Research Papers: Where to Begin?

The research paper is a rite of passage — and it’s one that repeats itself with increasing levels of complexity and length through the years. It looms large, a blank canvas demanding to be filled with insightful words and groundbreaking arguments. Often this beginning stage is intimidating because of the boundless options for what to pursue. So before you dive headfirst into writer's block, let's tackle the first hurdle: choosing a topic that won't make you tear your hair out.

Fear not, students! Here's your guide to picking a research paper topic that's interesting, manageable, and sets you up for success.

Step 1: Tap into Your Passions, and Follow Your Curiosity

Think about what fires you up. One of my students — a lover of flight simulators and model planes — wrote a fascinating paper on the fallout of Boeing’s flight safety record. Another, whose grandparents had emigrated from China to Australia and on to the United States, explored Australia’s discriminatory 20th century immigration policies. A third started from a Youtube video on forgotten stories of World War II and wound up diving into the mythical Battle of Los Angeles. Start with what genuinely interests you. You'll be more motivated to research and write if you care about the topic.

Step 2: Get Specific (But Not Too Specific)

A topic like "The Impact of Technology" is way too broad. Narrow it down! Focus on a specific aspect of your wider area of interest, like "How Social Media Affects Mental Health in Teenagers" or "The Ethical Dilemmas of Artificial Intelligence." Remember, you can always refine your topic further through your research.

Step 3: Consider the "Research-ability" Factor

Make sure your chosen topic has enough resources available. Check your school library, online databases, and credible websites before settling on a research question. If information is scarce, you might have to broaden your topic or choose another.

Step 4: Check the "Teacher-Friendliness" Meter

Is your topic aligned with the class curriculum and your teacher's expectations? If you're unsure, run your ideas by your teacher early on. Their guidance can save you time and heartache down the line — and they may have useful ideas for where to start your research.

Step 5: Embrace the "Uniqueness" Challenge

While exploring a well-trodden path isn't bad, try to find a unique angle within your chosen topic. Is there a specific case study you can analyze? Can you offer a fresh perspective on a familiar issue? Part of writing a research paper is getting to know what the people who came before you have written about a topic, so that you can add something new to the conversation.

Bonus Tip: Brainstorm Early and Often

Grab a pen and paper (or your favorite digital note-taking app) and jot down everything that comes to mind related to your interests. Cluster similar ideas, discard irrelevant ones, and see what connections emerge. You might be surprised by the hidden gems you uncover!

Remember, choosing a research paper topic is a process, not a destination. Don't be afraid to explore different options, refine your ideas, and seek help from teachers, librarians, or even your classmates. With a little effort and this guide in hand, you'll find a topic that sparks your curiosity and sets you on the path to research paper success.

Now go forth and conquer that blank page!

Conquering a New Language: A Student’s Guide to Foreign Language Success

Learning a new language can be daunting, especially as a busy student. But don't worry, language learning doesn't have to be a chore! For me, learning French unlocked a new world of experiences and friendships, as well as a passion for language learning that continues today. With the right approach and a little dedication, you too can conquer your chosen language and unlock a world of new possibilities.

Here are some tips to help you ace your foreign language journey:

1. Find your "why."

What motivates you to learn this language? Is it to travel to a specific country, connect with family members, or boost your future career prospects? Having a clear goal will keep you motivated when the going gets tough.

2. Embrace the fun.

Traditional language learning can feel dry and monotonous at times. Spice things up by incorporating activities you enjoy! Watch movies and TV shows in your target language, listen to music, play games, or cook recipes from the country you're interested in. Immersing yourself in the culture will make learning more enjoyable and effective.

3. Befriend technology.

The internet is a treasure trove of language learning resources. Take advantage of language learning apps like Duolingo, Memrise, and Babbel to practice on the go. Watch YouTube channels dedicated to language learning, and explore language exchange platforms to connect with native speakers.

4. Don't be afraid to stumble.

Making mistakes is a natural part of the learning process. Don't be discouraged if you stumble occasionally. Embrace your mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow. The key is to practice regularly and be persistent in your efforts.

