i have a friend who has a daughter that does not want to go to 5th grade she thinks that she will not make it?

Question

i tell her its going to be easy but she cries

Answer 1

Don't worry about it - she'll do fine.
I have a grand daughter who will be going into middle school in another year or so. She's scared and extremely worried about it. I just have to keep telling her "it's only a building full of kids. The only thing different - is the fact you have a teacher for each subject, therefore, you change rooms a lot but they do assign you a locker to store items you do not need for your next class. It's the same in high school".

Answer 2

It is important to find out exactly what it is that is bugging the little girl.
Does she feel that she is not prepared academically? Because if that is the case then summer school or tutoring will help that.
If she feel that she is not equiped socially then I would advise her mother to take her to her new school and take a tour before school begins. That way the girl can have an idea of the campus and get familiar with her new setting.
It would also be good for her daughter to involve herself in community activities such as dance, or sports. That way she could find friends that are her age and they can network.

Answer 3

There must be a reason for her fear. As a good friend, perhaps you can help discover why she is so afraid.

Are there mean kids? (yes, duh...but is she being particularly victimized?) Some kids are VERY reluctant to admit this because they are so ashamed of being rejected by their peers.

Is she having academic problems? Maybe she has a learning disability that has gone undiagnosed. Better to find out before things get worse and she loses all confidence.

Answer 4

I taught middle school for years and every year I'd have at least one child that didn't want to go on to the high school. ask her mom to get her books about what you have to know in 5th grade. we have them at our library. if she can read at the 5th grade level, she'll be fine.