fresh start in the fall – end the eight grade strong with the help of our private Los Angeles tutoring.

1.  Evaluate core subjects

Math and English will become a lot tougher in the ninth grade, and there will be a substantial amount of homework as compared to what students received in middle school. It’s important to evaluate the core subjects and determine whether or not a student needs some extra help over the summer to be prepared for high school. Parents can look at their child’s tests and quizzes throughout the year, but they can also benefit greatly from talking to their child’s teacher. Tests and quizzes alone are not the only indicators of success, so it’s important to find out how well a student has been applying themselves to homework assignments and in-class activities.

2.  Refine study skills

It’s also essential for students to refine their study skills before starting the ninth grade. Students need to be able to study efficiently, so they don’t waste time and possess the self-motivation required to be successful at the high school level. Parents should talk with their child’s classroom teacher and, if their child works for the supplemental educator, ask about any study skills that need to be improved. It’s worth it for an eighth-grader to take the time to refine their study skills because it will save them hours upon hours once they start school in the fall.

3.  Develop an interest in an extracurricular activity

Another great way for eighth-graders to end the year strong is to be allowed to develop an interest in an extracurricular activity. During the school year, many students only have time to work on academics and begin to feel frustrated about the amount of time they spend at school. Once summer is here, they have the opportunity to explore subjects they’ve been interested in but haven’t had the time to pursue. Maybe they want to take an art class, join a sports team, or go to an engineering camp. It’s important for kids at this transitional age to enjoy learning in general so they can apply a good work ethic to all of their subjects in the classroom.

4.  Work on a work-life balance

It’s very difficult for kids to start high school and maintain a good work-life balance. It seems as though academics are thrown at them left, and right and they don’t have any time to themselves. On the other hand, some young students prefer to spend all of their time relaxing with friends. It’s important to find a good balance between academics and social activities to keep stress levels low and be successful when it comes to grades and test scores.

5.  Seek out good role models

Perhaps an essential thing at this age is for kids to have great role models. Are their friends focused on doing well in school? Do they admire their teachers? Are there people in the public eye who encourage kids to be successful? Role models are important at this age because kids have to make a choice as to what will be important to them as they get closer to adulthood.

Eighth-graders are about to make a big jump from middle to high school over the summer. This is one of the biggest transitions kids have, and it requires a lot of maturity and help from family and teachers. Some kids adjust well, but others may need a little bit of time to tackle the challenging high school level learning material. It’s really important for kids to be able to finish the eighth grade on top of things and be ready for a fresh start in the fall.

1.  Evaluate core subjects

Math and English will become a lot tougher in the ninth grade, and there will be a substantial amount of homework as compared to what students received in middle school. It’s important to evaluate the core subjects and determine whether or not a student needs some extra help over the summer to be prepared for high school. Parents can look at their child’s tests and quizzes throughout the year, but they can also benefit greatly from talking to their child’s teacher. Tests and quizzes alone are not the only indicators of success, so it’s important to find out how well a student has been applying themselves to homework assignments and in-class activities.

2.  Refine study skills

It’s also essential for students to refine their study skills before starting the ninth grade. Students need to be able to study efficiently, so they don’t waste time and possess the self-motivation required to be successful at the high school level. Parents should talk with their child’s classroom teacher and, if their child works for the supplemental educator, ask about any study skills that need to be improved. It’s worth it for an eighth-grader to take the time to refine their study skills because it will save them hours upon hours once they start school in the fall (READ: Test taking strategies for students at every level).

3.  Develop an interest in an extracurricular activity

Another great way for eighth-graders to end the year strong is to be allowed to develop an interest in an extracurricular activity. During the school year, many students only have time to work on academics and begin to feel frustrated about the amount of time they spend at school. Once summer is here, they have the opportunity to explore subjects they’ve been interested in but haven’t had the time to pursue. Maybe they want to take an art class, join a sports team, or go to an engineering camp. It’s important for kids at this transitional age to enjoy learning in general so they can apply a good work ethic to all of their subjects in the classroom.

4.   Work on a work-life balance

It’s very difficult for kids to start high school and maintain a good work-life balance. It seems as though academics are thrown at them left, and right and they don’t have any time to themselves. On the other hand, some young students prefer to spend all of their time relaxing with friends. It’s important to find a good balance between academics and social activities to keep stress levels low and be successful when it comes to grades and test scores.

5.  Seek out good role models

Perhaps an essential thing at this age is for kids to have great role models. Are their friends focused on doing well in school? Do they admire their teachers? Are there people in the public eye who encourage kids to be successful? Role models are important at this age because kids have to make a choice as to what will be important to them as they get closer to adulthood.

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