5. Find a language buddy.

Studying with a friend can make the learning process more fun and engaging. Find a classmate who is also interested in learning the same language and practice together. You can quiz each other, role-play conversations, and motivate each other to stay on track.

6. Seek out extra help.

Don't be afraid to ask your teacher or classmates for help if you're struggling with a particular concept. Most teachers are happy to provide extra support and guidance. You can also join language clubs or attend workshops to get additional practice and exposure to the language.

7. Celebrate your progress.

Take the time to acknowledge your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Completing a difficult lesson, mastering a new grammar rule, or having your first conversation in the language are all reasons to celebrate! Recognizing your progress will keep you motivated and help you stay on track.

Remember, learning a new language is a marathon, not a sprint. Be patient with yourself, stay consistent, and most importantly, have fun! With regular, strategic practice, you'll be surprised at how quickly you can progress and unlock the amazing world of foreign languages.

Bonus tips:

• Set realistic goals and track your progress.

• Create a study schedule and stick to it.

• Find a quiet place to study where you can focus without distractions.

• Reward yourself for reaching milestones.

• Don't give up!

Goal-Setting for Students

The new year is a time for fresh starts, and what better way to kick things off than by reflecting on where we’re headed? Goals give us direction, motivation, and a sense of accomplishment when we achieve them — and that’s all the more important for students, who are actively engaged in a quest for self-improvement. By taking a moment to think through where they want to focus their efforts or what areas they would like to explore, students can take ownership of their education and development.

Colleges love to see students who have taken the initiative to pursue their own goals and passions, above and beyond the structures that schoolwork naturally provides. Between classes, studying, extracurriculars, and social lives, finding the time and energy to focus on goals can be tough, however — that’s why building a structure to stay accountable to the path you set out is essential.

The SMART method is a simple but powerful framework for setting effective goals. Each letter stands for a key principle. Goals should be:

• Specific: Be clear and precise about what you want to achieve. Instead of a vague goal like "do better in school," aim for something like "improve my grades in math by 10% this semester."

• Measurable: How will you know you're making progress? Define concrete markers to track your success, like taking practice tests or keeping a study log.

• Attainable: Set goals that are challenging but achievable with effort. Don't try to go from failing grades to straight A's overnight. Start small and build momentum.

• Relevant: Make sure your goals are aligned with your values and interests. Ask yourself why this goal is important to you.

• Time-bound: Set deadlines for your goals to create a sense of urgency and keep yourself accountable. Break down long-term goals into smaller, achievable milestones.

Not all goals are created equal. Here are a few different types of goals you can set as a student:

• Academic goals: Improve your grades, master a new subject, win an award, get into your dream college.

• Personal goals: Develop a new skill, learn a language, get in shape, become more organized, boost your confidence.

• Social goals: Make new friends, join a club, volunteer in your community, strengthen relationships with loved ones.

• Creative goals: Write a story, paint a masterpiece, compose a song, learn an instrument, start a blog.

Staying on Track: Tips for Success

Setting goals is half the battle; achieving them is the other half. Here are some tips to help you stay on track:

• Visualize your success: Imagine yourself achieving your goal and how it will make you feel. This will boost your motivation and keep you focused.

• Break down big goals into smaller steps: This makes them less daunting and easier to manage.

• Find an accountability partner: Share your goals with a friend, family member, or teacher who can check in on you and offer support.

• Celebrate your achievements: Take the time to acknowledge your progress, no matter how small. This will keep you motivated and excited about your goals.

• Don't be afraid to adjust your goals: As you progress, your circumstances and priorities may change. Be flexible and adjust your goals accordingly.

Remember, goal setting is a journey, not a destination. There will be setbacks and challenges along the way, but don't get discouraged. Keep your eyes on the prize, stay focused, and never give up on your dreams. At Smarten Up we encourage a growth mindset: the belief that with hard work and dedication, you can improve yourself and achieve what you set out to accomplish!

