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Elementary School and Middle School: The Differences and Similarities essay

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Student Writing Samples and Analysis for Elementary, Middle School, and High School: Complete Collection

elementary vs middle school essay

How do you bring objectivity to teaching writing? Authentic student writing samples from state writing assessments are an excellent tool that helps teachers bring objectivity to teaching writing. Of course, it sure helps if the writing samples are accompanied by objective analysis, scoring, and commentary. You will find all of that and more on this page!

Many teachers evaluate their students’ writing progress by examining what they can get their students to produce as an end result. They look at what they can get their students to produce in a lesson, and they place great importance on what they can get their students to produce to place on a bulletin board. Certainly, I care about those things, too. But I primarily measure my students’ writing progress by examining and monitoring their independent writing. It’s not about what I can get them to do—it’s about what they do when left to their own devices.

We have three types of independent student writing:

1.   daily writing across the curriculum 2.   state and district writing assessments 3.   independent writing assignments

My purpose here is not to discuss independent student writing, but instead to explain why the following collection of objective, authentic student writing samples are so valuable and helpful. Usually, when we see samples of student writing (other than our own students’ writing), they are polished examples, and we have no idea of what went into creating them. How much time? How many drafts? Who guided the piece of writing? How much guiding? What forms of guidance?

pencil and paper

In contrast, we all know exactly how these state writing assessment samples were created; we all know the exact writing situation in which these pieces of writing were created; we all know that no teacher had any influence on any of these pieces of writing once the assignment was given. This writing is what students produced when given plenty of time and left to their own devices.

An Awesome Collection of Released Student-Writing Samples with Analysis and Commentary

I have always linked to valuable collections of resources that I have come across that can help teachers teach writing and achieve success on writing assessments. Here are two of the best:

1.  Released Writing Prompts for State Testing

2.  State Writing Assessment Tools and Resources : This page contains links to all of these valuable resources from many state writing assessments: 1) released writing prompts, 2) scoring rubrics, 3) anchor papers, scoring commentary, student writing samples, 4) teacher guides and/or test directions, 5) and more!

Below you will find another collection of valuable resources—a collection of released student writing samples. Since creating Pattern Based Writing: Quick & Easy Essay , I’ve interacted with teachers from all over the country—and even the world. A kind teacher up in Oregon who is using Pattern Based Writing: Quick & Easy Essay sent me these links. She is thrilled that the number of her students scoring high on the Oregon State Writing Assessment has doubled since she began using the program.

This collection of released student writing samples has five great qualities:

1.   It includes writing samples for grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10.

2.   It includes scoring analysis for every single essay in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 10.

3.   It includes writing samples for four important genres: 1) expository, 2) narrative: personal, 3) narrative: imaginative, and 4) persuasive (starts in grade 5).

4.   It includes writing samples for five scoring levels: 1) low, 2) medium-low, 3) medium, 4) medium-high, and 5) high.

5.   In total, the collection contains about 325 pages of released student writing samples and scoring analysis!

Here’s the Collection!

Please Note: I used to link to the scoring guide and rubrics, but the files seem to have been moved. Truthfully, they are not necessary at all. Furthermore, you will find links to many excellent Six-Trait rubrics here , including the original Six Traits rubric from Oregon (where it all began).

This collection scores papers using the Six Traits of Writing: 1) Ideas and Content, 2) Organization, 3) Voice, 4) Word Choice, 5) Sentence Fluency, and 6) Conventions. Since the rise of the Common Core, Oregon has used a couple of different scoring models that use different traits, including a few genre-specific traits. However, this collection of student writing samples remains one of the best available.

•  Grade 3 Student Writing Samples and Scoring Analysis

•  Grade 4 Student Writing Samples and Scoring Analysis

•  Grade 5 Student Writing Samples and Scoring Analysis

•  Grade 6 Student Writing Samples and Scoring Analysis

•  Grade 7 Student Writing Samples and Scoring Analysis

•  Grade 8 Student Writing Samples and Scoring Analysis

•  Grade 9 There aren’t any.

•  Grade 10 Student Writing Samples and Scoring Analysis

Common Core Update: 686 Pages of K-12 Common Core Student Writing Samples

Are you interested in 686 pages of K-12 Common Core student writing samples? If you are, be sure to download this awesome collection! To be honest, I was surprised when I clicked on the link and discovered this wonderful bounty.

•  In Common: Effective Writing for All Students Collection of All Student Work Samples, K-12

Are You Interested in Paragraphs?

Now that you have your student writing samples, I pose this question to you: Do you want to understand how the best writers and the lowest scoring writers created their paragraphs on those writing samples? If you do, be sure to read the following two resources. The above collection of student writing samples played a role in both of these:

1.  Paragraph Length: How the Best Student Writers Create Paragraphs on State Writing Assessments   2.  The Ten Stages of Paragraph and Multi-Paragraph Mastery eBook

How to Use These Student Writing Samples to Teach Writing

“Habit #2: Start with the end in mind.” Stephen R. Covey – The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

Primary Purpose: The primary purpose of these student writing samples is to help teachers become experts in analyzing student writing. Furthermore, these student writing samples help teachers figure out how to begin with the end in mind. Teachers must begin with the end in mind if they want their students’ writing to end up where they want it to be.

Furthermore, teachers can use these student writing samples in the classroom to teach students about creating, analyzing, and evaluating writing. Here are ten ideas to get you started:

1.   Choose and print out a few essays and commentary that you want to focus on.

2.   Examine the essays and commentary. What are your students doing correctly? What are your students not doing correctly? What do your students need to learn? Read the commentary and make a list of skills that you want to teach your students. Plan out how you are going to teach those skills.

3.   Use a Six-Trait rubric go over a number of essays with your students. (You will find links to many different Six-Trait rubrics here .) Teach your students what scorers are looking for. What makes for a high scoring essay and what makes for a low scoring essay? What went right with the high-scoring essays? What went wrong with the low-scoring essays?

