My 7th graders are more than twice as old as incoming kindergarteners this fall and, in some ways, a world apart. Even so, you’d be surprised to learn how alike they are when it comes to the start of school!
I challenged my students to remember back to their start of school. I asked them what advice they would give to a brand new kindergartener, just starting school. Some of their advice was practical, some humorous, and others…well, these ARE middle schoolers we’re talking about. Some of their advice was just plain off-the-wall!
Take a look:
Be good and stay in school. Do your homework so you can grow to be smart. – Jose
When I first went to school, I ran around the cafeteria, jumping on tables. I didn’t know it was a place to eat. So if you don’t know, the cafeteria is for eating. – Daniel
Donít let the wrong person lead you in the wrong direction – Russell
Pay attention in class. – Mason
Take advantage of your nap time, it won’t last forever! – Rodrigo
Don’t get in trouble or else a monkey will steal your cookie! – Shawn
Be really creative and work hard. I hope by the time you’re older, you’ll be smarter than me! – Jessenia
My advice: itís not a good idea to cut your friend’s hair. It won’t work out well for you! – Alyssa
Donít be nervous, be happy. It will be OK! – Alexis
Donít snore at nap time! – Ashley
One word: participate – Cade
All I can say is good luck! – Kelson
Don’t scream! It only makes it worse! Temper tantrums will just get you a call to your PARENTS! – Madison
You might be scared on your first day. But, when you’re scared, be a big kid. You don’t want the
other kids to think you’re a punk! – ShadrianDon’t talk about people and make new friends. Don’t beat anyone up. – Kiera
Never cry at school or you will be known as a crybaby! – Giselle
Don’t freak out. Jusy make new friends. Say, Hi, there! and you’ll have a new best friend before you can say squiggly wiggly worms. – Patty
Always bring your lunch or lunch moneyóyou don’t want to be hungry! – Martha
Don’t eat the glue. It’s not good for you! – Dilon
School might be scary, but at least there are snacks! – Darrell
Don’t act tough, it’s not cool! – Juan
Don’t blow bubbles with the hand soap. – Marah
My advice: don’t bring your teddy bear to school. The other kids will laugh. It’s not a good idea to bring your pet hamster, either. You’ll probably get in trouble, even if it’s the cutest hamster in the world – Erin
Don’t pull people’s hair; they might bite you! – Ashlyn
School’s fun. You will like it! – Mersadies
Be kind to your teacher. They are there to help you and you can never take back what’s been said, so be nice! –Bryan
Don’t fight over stuff. Share with your classmates instead. – Rocio
Keyword: Respect. Respect your school, respect your teacher, and especially respect other
peopleís personal space! – LaurenDon’t be shy around people! – Angelo
Jenny is a Christian, wife of 13 years, mom to two boys, and a teacher. She lives in Texas, but isn’t a native Texan. Her blog, Full Cart Full Wallet, started as a way to journal her savings as she learned to coupon. It has now become a way to share savings, coupons, deals, and coupon matchups with others. Her goal: leave the store with a cart full of groceries, and a wallet full of money!