Bonus Tip: Check out these awesome apps and websites that can help you set and track your goals:

• Goalcast: Get inspired by motivational talks and stories from successful people.

• Habitica: Turn goal setting into a fun game with RPG elements.

• Todoist: Organize your tasks and track your progress with this user-friendly app.

• Evernote: Capture your ideas, organize your notes, and stay on top of your goals.

Let's conquer this year together, one goal at a time!

Fueling Your Brain

We’ve all been told to eat our vegetables since we were young. And most of us have probably nagged our own kids about it. No one doubts the health benefits of eating a balanced meal with a focus on fresh produce, whole grains, and lean protein. The effect foods have on the health of adults has been studied extensively. However, beyond eating a balanced diet consisting of foods we know are healthy, there has been little research into the effects specific foods have on children’s brains. One such study, conducted in 2019, made some interesting, yet unsurprising, findings. Students who consumed a higher level of sugary, salty snacks (aka, “junk food”) performed worse on standardized tests in ELA and Math. Another study looked into how hydration levels affect student performance. Spoiler alert: students who were better-hydrated (with water only) did better.

Fueling for Test Day

There are a number of foods that are considered “brain fuel.” These foods have been linked to improved concentration, memory, and focus. But regardless of what’s for breakfast on test day, the most important thing is that breakfast happens! When students skip breakfast, claiming they aren’t hungry or their nerves won’t let them keep food down, they are not likely to make it very far into their test without a significant crash in energy, focus, or both. Here are the best foods to eat the night before and/or the morning of:

• Anything with omega-3 fatty acids like fish, avocado, and nuts;

• Eggs, which contain vitamins and minerals that not only improve memory in the short term, but also slow long-term cognitive decline later in life;

• Berries, which contain important antioxidants, crucial for healthy brain function;

• Oats, also for their antioxidants in the form of Vitamin E;

• and Dark chocolate. In addition to being delicious, it also contains flavanoids (another type of antioxidant). BUT, it does need to be real dark chocolate (not milk), and only a small amount. No, we do not recommend eating a chocolate bar for breakfast.

Caffeine and the Developing Brain

Many adults rely on caffeine for brain functioning, and caffeine in moderate amounts does have some brain benefits. However, caffeine is a stimulant that has no place in a child’s regular diet. The small amounts found in any foods containing cocoa are fine, but children and adolescents who are still growing should wait a few years before making coffee part of their routine. The increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and anxiety can cause some long-term health problems.

The Bottom Line

Make sure your kids are eating a balanced diet. Limit junk food to special occasions (or bond over making your own together!). Never let them skip breakfast, and include eggs and oats on the menu regularly. Don’t worry too much about small amounts of caffeine in their diet, but don’t let them drink cups of coffee quite yet!

Encouraging Student-Teacher Communication

School is much more than a place to learn your times tables. In addition to straightforward content like algebra, Egyptian history, and the products of photosynthesis, students must learn a set of soft skills associated with self-advocacy and communication. This extra curriculum is often not directly taught—and some parental guidance early on will help establish a dynamic in which parents can step back and let their students develop independently. 

Students should be reminded, gently but persistently, of the importance of good relationships with their teachers and how to earn them. If students can demonstrate a willingness to work diligently, ask interesting questions, and support their classmates’ learning, they’ll earn a relationship that can pay off when they need a bit of extra help or flexibility with a deadline. For high school students—or middle schoolers applying for selective high schools—these relationships are also key for applications as recommendation letter season rolls around. 

As part of building a positive relationship with their teachers, students should establish a channel of communication that is respectful and direct, without intruding unnecessarily on the teacher’s time. It can be very useful for students to be in touch with teachers over email when they need to ask a clarifying question about a major assignment or upcoming test, but given the informality of most digital communications, students will often need some coaching to understand the requirements of a more ‘professional’ email, with correct grammar and punctuation. As a young classroom teacher, I regularly received emails with no capitalization or punctuation from students—and while I was more forgiving than many of my older colleagues, in the worst case these emails risk being perceived as rude or lazy. Parents can help guide these emails with younger students, while supporting a movement toward self-advocacy that will serve them in high school and college.

