1. Welcome to 7 th Grade!

2. Agenda Introductions: Mrs. Dowty (A-L) Mrs. Jennings (M-Z) Group Activity Physical Changes and Challenges Social Changes and Challenges Academic Changes and Challenges Parent to Parent discussion Questions/Evaluations

3. Group Activity Discuss as a table what changes you have noticed in your 7 th grader from when your he or she began 6 th 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 7 th grader related to these changes.

4. Physical, Social, and Academic Changes

5. 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

6. Resulting Challenges Need for privacy Clothing needs Athletic status Being prepared Feeling inferior/need to fit in Change in sleep patterns

7. Social Changes Girls : 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

8. Resulting Challenges Technology – cell phones, computers Peer groups Family dynamics Communication Self-esteem Trust

9. Academic Changes More emphasis on: Managing the change in their daily school schedule Organizational skills Independence Self-advocacy Goal setting Career exploration Time management

10. Resulting Challenges Balancing schedule Student planner Homework Extra help Parent involvement Trust

11. Thanks for joining us! Please fill out your evaluations.