4.   Create or find a few student-friendly rubrics . Have students score at least a few essays using these rubrics. Make sure your students understand the rubrics, and if you have the time, you may want to have your students help create a simple rubric.

5.   Compare and contrast the genres. This activity is a great way to show students different types of writing and different styles. Play the game, “Name the Genre.” What are the qualities and characteristics of the writing genre that you see in the sample essays? How can you tell it is a particular type of writing? (Note: “Name the Genre” is also an effective strategy to use with writing prompts, and in particular, with released writing prompts .)

6.   Have students compare and contrast essays that have different scores. Have students compare and contrast essays with the same scores but from different grades levels.

7.   Use the low scores to show your students how good their writing is. Use the high scores to show your students where they need to improve.

8.   Have students edit or build upon one of the sample essays. Take one of the low scoring essays and have your students transform it into a high scoring essay. You can do this with each genre of writing. Help your students see the similarities and the differences across different types of writing.

9.   Demonstrate how neatness matters. Some of the sample essays are messy. Even a few high scoring ones are messy. Discuss how difficult it can be for scorers to fairly assess messy writing. Note: Students will often see messy writing on a decent paper and think that the paper is a low scoring paper. Explain that while rubrics do help prevent this rush to judgment, they do not eliminate it. This exercise also helps illustrate how important rubrics are, and how students must, in one sense, write for the rubric.

10.   Show your students how all of the important writing skills that you have been teaching them are found in the high-scoring papers and are missing from the low-scoring papers.

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How is Middle School Different from Elementary School?

How is Middle School Different from Elementary School?

By the end of your student’s time in elementary school,   the   basics   should   be   set.   Your   child   mastered   writing   the alphabet in kindergarten, learned how to read at the start of elementary school, is (happily?) picking up chapter books on their own at the library, and hopefully has a favorite class subject or extracurricular. You’ve noticed that the amount of time they spend on their   homework   has   gradually   increased   each   school   year,   and   with   middle school approaching,   they   may   even   be   asking   for   more   sophisticated   digital   devices   to help organized  their   lives.   But   these   developmental moments aside, how exactly is middle school different from elementary school?  What else do you and your child need to consider before this transition? 

Top 5 Ways Middle School Differs from Elementary School:  

1) No   More   Homeroom,   Classes   Have   a   Different   Structure   –   Most curriculums around the world, from the IB PYP (International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program) to the American and British, structure elementary schools so that children have the same teacher for most of their core subjects (English, Math, Science) daily. This helps build upon a basis of trust and helps teachers   oversee   the   holistic, cross-disciplinary  development   of  their students. However, in middle school, as academic rigor increases,   teachers start to specialize.   As   such,   you can expect that your child will have different teachers for English, Math, Science,

etc. rather than the same one. This enables your student to take more advanced classes and have access to more specialized teaching, but also requires them to be more organized and responsible when it comes to managing their time. 

2) School May Introduce GPA   - GPA, or grade point average, is a number  that  indicates   how  well  or  how  poorly your   child   is   performing   on   average, across all their subjects.   In   the   American   system,   4.0   is  the highest GPA possible (a   “straight   A”   student),   whereas   in   IB   MYP (middle years programme), a “7” in each class is the highest score possible, with 56 being a perfect score across all subjects. Generally speaking, students need at least a 2.0 in the American system or a 28 (with no class being lower than a  3)   in  the   MYP   system   in   order   to   proceed   to   the   next   level.   Either   way, between elementary school and middle school, grades go from descriptive (excellent, satisfactory etc.) to numerical.

3) Relationships Grow and Mature -  Crimson   Rise has identified grade 6 as “the year of building relationships,” largely because it involves asking students to develop a relationship with their Crimson mentors, building essential conversation skills. At   this  age,   student   start   to   envision  their  future  in  high  school,

college,   and   beyond   in   a   more   realistic   manner - what are their genuine passions and interests? What are their natural skills? As   relationships   grow   and   mature,   so   does your middle school student’s  worldview. During this time, Parents   should   strive   to   teach their children how to recognize   value   in working   on   their   academic,   extracurricular,   and   personal   development.

4) Puberty   –   From   the   growth   spurts   to   changes   specific   to   your   child’s biological sex, puberty generally hits from 8-13 in females and 9-14 in males. Middle school is the prime period for growth spurts, crushes on classmates, menstruation to occur in females, amongst  many  other changes. As  such, your  child might undergo periods of time in which they are not feeling comfortable in their own skin, or feeling as if they can’t keep   up   with   the   changes. Making   sure  your   child  has healthy,   nutritious   food,   solid   role   models   and   mentors,   and   that   they understand the biological reasons behind these changes makes this process a lot easier.  At   Crimson   Rise,   our   strategists teach   the   scientific   reasons   behind these  cognitive   changes   to   help support this unique stage of students’ lives.

5) Independence and Responsibility – Spiderman says it best: “With great power, comes great responsibility.” Perhaps your child wants to see a movie with a friend and there’s no longer a need for a parental chaperone, or maybe they believe they can set their own bedtime, decorate their room a certain way, or start to explore their individual style through different clothes or hairstyles. While this is all normal, ensuring that you maintain healthy boundaries with your child so that they can both explore their identity and still get the sleep and nutrition they need is crucial. It is a delicate balance: students should motivated to take   control   of   their   own   lives,   but   also still  be   provided   with   a   safety   net, guidance,   wisdom,   and   support   on   how   to   go   about   it.   Our   Crimson   Rise program helps students learn study habits, time management, and lets them explore   new   hobbies   in   healthy   ways.

All this in mind, students definitely have a sharp learning curve to face as   they   transition   from   elementary   to   middle   school,   and   a   lot   of   growing-up happens along the way! However, it should also be noted that middle school is still a time for exploration and holistic development, something that our Rise strategists highlight during the Crimson Rise program, the world’s only middle school prep program of its kind. This is an age to develop relationships, build independence, and   develop   skills.   Only   the   last   four   years   of   grade   school   (the   high   school years) get reported to universities during application. So while it is not time to panic (yet!), slowly putting your child on the right path for their unique gifts to be explored further is what middle school is all about.   