It’s worth discussing these communication skills with your child early on, so that they can develop the right habits to advocate for themselves throughout their school careers! And really, they’re likely to learn better if they feel connected to their teachers—so this is a skill well worth strengthening. 

Testing like a Pro

Compared to the stresses of life under quarantine, test day jitters might feel trivial - but for many students, quizzes and exams are a perennial source of anxiety. Students, parents, and even teachers can become frustrated when performance on test day doesn’t seem to match up with a student’s potential. Test scores aren’t always the most reliable measure of mastery/growth in a subject, it’s true, but if testing is a persistent trouble spot, it’s important to incorporate that pattern as feedback on how students are preparing, and adjust appropriately. Below are a few of our tried and true tips for studying for an exam. 

1. Treat every assignment and reading as a part of your preparation.

The most important element of test preparation comes in the weeks (and sometimes months) before a test, as a student remains actively engaged with lectures and homework assignments, moving from knowing to understanding as they learn so that, when it comes time to study, they are already beginning from a place of confidence, rather than starting from scratch. The test is not a separate, stress-charged event in this model, but the natural culmination of weeks of learning. In concrete terms, this means that students should be taking clear notes and creating study materials as they learn the content, keeping up with readings and assignments, and independently reviewing at the end of every shorter unit.

2. Distribute practice by spreading out your studying.

Studies have shown that if you believe a test will require four hours of studying in the week of the exam, it is much more effective to split up this time into smaller chunks, spread out over multiple days, than to cram all four hours on the night before the exam. So…

3. Make a clear study plan.

It isn’t always easy for students to manage the many tasks that are thrust upon them—to use time wisely, set up a study plan well in advance of the test, with an explicit schedule for studying that splits up the content over multiple days and a specific plan for which study strategies to employ. 

4. Mix it up by using a variety of strategies.

Different types of content (and different types of tests) will require different strategies—and students should also consider what strategies work best for their specific learning strengths. The more that you can approach a subject from different angles—with flashcards written in your own words, illustrated histories, timelines, online video resources, practice problems, poetic adaptations, mnemonics and memory aides, etc—the more you’ll move from knowing to understanding. Your goal should be to absorb new information with context, thinking about it as a story, rather than memorizing in isolation or by rote. Use a timer to focus for specific periods, and switch between strategies. 

5. Find a buddy (or a student).

Study groups are a great way to stay motivated and trade notes with a peer, whose insight into the specifics of your test might go beyond what a generalized online resource can offer. Even better, studies have shown that teaching content is one of the most effective ways to retain it—with a classmate, take turns teaching one another concepts from your exam, or ask your parents if they need a refresher on selective permeability of the cell membrane (my guess is, they will).

6. Get a good night’s sleep, and stay healthy.

It is tempting to believe that staying up late to cram will help you conquer the test—but the truth is, giving your brain the rest it needs is more important. This is another reason why it’s important to distribute your studying across multiple days! Take care of yourself and your body as if you’re an athlete preparing for an event. That means you should take active breaks, drink water, and eat healthy snacks!

7. After the test, reflect!

Your job isn’t over when the test is done —take a well-deserved break, of course, but then take time to reflect on the study process and the test itself. Think about what worked, so that you can use it again next time. What areas can you identify for improvement next time? Taking a moment to register the feedback your test experience provides is how you’ll become a better student.

Building Confidence in Math

For some students, looking at numbers can feel like trying to read text in a foreign language. No matter how hard we try to drill that language, they just can’t seem to make meaning of what they see. But regardless of how challenging a student may find math, there is always a way to make the content more accessible, no matter what is holding them back. 

Because each subsequent grade in math builds off of prior concepts, any gaps in understanding will affect a student’s ability to make sense of more complex topics. So, for example, if a student does not understand the reciprocity of addition and subtraction, they will struggle even more when eventually faced with more complex algebraic equations. For this reason, it is crucial that we address our student’s challenges with math as early as possible. Otherwise, they run the risk of falling further and further behind.

