Very helpful book for parents of 7th graders! Middle isn't ready and we need all the help we can get!

I primarily was interested in the title as I was a high school teacher who transitioned to teaching in middle school, specifically 7th grade. When I was told the grade level, I felt my stomach drop and my hands start shaking because all I had heard were horror stories and how 7th graders were the WORST.

However, as I read, parts felt old and not relevant to today’s teaching, post-Covid. Not that that’s a bad thing, but as I continued reading, I found myself questioning some of the advice being given. I loved the open-ended questions and I gained new insight on building relationships with my 7th graders.

I would recommend this, but I think one of the more challenging parts about reading a book like this is the assumption some parents care enough to read an entire book on understanding their scholar.

I hold a M.Ed & a MA.

This book could not have come at a better time for our family. Our oldest son is starting 7th grade next week and it feels like a big shift, for him, and for our family. We are excited to navigate this transition together, but there are a lot of unknowns, and I am very feeling much like a rookie with these impending teenage years!

7th Grade Ready broke down so many thoughts and questions I have had personally and is just is a wonderful and completely relatable guide to what you might being encountering with your tween/teen child. From time management, to finding their independence to challenging social situations... it's all there. I also loved that is broke down things you might expect, form your child, teachers and peers.

In addition, there is nothing better than talking points in a non-fiction read, but especially a parenting one, and the bulleted conversation starters were key. This was such a helpful read, written from someone who has truly been there, and I highly recommend it!

Thank to you the publisher and NetGalley for my gifted copy.

Chapter 7 OVERCOMING ACADEMIC SETBACKS BY Barbara Hopkins, Ph.D.
" I welcome students exactly as they come...with ... gifts and challenges..." Barbara Hopkins, PhD gives tips from the first day of how to safely maneuver the task of meeting and finding friends from the numerous elementary schools, now joined in a 7th grade setting.

"I will share...tips...to help prevent, or intervene with, academic setbacks and have a great 7th grade year." Barbara Hopkins, PhD asks the students privately to styles in their learning. She inquires as to areas of need and success. As this inquiry sets the road to success...

It doesn't just stop with school interests, Barbara Hopkins, also asks about "family, friends, sports, reading, music, gaming" to better her lessons throughout the year. She involves samples to bring interest of the current students into the 7th grade classroom. This builds trust and ease as the students settle in to learn in their 7th grade school year.

Many former students have come back to tell their former teacher, Dr. Hopkins, just how important it was for her questions to be answered and how questions helped them feel loved in a new space. This trajectory is well known by educators from the teachings of Maslow's hierarchy. Facts and research, giving the science of teaching what is needed to be successful.

Dr. Hopkins gives examples to better communicate and read the signs, your 7th grader is giving, as to be understanding in this time of a young persons life. They are in a time of growth, learning, belonging, and acceptance! Dr Hopkins does a fact filled objective writing about your 7th grader and learner...very worth your time to read.

Stephanie Nantkes, M.Ed.; M.A.

A must read for any parent with a child entering 7th grade! I feel Much more prepared for this sometimes awkward stage of being a pre-teen but not yet an independent teenager. I hope my child and I can Navigate the year better having read this.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

I have a child getting ready to enter the 7th grade. I saw this book and knew that I would get some helpful information from it. This book is so helpful with bullet points at the end of the chapters to help you communicate better with your child. What is the best is that it is written by a 7th grade teacher who helps guide what teachers might expect in the school year.

This was such a helpful book and I am going to be recommending it to my friends who also have children entering the 7th grade.

Great resource for parents and teachers when relating to 7th graders. 7th grade is a time of huge transitions, and this book provides many opportunities for parents and teachers to communicate with students and build those important bonds along the way. As a teacher, this books rings true and also gave me some ideas/methods I can use to connect with my students this year.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC.

Thank you so much to Net Galley, the publisher, and author for providing this book in exchange for my honest review. This book came at the perfect time. I feel like middle school is so new and different so I love that this book gives the reader more insight into their 7th grader and middle school as well. This is written by a middle school teacher and their knowledge into a 7th graders mentality as well as what teachers will expect is priceless. Each chapter touches on what to expect from your child, teachers, and other students. At the end of each chapter there are bullet points with conversation starters to help encourage healthy communication between you and your child. I feel like everyone who has a 7th grader or soon to be 7th grader needs this book. I am so grateful for having found this book just in time! I feel much more prepared for my child to enter 7th grade now. Thank you, thank you, thank you!