Your friendly neighbourhood Rise blogger, 

Learn more about Crimson Rise’s strategic mentorship, academic support, and extracurricular coaching for young students, and request a free consultation on your child’s journey!

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Easing the Shift From Elementary to Middle School

A few ways teachers can help new middle schoolers—and their families—cope with this big change.

A female teacher and twelve-year-old girl are standing, smiling, and looking at a daily planner together.

The biggest shift in K–12 education is the transition from elementary school to middle school. So much is different: campus size, the numbers of students in each class, the accessibility of teachers, how lessons are implemented, student expectations, and the interaction with families.

As a teacher, you want parents invested, but some families need guidance in stepping back a bit. Nevertheless, you know that some students falter or fail when the scaffold of parent or elementary teacher falls away.

Another significant change? Students go from a single teacher to learning the expectations of multiple teachers for the first time. They’re hustling across campus between classes. They’re changing for PE and wearing deodorant, and stressing about their first school dance, all while trying to figure out how to do well in your class. It’s a tough chapter.

Yet in many times, we as middle school teachers lose sight of how difficult it can be, and if we aren’t sensitive to this jarring shift, some kids are lost by the wayside. For instance, sometimes middle school teachers, in the name of increasing rigor, focus all our attention on content and academics. Yet while it’s vital to raise expectations, we must still employ engaging strategies that lure learners to the content.

Why the Shift?

From kindergarten to elementary school, elementary to middle school, and then to high school: One might ask why the K–12 system needs these shifts at all. I would argue that each stage is developmentally appropriate for that age group’s brain.

In the elementary years, for instance, the brain is occupied making connections between memories and what is being learned now. Students memorize routine knowledge, both academically and socially, but nothing is yet routine enough to free up space for more rigorous concepts. According to the American Psychological Association : “As skills become more automatic, the child does not have to think as hard about what he or she is learning or doing, and brain resources are freed up to be used for complex tasks that require more and more attention and processing.” The elementary years, therefore, are about training for fundamental academic behaviors—and teachers work with students daily, sometimes hourly, to help them prepare.

As a student enters middle school, however, their connections begin to increase and “inferential thinking becomes more emphasized.” Students’ brains spend energy deciding what knowledge will be stored in short- or long-term memory, and decision-making abilities begin to develop. The expectation is that students have the rote stuff down, though as students struggle with the developmental challenges of becoming tweens, that rote stuff can’t be assumed, and teachers must be savvy about both teaching deeper content and communicating that content engagingly.

For many, the transition to becoming a successful middle school student—neurologically and socially—is a gradual one, and being more independent doesn’t happen automatically on the first day (or in the first month) of middle school.

Advice Teachers Can Give Students and Their Families

Training students and families to be more independent doesn’t mean abandoning the scaffolds. Quite the opposite: It means being transparent about what’s to come and offering strategies to help. So here’s some basic advice teachers can give to both students and their families.

For middle school students:

  • Use your agenda . Track assignments from all of your teachers each day. You’ll probably drop the ball otherwise.
  • Be your own advocate . Email teachers yourself with questions about assignments.
  • Redefine yourself . Take this time to try out everything from different styles of clothing to different styles of writing. Start to figure out who you want to be.
  • Get to know your school counselor. Put yourself on adults’ radars in a positive way. They are there to support you.

For families:

  • Stop bringing items to school for the student . Help us teach students responsibility. Don’t bring lunches or forgotten work.
  • Check their agenda daily . Be the other bookend of the accountability equation.
  • Keep technology in a public area at home . Bring devices out of the bedroom. Have students work, and charge devices, in a shared space. And while you’re at it, make sure you know your child’s usernames and passwords.
  • Loosen the reins when they prove they can do it . Step away once your child has proven they can be more independent.

The Role of the School and the Teacher

Both teachers and schools have a role to play here to help students as well:

  • Actively teach study skills . Don’t assume students come to you knowing how to manage their time.
  • Be transparent with assignments and deadlines . Make it easier on families struggling to support students as they learn independence. Don’t keep assignments hidden from families on password-protected agendas. That doesn’t build independent learners—it sets some students up for failure.
  • Provide education for all stakeholders . Provide classes and workshops on topics from cybersafety (for students and parents) to strategies on dealing with a tween’s eye-rolling and other acts of resistance (for parents).
  • Start a support program. The WEB Program (Where Everyone Belongs) is a peer-mentoring program that helps kids transition into middle school.

Middle school students aren’t just smaller high schoolers. Continue to utilize student engagement strategies even while pushing your expectations higher. Remember, middle school is a harsh jolt for some students. While some may appear already prepared to leap into high school, others may be looking back longingly at recess.

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Middle School Vs Elementary School

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Works Cited

  • Social Psychology, 10th Edition - Cengage. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.cengage.com/c/social-psychology-10e-kassin/.

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Should Sixth Grade Be in Elementary School or Middle School?

Sixth grade has been described as a major crossroads of a child's development. Thus, it would seem important to place sixth graders in the proper environment during this critical period. Curiously, a decades-long debate continues regarding whether sixth graders are better off in elementary school or middle school. After looking at common characteristics of sixth graders, this article examines the pros and cons of each approach. Although a 2007 study concluded that sixth graders in elementary school behave and test better than sixth-graders in middle school, 75 percent of school districts in the U.S. place sixth graders in middle school. Moreover, school district decisions to place sixth grade in elementary or middle school are sometimes based on purely financial considerations. The article concludes with some tips for parents who are concerned about sending their sixth-graders to middle school.

What Are Sixth Graders Like?