The “traditional” math instruction of years ago, which consisted of mostly rote memorization of facts and formulas, just doesn’t cut it anymore; math mastery requires so much more! Children used to have to adapt to learn the way math content was being taught. Now, teachers are adapting their instruction to teach the way students learn. There are many opportunities to supplement and replicate this new approach to math at home, and it won’t require you to remember any formulas or re-teach strategies you learned in your childhood.

Here are some common early challenges and ways to address them at home:

• Fact fluency

  • All kids love games! Why not help your child build the crucial skill of knowing their addition/subtraction and multiplication/division facts through play? All you need is a deck of cards. Play “Go Fish” with Make 10 pairs, or play any number of other games that will build addition and subtraction fluency. 

  • A deck of cards works just as well for multiplication and division facts. Just multiply the cards chosen instead of adding. Have your child build an understanding of the inverse relationship between multiplication and division by having them work backwards from the product to get to the original number. (Example: student draws a 4 and a 6, they write the equation 4 x 6 = 24, followed by the inverse, 24 / 6 = 4.)

• Word problems

  • Have students make sense of word problems by drawing a picture of the information. This can help them understand and keep track of what is being asked.

  • Have students generate their own word problems. They can either solve them, or give them to a family member and then check their work.

• Precision (counting and calculating)

  • To build your child’s skills with one-to-one correspondence (counting accuracy), have them count household objects like buttons or coins, moving one at a time from one pile to another as they say each number out loud. As simple as it sounds, many math errors are a result of weak one-to-one correspondence, so it’s important to develop this skill.

  • Have your child estimate their answer before they solve using strategies like rounding. This will help them become more likely to catch errors as they work, or at least recognize more quickly when they’ve arrived at an incorrect answer.

• Developing an “I can’t do this” mentality

  • Many math struggles come from a student’s simple belief that they “just can’t”. This mentality can quickly spiral, and when students focus primarily (or exclusively) on whether they are right or wrong, it becomes impossible for them to grow their thinking. Help your child re-frame their perspective by encouraging them to talk through their process and not just focus on their answer. Have them explain a problem to you and how they solved it, explaining each step and what they were thinking. Even when they do make mistakes, finding those mistakes and fixing them not only prevents them from happening again, but might just boost their confidence when they understand where they went wrong!

With patience, persistence, and some creativity, we can help our children not only begin to understand puzzling mathematical concepts, but we can also begin to cultivate a love for (or at least an interest in) problem-solving and the often perplexing language of numbers.

Reading Strategically

As students grow older, the demands of classwork evolve; rather than simply summarizing plot or retaining historical dates, students are challenged to think critically, as they take their base of skills and knowledge and use these tools to forge original analysis. In parallel with this evolution in their education must come an evolution in the way they read, and in the way they annotate. With luck, students will have been building up simple annotation habits for some time by this point — but now, the purpose of annotation shifts, from a tactic for staying engaged with the reading, to an active commentary that records insight and evidence with a grander end goal in mind: the analytical essay.

When students read with the aim of collecting evidence to use in an essay, they do so under a variety of different circumstances. Some teachers might provide a framework or prompt before reading begins — others will wait until after the class has finished reading a text before distributing the essay assignment. In either case the goal of annotation is the same: to activate the mind as students read, and start them down the path of critical analysis. The key here is reading with a clear purpose. If the prompts are distributed ahead of time, students should come up with a key — by assigning each prompt a number, for example — and mark the text with the appropriate number whenever they find a quote that could be of use in responding to that prompt. For visually-oriented learners, pens or post-it notes in different colors for different themes can enhance the process. Even if they don’t have the list of possible prompts before they begin reading, students should use a site like LitCharts to preview the text, searching for important themes that they can annotate in a similar way, as these are likely to be helpful for the eventual essay. It’s best to focus on two or three themes at a time — and remember that one piece of evidence might be helpful for more than one theme, and should be marked with more than one number or color. 

