Transition from Elementary to Middle School

Why are all of my friends saying that the transition from elementary school to middle school is so difficult? Are there any secrets to making it easier for my young son? - Puzzled
Answer: Before starting middle school, children typically worry about getting to class on time, remembering where their next class is, opening their lockers, finding restrooms, getting on the right bus to go home, handling all their paraphernalia and getting through crowded halls. If your son has the opportunity to familiarize himself with his new school ahead of time, most of these worries will diminish.
At middle school, your son is going to face these specific changes from elementary school: no recess, more teachers, more peer pressure, new grading standards, larger school, changing classes, longer-range assignments and accepting more responsibility for his own actions. All of these changes will be far more challenging for him because at the same time, he and his classmates are facing the social, emotional and physical changes of adolescence.
Your own son will give you the best clues on how you can help him make a successful move to middle school. Pay very close attention to what he says about school. And do give him some help in organizing his work. He might not have had to do much of this in elementary school. Be sure your son records his daily assignments, has a binder or folder system to organize the work for his different classes and a definite time to study every day. Encourage him also to participate in extracurricular activities, as such participation is a key to his future success in school.