Educators agree that sixth graders are an unusually diverse group to which few generalizations apply. They are all moving from childhood to adolescence, but each one seems to move at a different pace. Here are some milestones that parents can expect as their children approach and enter sixth grade:

  • Children mature physically around the time of sixth grade. Girls become concerned about their physical appearance as their bodies begin to change. Boys may gain a lot of height and may start to shave. These physical changes often occur before children develop the emotional maturity to deal with them.
  • Girls mature physically sooner than boys.
  • Children begin to notice boys and girls of the opposite sex and feel attracted to them in ways they may not understand.
  • A child's peer group becomes more important than his or her family. Peer pressure becomes a powerful force. Some distance may grow between the child and the parents.
  • Children experience emotional changes that may leave them confused, angry, or rebellious.
  • Children may show maturity in some ways and remain completely childish in other ways.
  • Compared to prior generations, sixth-graders today are exposed to more adult experiences at earlier ages.
  • Some sixth graders are sexually active or have experimented with drugs or alcohol.

Given all the physical and emotional changes that are going on in the lives of sixth graders, would they be better off as the highest grade in elementary school or as the lowest grade in middle school? Elementary school and middle schools differ in many aspects. In elementary schools, sixth-graders spend most of the day with the same teacher and classmates in the same classroom. There is less freedom because the students are carefully monitored. In contrast, middle school children have several teachers for different subjects and move from classroom to classroom throughout the day. Middle schools allow more freedom because the faculty and staff have less opportunity to monitor the students. Middle schools stress academic achievement more than elementary schools.

This brief video discusses the elementary to middle school transition.

Sixth graders were moved between elementary schools and middle schools throughout the 20 th century. At first, sixth-graders attended elementary school with grades one through eight. Then schools began to cut off elementary school in grade six. Seventh through ninth graders were placed in a junior high or middle school, which was supposed to bridge the gap between elementary and high schools. In 1970, only 25 percent of sixth-graders were placed in middle schools. During the 1970s through 2000, however, millions of sixth-graders were transferred to middle schools, and ninth-graders were moved to high schools. Seventy-five percent of sixth-graders nationwide now go to middle school. The tide may be turning again, however, in favor of returning sixth-graders to elementary school.

Factors Favoring Sixth Grade in Elementary School

? Sixth graders in middle school have more behavioral problems than their peers in elementary school. In a highly-regarded 2007 study of public school students in North Carolina, a group at Duke University's Terry Sanford Institute of Public Policy looked at behavior to evaluate whether sixth-graders were better off in elementary school or middle school. After appropriate adjustments for socioeconomic and demographic factors, the study showed that sixth graders attending elementary school were less likely to have discipline problems than their middle school counterparts. Moreover, the discrepancy in discipline problems continued through the eighth and ninth grades. Studies have shown that disciplinary problems correspond with low academic achievement.

? Sixth graders in elementary school test higher than those in middle school. The Duke study also considered test scores. The researchers found that sixth-graders in elementary school scored higher than their peers in middle school on standardized end-of-grade tests. A recent study in Philadelphia the school system concurred with the Duke study. According to school superintendent Paul Vallas, the study showed that sixth graders in elementary schools perform better on standardized tests than those in middle schools. In response, Philadelphia is reducing the number of middle schools from 46 to eight and placing the sixth graders in elementary schools.

? Sixth graders in middle school are exposed to older teens which may have a negative influence on them . Children in the sixth grade are at a point in their lives when they are easily influenced by their peers. Keeping the sixth graders in elementary school gives them another year to mature before they are exposed to older adolescents

? Middle schools are usually larger than elementary schools . Rightly or wrongly, middle schools have a reputation of seeming large, uninviting, and impersonal. Middle schools have been referred to as the lost stepchildren of the education system. Many parents and teachers believe that sixth graders do better in a smaller, more nurturing setting where there are fewer classmates and more one-on-one contact with the teacher.

? Middle schools tend to be located tend further away from home than elementary school s. Probably because there are fewer middle schools than elementary schools, many parents find that the middle school is further away from home than the elementary school. They do not like the idea of their sixth-graders being so far away. They also question whether a longer commute is appropriate for sixth graders.

Factors in Favor of Sixth Grade in Middle School

? Sixth graders in middle school have greater access to extracurricular activities. In one Michigan school district, the sixth grade will be moved to middle school beginning the 2008-2009 school year. The officials noted that at middle school the sixth graders would have access to more extracurricular activities, such as art, band, music, and athletics. It was also noted, however, that the restructuring would allow the middle school to serve 50 more students in the same building with three fewer teachers.

? Placing sixth grade in middle school allows sixth graders more independence. Another school district recently announced that sixth grade would move to middle school in order to give sixth-graders more independence. The district had tried to make the change a year before, but opposition from parents caused a delay.

? Middle schools may offer innovative programs in which sixth graders may be eager to participate . Parents of students in one school district in Ohio were excited about enrolling their sixth-graders in an expanded middle school because of the school's innovative programs. The school admitted only 25 students in the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades. Students, who are allowed to study at their own pace, are grouped by age levels rather than grade levels. The classes are divided into smaller advisory groups in which one adult mentor remains with the students for three years.

This video reports on a sixth-grade being added to an elementary school.

What Do Kids Think?

Right before fifth graders in a Michigan elementary school were going to start sixth grade in middle school, the board of education decided to move the sixth grade from middle school to the elementary school. So, children who had anticipated going to middle school had to adjust to the fact that they were remaining in their elementary school. The change was made as part of a restructuring plan to reduce costs. Later, the children were interviewed about their experience. Many children admitted that they were disappointed in the first learning of the change. After completing sixth grade, however, most of them were glad that they had one more year in elementary school.

Financial Considerations May Prevail

Sometimes a move of six graders from an elementary school to a middle school, or vice versa, is simply a matter of financial necessity. Public school systems all over the country are experiencing cutbacks because of decreased federal and state funding. For example, if the elementary schools are too crowded and the facilities cannot be expanded, a school district may be forced to relocate the sixth graders, especially if there is extra room in the middle schools. There is anecdotal evidence that many school districts that are moving sixth graders this time are doing so not based on any of the factors considered above but rather because of budgetary constraints or declining enrollment. The following are a few examples.

? A Florida school district moved its fifth grade to middle school in response to declining enrollment.