If they’re writing a research paper, and using sources that they find independently, many students will find that the challenge is sifting through the text to find relevant evidence. Here, too, there is a shift in the approach to reading; rather than starting from the beginning and reading a stack of library books through to the end, students should start with a focused question and use strategic searches to isolate the evidence they need. This means using the table of contents, learning to navigate an index, focusing on headings, and searching intelligently through online databases. As students encounter the information they will need, they should be compiling quotes into a central notes document, making sure to include source information and page numbers as they read and record to smooth the process of creating a bibliography later on. Online tools such as easybib.com, citationmachine.net, and the reference materials at Purdue’s Online Writing Lab make creating citations easier than ever, but most students will need an introduction to the process — both in order to understand the required formatting and its intention, and to avoid unintentional plagiarism. 

The right kind of annotation will make the process of writing a critical essay or research paper ten times simpler, and much more effective at the same time. Not only can annotation provide the kind of record that students can easily transfer into a brainstorm and outline, it will activate their way of thinking about the text as they read, setting them up for success as writers.

Working with Your Child's Teacher

Close communication and trust between student, teacher, and parent are always important. As students return to school, they need to know that everyone in their educational life is on the same team. When there is a strong connection between home and school, it increases the likelihood that students will develop positive feelings about school, and prevents feelings like anxiety or depression. Students’ motivation, performance, and mental wellness improve. And it all starts with a close and positive relationship between the teacher and the parent.

KEEP EACH OTHER IN THE LOOP

It’s impossible for every parent to be kept in the loop about every single thing that happens throughout the day. Conversely, there’s no way to keep your child’s teacher updated on every single detail of what's going on at home. That would be exhausting for both of you! Still, it’s important that you are filling each other in on the big stuff. If you have created a chart at home to keep your child organized and on track, let her teacher know! Send a picture of the chart and briefly explain why you started it and how it’s helping.

Similarly, teachers should be telling parents about whatever is going on in school that specifically involves their child. For example, if a student in your class has just started an incentive system to help increase his or her motivation or improve behavior, their parents should definitely know about it. For younger students, it can be helpful to have some sort of daily report of how it went—nothing complicated, just a sticky note or slip of paper with check marks, tallies, or some other quick system for reporting to parents how their child did that day. 

BRINGING THE STUDENT INTO THE FOLD

While it’s important for parents and teachers to know what is going on in school and at home respectively, the main reason to establish these connections is for the student. When students see that there is close and consistent communication between their teacher and parent, it sends two messages. The first is that you both care enough to have formed a partnership in which your main goal is to help them succeed. Secondly, it adds an element of accountability. It reaffirms for students that they won’t get away with doing less than their best, or all of the caring adults in their life will work together to intervene.

In your pursuit of a collaborative partnership, don’t forget who it’s all about. As we’ve established, your shared goal is success for the student. Of course there will be topics and conversations that you don’t want them to be a part of, especially with younger students. But it’s important to include them in the communication as much as possible. For older students, this should be virtually all the time. It not only shows them that you care, but that you want them to be involved in the conversations about their education. It empowers them and helps them build independence by acknowledging that they can and should play a part in those important discussions and decisions.

Helping Your Child Discover a Passion

As children grow and mature, they slowly but surely discover those things that excite them and figure out the activities they do not enjoy. Little kids are generally up for anything, so they will participate in just about any activity their parents sign them up for. As they get older, however, children develop more specific tastes and interests, and learn more about who they are and what special skills or passions they might possess. With this in mind, it is important that students begin to explore a wide range of extracurricular activities at an early age, so they can discover the passions and interests that will enable them to thrive inside and outside of school.

