Author: Pete Koutoulas • First Posted: Tuesday, September 01, 2009

For many students, lockers are a milestone of sixth grade. (Photo: File photo / Tammy L. Lane)

Teacher Wisdom: This week, we're sharing advice for students at milestone steps in their education: kindergarten, sixth grade, ninth grade and senior year.  

By Beth Randolph of SCAPA Bluegrass, Kentucky’s 2009 History Teacher of the Year 

Entering sixth grade is an exciting time in your life. There are many new opportunities for making friends, learning exhilarating and powerful ideas, and taking on more responsibility. Tackling these new challenges takes discipline and perseverance, but is certainly worth the effort. 

First, choose your friends well. They will be important to you. Well-selected friends foster your ambitions, dreams and individuality. Similarly, your friends should help you grow and develop in positive ways. The Oxford American Dictionary defines a friend as a person who is a supporter, someone who uses his/her influence for another’s benefit. If your friends do not fit these characteristics, start cultivating new ones. Keep in mind that your family is your foundation and a vital part of your support system, so make time for them, too. 

Social time is paramount, but so is organizing for academic success. Middle school is vastly different from elementary school because you will have numerous teachers and multiple assignments. If that weren’t enough, you are also responsible for getting to class on time and keeping your supplies safe in a locker.

My best advice here is to find a system of organization that works for you. Locating just the right method will probably take some trial and error, but using an agenda each class period is crucial. Keeping up with your class materials and assignments both at school and home is the first step toward achieving your academic goals. 

Finally, complete your assignments in a timely manner and to the best of your ability. First, prioritize and schedule your homework time. Second, stop texting, put away your cell phone, and turn off your games, television, iPod or MP3 player. Your concentration will improve and so will your work. You will get your assignments finished more efficiently and still have time for playtime and a social life. Using your time wisely will help you accomplish all that you wish this year and more.

Michael Altshuler, a professional motivational speaker, once said, “The bad news is time flies. The good news is that you are the pilot.” Make sure you pilot your year well. 

Sixth grade was one of my favorite years in school. I hope these few words of wisdom will help you enjoy sixth grade as much as I did.