? A school district in Massachusetts was forced to consider moving the fifth grade from elementary to middle school. Numerous school districts in the state already had fifth-graders attending middle school. The reaction by parents, teachers, and school board members was mixed. One school official commented that the move would free up space to offer more programs at the elementary schools.

? Because of budgetary shortfalls, one school district in Maryland closed its only middle school, transferring sixth and seventh grades to elementary schools and ninth grade to a high school. The restructuring saved the district $4 to $5 million.

? Sixth grade was added to two Kansas elementary schools to compensate for their declining enrollment.

This video explores some of the expectations versus the reality of attending middle school.

Tips for Concerned Parents

If your child is attending sixth grade in middle school and you would prefer that the child be in elementary school, here are some suggestions for making the best of it:

? Continue to be as involved in your child's education as you were during the elementary school years.

? Talk with your fifth grader about the differences between elementary and middle schools. Discuss the changes that he or she will experience in middle school.

? Once your child gets his or her schedule, go to the middle school and walk with your child from classroom to classroom according to the schedule. Locate the cafeteria, the restrooms, and the lockers.

? Support a transition program in which fifth-graders spend time at the middle school before leaving fifth grade.

? Confirm that the sixth graders are physically separated from the older students in a separate section of the school.

Above all, parents should be informed activists and advocates for their children. If your school district announces that the sixth graders are being moved to middle school and you do not think the move would be in your child's best interests, attend hearings and school board meetings and urge other parents to do so. Be vocal in your opposition. Find out why the school district is proposing the change and suggest alternative solutions. It is not unheard of for school districts to abandon plans in the face of strong parental opposition.

The sixth grade is a critical time in a child's education because it is a time of physical and emotional transition from childhood to adolescence. The real answer to where a sixth-grader belongs depends on the particular sixth grader. There are some children who would be better off in middle school because they are mature enough to deal with the extra challenges. Other sixth graders are unprepared for such a drastic change and need the security of an elementary school. When decisions have to be made for whole classes of sixth graders, however, the factors in favor of keeping sixth graders in elementary school seem to outweigh the reasons for placing them in middle school.

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Elementary school to middle school: what moms need to know.

Lisa Steinke

by Lisa Steinke

Lisa Steinke

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Elementary school to middle school: What moms need to know

There’s a big difference between elementary school and middle school. In fact, many moms will tell you that middle school (or junior high) was harder than high school. (Puberty, mean girls, boys…)

Mother preparing her daughter for first day in school.

So what should you tell your child to be prepared for? What are the biggest differences? Read on for the information you should arm your son or daughter with as they get ready to make the big leap to the bigger school.

Most likely, for the better part of the past six years, your child has been in the same school. He knows his way around. He’s used to the teachers, the classrooms, the procedures. And now, as he prepares to head off to middle school, it’s important to realize he is about to experience some huge changes in his school experience. Dr. Jennifer Powell-Lunder, a clinical psychologist and co-author of the book, Teenage as a Second Language , says the best way to understand the transition from elementary school and middle school, is for parents to first understand the main differences between them.

Elementary school

Classes: One main class, often one main teacher

Supplies: Cubby/hook in classroom

Organization: Teacher assistance with organization

Changing classes: Teacher escorts student to specials in school

Development stage: Steady development and growth toward puberty

Homework: Some homework — parent participation recommended

Size: Smaller school

Middle school

Classes: Individual classes for each subject, no main teacher

Supplies: One locker somewhere in school

Organization: Student responsible for organization

Changing classes: Student expected to find her own way

Development stage: Pre-puberty/puberty

Homework: Increase in volume and level of difficulty of homework. Independent work with some parent support recommended

Size: Larger school — often several schools combine into one school

The challenge: Staying organized

Experts agree that in middle school, one of the most important things your child will have to learn is organization. Up to this point, your son or daughter has likely had a lot of help from his teachers to stay on top of assignments. But in middle school, the responsibility will start to fall on him more than ever. “If you have a child who is less organized than other kids, the adjustment can be more difficult. Especially because the kids change classes and, as such, tend to have multiple binders and folders,” says Powell.

“This is the time when children must learn to balance their time with school work and the demands and expectations from several teachers, as well as their friends,” says Ali Lorio, former middle school teacher and author of Champion Parenting, Giving Your Child the Competitive Edge .

How you can help: “Work with your child to label each subject folder and create notebook sections for each class. If organization does not come easily to your tween, a color coding system can be quite helpful: one color for each subject including a separate notebook and folder. These visual cues can do the trick for even the most disorganized tween,” recommends Powell.

Former middle school teacher Sheila Kreditor Lobel also offers this advice to help kids avoid getting buried in papers. “Many students get into the habit of stash-and-dash at the end of the class period, which means by the end of the week they’re buried in papers. If you make it an expectation that Friday is paper filing day, your child will be very happy to start each week organized and able to find what she needs. Help her at first, then wean your child as she shows she can be more independent.”

Up next: More challenges and solutions >>

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125 Intriguing Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

Android vs. iPhone? Capitalism vs. communism? Hot dog vs. taco?

First day of school vs. the last day of school.

In compare and contrast essays , writers show the similarities and differences between two things. They combine descriptive writing with analysis, making connections and showing dissimilarities. Remind students that in this type of writing, they’re not necessarily trying to sway the reader to one opinion or another—they’re just presenting and analyzing facts. These compare and contrast essay topics will give them plenty of practice.

