Hello! My name is Lila Carpenter, and I know that many 6th graders might be looking for advice to survive the school year. This article will help you along the way out of elementary school and into middle school.

I know that there are many questions you might have about middle school, so I’m going to put down some commonly asked questions. If you still have some after reading, you can ask your teachers or guidance counselors!

How much homework is there?

It depends on the class and the grade. In 6th grade, there is not much homework, as your teachers are easing your way into middle school. I know that some classes, such as English Enrichment, give no homework, and others that give homework more often. Usually, teachers assign work that you haven’t completed in class. As the year goes on, however, you might start seeing more homework and quizzes assigned, but there’s a manageable amount. As you go into 7th and 8th grade, you’ll see that there’s more homework and quizzes assigned, but as long as you manage your time well and study, you’ll be fine. (Just don’t procrastinate and stay up until 3AM doing homework, or wake up too early! You need sleep!)

How do I manage my time? 

If there’s an assignment due later in the week, like a project, don’t wait until the night before to start doing it. Spread out the work evenly along the week, and start as you get home, not 30 minutes before you go to bed. If there’s a test or a quiz you have to study for, take it one section at a time. Spend some time studying math, then do social studies, not both at once. Don’t cram all your studying into the night before, either; spread it out, and spend more time studying things that you’re more unfamiliar with than studying the things you already know. It’s also helpful to have a planner to write down assignments, and check your bag in the morning to see if you have all your work completed and in your bag.

What should I decorate my locker with?

Decorate your locker with things that will help organize your belongings! Maybe you’ll have dividers or a shelf to put stuff, or a magnetic board with a marker to write a to-do list. It’s also a good idea to decorate your locker with items that you’re interested in, like baseball drawings or flowers. (Just make sure that you can take them out at the end of the year so that they don’t get stuck or rot. Also, don’t put things on the outside of your locker, as that’s not allowed and can be stolen.)

What happens if I start getting bullied or made fun of?

If you start being made fun of, ignore them at first instead of giving them the attention they want. If they continue, talk to them about it, or tell an adult that can help you. If it gets serious, definitely tell an adult, and ask a guidance counselor if they can switch your schedule so you don’t have any classes with them, or so you don’t pass them in the hallway. Some scenarios are more complicated than others, however. For example, if your friends hang out with that person, or you sit at the same table at lunch. It’s hard for me to give you advice without knowing what the scenario is, so you’ll have to ask someone to help you, whether it’s a friend, parent, teacher, or someone else.

Overall, is middle school fun?

It has its ups and downs! Sometimes, if you don’t understand something or get a bad grade (hint: go to academy), you’ll feel like you’re falling behind, but if you get a good grade, you’ll feel great. People can be quite annoying sometimes as well, but once you find the people that you like hanging out with, it becomes more fun in group projects, clubs, and walking home! For some people, school is amazing, but for others, it’s a place you hate going. For some, it’s in-between, so it really depends on the person and what they enjoy.

Otherwise, don’t rush your homework, quizzes, or tests! Be nice and respectful to your teachers, classmates, and supplies (your own or others). Follow the rules, pay attention, and do what works for you, as long as it doesn’t hurt yourself or others. Try your best, get involved in activities, and tell somebody if you’re struggling! (Just remember, if you’re struggling, don’t run away from your problems, as it will only become worse. Use it as an opportunity to become stronger and to learn something new from it.) Make new friends, participate, and remember; you’re never alone, as there’s always someone that’ll listen to you if you need it. But most importantly, HAVE FUN!

Thank you for taking the time to read my article, and I hoped I could help you!