There are many ways to encourage your child to get involved in extracurriculars; you might start by asking your student what he finds appealing or what she has always wanted to try. Because kids at this age don’t always know what appeals to them, you might ask a teacher or counselor if they have observed any special or specific aptitude your child might possess and then encourage him or her in that direction. The truth is, however, that at this age, your student might not yet show a passion or talent for any one activity as they simply have not yet been exposed to all the options. With that in mind, the more you can encourage them to try a wide spectrum of activities, the better. Below are many extracurricular options and the potential benefits they might provide your child:

Arts: the arts are a great way for your child to develop and express those parts of themselves that they may not be able to find in an academic setting. These might include, visual arts (painting, drawing, photography), drama (acting, singing, set design), writing/reading (newspaper, yearbook, poetry, book club), music (chorus, band, voice), dance and design. Involvement in the arts, even if they do not end up loving the activity, instills the values of self-confidence, communication, intrinsic motivation, creative problem solving, self-expression and improved cognition. Even if your student ultimately decides that the arts is not where their passion lies, by exploring an artistic extracurricular early on, he/she will still develop a deeper self-understanding.

Sports: taking part in a sports activity can provide a healthy outlet for young students who might feel constrained by academics. Most schools offer a wide variety of sports activities, whether intramural or clubs, competitive or not, and there is usually something for everyone. Encouraging your student to join a sports club can offer a nice counterbalance to the hours they spend sitting at a desk in school. Students at this age have a lot of physical energy, and there has been a great deal of research correlating participation in athletics with improved academic performance. Beyond the obvious physical benefits, taking part in a sports team teaches teamwork, perseverance, skill-building, commitment and time management and allows for important social bonding. 

Volunteering: when young students take part in an organization or extracurricular that focuses on giving back, your developing child will gain insight into the lasting social and health benefits of volunteer work, both on their community and themselves. Many schools offer volunteer programs within the school, (National Honor Society, peer tutoring, community gardening, library work, etc.) and in the community at large, (tutoring at under-privileged schools, parks and museum work, Big Brother, Big Sister, YMCA, etc.). Volunteer programs for middle schoolers have been shown to have the greatest positive impact on the social and mental health of students; he/she will gain a sense of agency, learn about teamwork, develop a passion for community building and allow the child to feel that they are giving back and accomplishing something, which can often translate to accomplishment in academics. 

Leadership: for those students who enjoy academic work but would like an outlet to display more agency and assertiveness, you might encourage them to join an academic extracurricular such as speech and debate or student council. Many schools have a Student Court, a Debate, Mock Trial/Mock Congress or Model United Nations club. This provides a great opportunity for kids to develop their public speaking, writing, and debate skills. Additionally, they will learn about diplomacy and problem solving, cooperation and leadership, while also developing self-confidence and grit. This provides long-lasting benefits to your child as they enter high school and transition into professional careers that will inevitably require strong writing and oratorical skills. 

Science/Math: some students, even in middle school, find certain academic subjects so exciting that they would like to explore them outside of the rigid school requirements. If your child has an interest in science, technology, engineering, and math, you might consider encouraging them to join an extracurricular program, such as STEM, that allows them to experiment, play and explore those elements they might not get to tackle in class. Taking part in an academic extracurricular allows students to get messy, explore real-world situations and take part in alternative learning methods. These clubs can also be beneficial for those students who might struggle with the structure and presentation of material in their math and science classes. Ideally, they can discover the potential love of learning through risk-taking, hands-on work and creative problem solving. This positive reinforcement and increased confidence can, in turn, improve academic work within the classroom. 

Extracurricular activity has long been linked to academic and mental health and there is no more important time for extracurricular exploration than in middle school. Students at this age are often vulnerable and unsure of themselves as they navigate a new social setting; joining a team, an organization or a club can give these young students the chance to be a part of something, and begin developing valuable life skills such as teamwork, cooperation, leadership, and problem-solving. If your middle schooler begins to explore options early on, and tries activities at which they are afraid they might fail, they will begin to conquer the fear of failure that plagues all students. Ultimately, the way middle school students spend their free time can have a huge impact on their academic work and hopefully plant the seed that will blossom into a full-blown passion as they focus their interests in high school!