  • School and Work Essay Topics
  • Friends and Family Essay Topics
  • Life and Health Essay Topics
  • Entertainment Essay Topics
  • History and Politics Essay Topics
  • Just for Fun Essay Topics

School and Work Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Going to college vs. starting work full-time

  • Going to college vs. starting work full-time
  • Public and private schools
  • Charter schools and traditional public schools
  • Online school and in-person school
  • Block scheduling vs. traditional scheduling
  • Any two schools or colleges
  • Working your way through college as you go or taking out student loans
  • Elementary school and high school
  • Single gender vs. coed schools
  • Learning to read vs. learning to write
  • The importance of any two school subjects
  • Recess vs. physical education class
  • Group work and individual work
  • First day of school vs. last day of school
  • High school and college
  • Volunteering and paid work
  • Quitting vs. getting fired
  • Traditional job vs. starting a small business
  • Employee and manager
  • Work-life balance in U.S. vs. Europe

Friends and Family Compare and Contrast Topics

Friendship vs. romantic love

  • Friendship vs. romantic love
  • You and your best friend
  • Online friends vs. IRL friends
  • Old friends and new friends
  • Best friend vs. group of friends
  • Your teacher vs. your parent/guardian
  • Only child vs. having siblings
  • Parents and grandparents
  • Siblings and cousins
  • Nuclear family vs. extended family
  • Adoptive families vs. biological families
  • Single-parent families and two-parent families
  • Parents vs. aunts and uncles
  • Oldest child and youngest child
  • Big family vs. small family

Life and Health Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Car ownership and public transportation

  • Car ownership and public transportation
  • Learning to ride a bike vs. learning to drive a car
  • Cooking at home and dining out
  • Wearing glasses vs. having braces
  • Nature vs. nurture
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Introverts vs. extroverts
  • Summer and winter
  • Fall and spring
  • City life vs. country life

Vegetarian and vegan

  • Vegetarian and vegan
  • Mondays and Fridays
  • Mornings vs. evenings
  • Giving vs. receiving gifts
  • Phone calls and texting
  • Electric cars vs. gas-powered cars
  • Shopping online and shopping in person
  • Cardio vs. strength training
  • Traditional medicine and alternative medicine
  • Mental health vs. physical health

Entertainment Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Xbox vs. PlayStation

  • Xbox vs. PlayStation
  • iPhone vs. Android
  • Laptop vs. tablet
  • Instagram vs. X
  • YouTube and TikTok
  • Traditional camera vs. phone camera
  • Football vs. soccer
  • Baseball vs. basketball
  • Horse racing vs. NASCAR
  • Team sports and individual sports
  • Ping-Pong vs. tennis
  • Sprint vs. marathon
  • A movie based on a book and the book it was based on
  • Reading and watching TV
  • Ebooks vs. paper books

Shopping online and shopping in person

  • Poetry and rap music
  • DC vs. Marvel
  • Netflix and YouTube
  • Opera music and pop music
  • Rock music and hip-hop
  • Going to a play vs. going to a movie
  • Reality TV and documentaries
  • Playing a video game and watching a movie
  • Video games and board games
  • Playing sports vs. watching sports

History and Politics Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Two political candidates in a current race

  • Two political candidates in a current race
  • Capitalism vs. communism
  • Socialism vs. communism
  • Monarchy/dictatorship and democracy
  • Spanish flu pandemic vs. COVID-19 pandemic
  • World War I and World War II
  • American pioneers vs. first space explorers
  • Gen X vs. Gen Z
  • Gen Z vs. Gen Alpha
  • Any two historic eras

Any two U.S. states

  • Any two U.S. states
  • Abraham Lincoln vs. Barack Obama (or any other two presidents)
  • Queen Elizabeth I vs. Queen Elizabeth II
  • Hitler and Stalin
  • The first airplane flight vs. the first manned spaceflight
  • Civil Rights movement vs. women’s suffrage movement
  • United States vs. China
  • United Nations and the League of Nations
  • Cold War vs. the War on Terror
  • Roman Empire vs. British Empire

American president vs. U.K. prime minister

  • American president vs. U.K. prime minister
  • Fox News vs. CNN
  • Legislative branch and executive branch and/or judicial branch
  • Equality and equity
  • Elected politicians vs. lobbyists
  • Republicans and Democrats
  • Conservatism vs. Liberalism
  • Presidential systems and parliamentarian systems
  • Direct democracy vs. representative democracy
  • Federal government and state government

Just for Fun Compare and Contrast Essay Topics

Dogs vs. cats as pets

  • Dogs vs. cats as pets
  • Paper books or e-books
  • Hot dogs vs. tacos
  • Big Mac vs. Whopper
  • Coke vs. Pepsi
  • Frozen yogurt and ice cream
  • Hurricane vs. tornado
  • Birthday as a kid and birthday as an adult
  • Going barefoot vs. wearing shoes
  • Mountain vacation vs. beach vacation

Appetizers and desserts

  • Appetizers and desserts
  • Pants vs. skirts
  • Chocolate shake vs. hot chocolate
  • Any two superheroes or villains
  • Christmas vs. birthdays

What are some of your favorite compare and contrast essay topics? Come share your prompts on the WeAreTeachers HELPLINE group on Facebook .

Plus, check out the big list of essay topics for high school (100+ ideas), you might also like.

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Ideas to inspire every young writer! Continue Reading

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Compare-and-Contrast Sample Paper Elementary School and Middle School: The Differences and Similarities

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Objective: by the end of the lesson, students should be able to write a comparison and contrast essay with an appropriate thesis statement, supporting paragraphs, and a concluding paragraph with unity and coherence. Also, students should be able to write comparison and contrast essays using two different organizational methods: block method and point-by-point method.

elementary vs middle school essay

Asia-Pacific Association for Computer-Assisted Language Learning

Saurabh Anand

This teaching artifact exposes college-level second language writers to the compare & contrast essay genre with the help of an authentic situation prompt and a series of themes to help them produce language via guided instructions.

Maya Tia Constantinou Malek

Markéta Gregorová

Lesson 8 in a one-term course of academic writing. The course aims at providing students with basic instruction in essay writing, with a special emphasis on literary critical essays. The students are guided through all the stages involved in the process of writing, ranging from choosing the topic to compiling a bibliography. The course deals with a logical structure of the essay, its unity and coherence, with using secondary sources as well as with the issue of plagiarism. Other topics include the suitable language and style and formal requirements in academic writing.

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Taleb Hosni Abderrahmane

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Argument Writing Topics for Students

20 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

What is an argument essay.

An argument essay uses logic and reasoning to defend a position or point of view. In an argument essay, research, evidence, and examples are used to convince the reader to consider a different point of view. A strong argument essay also acknowledges the opposing viewpoint. This is known as the counterargument. Ultimately, the counterargument is disputed with evidence in an attempt to convince the reader to support the writer’s  initial claim. 

Argument Writing vs. Opinion Writing

It’s easy to confuse opinion writing and argument writing. Both types of writing require students to take a stand and support it with reasons and evidence. To keep things straight, think of opinion writing as the stepping stone to argument writing.  Most states require students make the switch from opinion writing to argument writing in 5th or 6th grade.

-Opinion writing builds the foundational skill set for argument writing. Opinion writing requires students to take a stand and support their choice with clear and relevant reasons. The purpose of opinion writing is to share a point of view. 

-Argument writing takes the same process a step further. Argument writing requires students to make a claim and support it with research, evidence, and logic. The purpose of argument writing is to convince the reader to consider a different point of view. 

Argument Essay Topics

Should playing video games be considered a sport? Is online school better than in-person school? Should graffiti be considered art? Should college be free? Do we still need libraries? Is physical education important? Is homework necessary? Should cellphones be allowed in school? Which branch of government is the most important?
Should pets be allowed on airplanes? Should internet access be free? Should the Pledge of Allegiance be optional? Are dogs better than cats? Is math the most important school subject? Should the school day be shorter? Are Macs better than PCs? Is social media harmful for kids? Should schools have surveillance cameras in classrooms? Should all people be vegetarians? Should plastic bottles be banned?

Questions to Consider When Picking an Argument Essay Topic:

  • Do you feel strongly about the topic?
  • Does the topic have opposing viewpoints? 
  • Do you have solid reasons to support your argument? 
  • Can you find valid evidence to support your reasons? 

Argumentative Writing Unit for Grades 5-8

Click here to see the step-by-step process for writing argumentative essay. Examples and tips for students are included!

Introduce argumentative writing to all levels of learners with this comprehensive unit! Everything you need to differentiate and scaffold instruction is included with this printable and digital argument writing lesson! Use this bundle of step-by-step materials to guide students through every paragraph and element of argument writing. Make it easy for all students to plan, draft, and revise their essays.

Argument Essay Graphic Organizer for Introduction

elementary vs middle school essay

Bell Ringers

3 types of essays your middle schoolers need to practice.

Writing can be a real headache for ELA teachers. Writing is layered with skills – from grammar to analysis – so it’s not a walk in the park for teachers or students. It’s really common for students to struggle to apply what they’ve learned, think deeply and critically, and write independently. There are several types of essays that middle schoolers need to learn, but if the thought of teaching them makes you want to run for the hills, stick with me. We’re going to talk about three different types of essays middle schoolers need to practice, and I’ll share some resources to help you out.

elementary vs middle school essay

Types of Essays for Middle Schoolers

There are various types of essays out there, but there are three types I want to specifically look at: argumentative, literary analysis, and narrative. These types of essays cover both creative and critical thinking – and help push literary skills to the next level.

Argumentative Writing

Writing argumentative essays requires that students know how to defend a stance. Students are great at taking stances, but defending them requires deeper thinking.

When writing an argumentative essay, there are a few key things students need to know. To start, students need to be able to select a topic and take a position on that topic (or they can take a position on a topic assigned to them). Students will also brainstorm a list of logical reasons to support their stance, use clear and convincing evidence to support their points, and share counterclaims. 

Of course, that’s where things get tricky. Students really struggle to build solid arguments and find great evidence. Inside the Argumentative Writing Booklet, I included information about credible sources, logical reasonings, and relevant evidence. I referred to these a lot when in the classroom, and it’s likely you’ll need to teach them over (and then over again).

Another important part of an argumentative essay is counterclaims. This requires that students step into someone else’s shoes and think about how someone could break down their stance. Inside the Argumentative Writing Booklet, I included some key points for students to remember about counterclaims and sentence starters to help with essay writing.

If you are looking for a resource to make the process of teaching students to write argumentative essays a total breeze, check out my free Argumentative Student Reference Booklet! Inside, you’ll find reference pages for –

❤️ how to craft an argument

❤️ the elements of writing an argumentative essay

❤️ writing a counterclaim

❤️ the types of credible sources

❤️ how to ensure you are using logical reasons

❤️ and more!

elementary vs middle school essay

Literary Analysis

Another important skill for middle schoolers is learning how to write a literary analysis essay . Literary analysis goes much deeper than just a simple summary. In fact, when writing a literary analysis essay, students can make an argument, dig deep into specific literary elements, or explore a theory they have about the text. 

In order to know how to write a literary analysis essay, students need to know how to analyze a text and find evidence to support their analysis. (I know, it’s easier said than done.) For example, students might notice a frequent symbol or craft that the author uses and decide to explore what it means or its purpose. Inside the Literary Analysis Booklet, I included pages on symbolism and author’s craft as a jumping-off point for students to brainstorm and analyze.

Another area I’ve seen students struggle with is the thesis statement. Because students often want to write literary analysis like a summary, they get stuck here. In the Literary Analysis Booklet, I give examples of thesis statements, along with a thesis formula and mistakes to avoid.

If the thought of teaching how to write a literary analysis essay is overwhelming to you, check out the Literary Analysis freebie! Inside, you’ll find –

❤️ summarizing vs. analyzing

❤️ literary analysis elements

❤️ how to annotate literature

❤️ in-depth overview of author’s craft

❤️ thesis statement guide

elementary vs middle school essay

Narrative Writing

The final type of essay I want to focus on is narrative writing . Learning to write narrative essays is the way that students become really comfortable with their own storytelling voice. Personal narratives are often some of the first writing exposure students have in elementary school. As students get older, it’s tossed to the side for more analytical writing. Narrative essays provide the perfect opportunity for students to practice skills like adding details, vocabulary, and imagery. It allows them to give a touch of their personality and imagination.

One big perk to narrative writing is that you’ll have tons of examples to pull from. You can easily slip it alongside your reading unit. Students can use a book club or whole class text as an example of narrative writing – and then try to create their own.

My favorite part of narrative writing is that it reinforces what students have learned in their reading units. They will have to understand the plot and how a plot unfolds. This also involves students dipping into author’s craft by choosing a point of view, using figurative language, and developing character motives. It also means creating believable characters and dialogue. It can be tougher than it might first appear!

In my Narrative Writing Reference Booklet freebie, I’ve included all the foundation information students would need + examples of narrative essays for students to refer to. Inside the freebie, you’ll find –

❤️ elements of narrative writing

❤️ developing the plot of narrative writing

❤️ sensory details + examples

❤️ how to use dialogue

❤️ ways to start and end narrative writing + examples

I know that essay writing can be a head-banging experience (for both you and your students). My hope is that with the Writing Toolkit, you can make it easier for students to write independently and build a strong foundation for writing.

  • Read more about: Middle School Writing

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Get your free middle school ela pacing guides with completed scopes and sequences for the school year..

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  8. Education Essay Example: Middle School Vs Elementary School

    Introduction Education is a crucial aspect of a child's development, and the transition from elementary school to middle school marks a significant milestone in this journey. Both elementary and middle schools play pivotal roles in shaping a student's academic and social foundation. In this essay, we will delve into the distinctive features of middle school […]

  9. Easing the Shift From Elementary to Middle School

    The biggest shift in K-12 education is the transition from elementary school to middle school. So much is different: campus size, the numbers of students in each class, the accessibility of teachers, how lessons are implemented, student expectations, and the interaction with families. As a teacher, you want parents invested, but some families ...

  10. Compare And Contrast Essay Middle School

    Elementary School Vs Middle School Essay. Many people wonder what the difference between elementary school and middle school is. Middle school is usually between grades 6-8 depending on the part of country you are in, and elementary school is typically grades k-5. This being my final year of middle school I know what is similar, and ...

  11. Middle School Vs Elementary School

    Middle School Vs Elementary School. This essay sample was donated by a student to help the academic community. Papers provided by EduBirdie writers usually outdo students' samples. One of the closest and most valued relationships I currently have in my life is my relationship with my boyfriend. My boyfriend and I have been together for 6 years ...

  12. Elementary Vs Middle School

    512 Words. 3 Pages. Open Document. Not everybody likes school but, elementary school is and will always be my best five years of school. Elementary school, miss one day nothing happens. High school, miss one day you're failing three classes. Kindergarten, you get naps because little kids are not use to being up that early.

  13. 34 Compelling Compare and Contrast Essay Examples

    Private school enrollment in the fall of 2017 was 5.7 million students, a number that is down from 6 million in 1999." Read the full essay: Private School vs. Public School at U.S. News and World Report. Homeschool vs. Public School: How Home Schooling Will Change Public Education

  14. Should Sixth Grade Be in Elementary School or Middle School?

    Although a 2007 study concluded that sixth graders in elementary school behave and test better than sixth-graders in middle school, 75 percent of school districts in the U.S. place sixth graders in middle school. Moreover, school district decisions to place sixth grade in elementary or middle school are sometimes based on purely financial ...

  15. The Differences Between Elementary and Middle School

    Students are older and approaching puberty. Generally, one subject is taught by one teacher and the students receive classes in different classrooms. The expectations become higher in middle school and students are expected to become more self-reliant. The key differences between elementary school and middle school are as follows:

  16. Elementary school to middle school: What moms need to know

    Middle school. Classes: Individual classes for each subject, no main teacher. Supplies: One locker somewhere in school. Organization: Student responsible for organization. Changing classes ...

  17. Compare And Contrast Essay Examples Middle School

    Elementary School Vs Middle School Essay. Many people wonder what the difference between elementary school and middle school is. Middle school is usually between grades 6-8 depending on the part of country you are in, and elementary school is typically grades k-5. This being my final year of middle school I know what is similar, and ...

  18. Comparison Essay: Middle School Vs Elementary School

    In my case, elementary school ended at 5th grade and middle school started at 6th grade. A variety of changes occurred throughout the day, including switching classes between different subjects, adjusting to a different grading system, and following the dreaded uniform policies the school had established.

  19. 125 Compare and Contrast Essay Topics for Kids and Teens

    Life and Health Compare and Contrast Essay Topics. Car ownership and public transportation. Learning to ride a bike vs. learning to drive a car. Cooking at home and dining out. Wearing glasses vs. having braces. Nature vs. nurture. Anxiety and depression. Introverts vs. extroverts. Summer and winter.

  20. Compare-and-Contrast Sample Paper Elementary School and Middle School

    The purpose of this essay is to contrast the climate, types of activities and locations of beaches and mountains. Download Free PDF View PDF. IL ASCD. Teaching Struggling Writers to Be Strategic: How to Write Good Compare-Contrast Essays ... Elementary School and Middle School: The Differences and Similarities What is it like to transition from ...

  21. 20 Argumentative Essay Topics for Students

    Engaging and relevant argumentative essay topics for students in upper elementary and middle school. This list of 20 argument writing prompts is appropriate for students in 5th - 8th grades. ... In an argument essay, research, evidence, and examples are used to convince the reader to consider a different point of view. ... Argument Writing vs ...

  22. Argumentative Essay: Middle School Vs. Elementary

    Elementary School Vs Middle School Essay. Many people wonder what the difference between elementary school and middle school is. Middle school is usually between grades 6-8 depending on the part of country you are in, and elementary school is typically grades k-5. This being my final year of middle school I know what is similar, and different ...

  23. 3 Types of Essays Your Middle Schoolers Need to Practice

    Types of Essays for Middle Schoolers. There are various types of essays out there, but there are three types I want to specifically look at: argumentative, literary analysis, and narrative. These types of essays cover both creative and critical thinking - and help push literary skills to the next level. Argumentative Writing.