How to Survive & Thrive: Neurodivergent Preteens Middle School & Jr. High Camp
This camp is designed to support Autistic, ADHD, and other neurodivergent learners in the middle grade years by giving them the executive function and advocacy skills that they need to thrive and navigate in person school.
Bridget Smith M.Ed.
Average rating:
4.7
Number of reviews:(895)
Rising Star
What's included
2 live meetings
1 hrs 30 mins in-class hoursAssessment
Completing the "Middle School Planning Guide" will serve as a concrete assessment of the learner's participation and understanding of class content. I will also end each class session with a "What are your takeaways?" question that helps students verbally reflect on what they have learned. If students share their completed guide with me within two weeks of class completion, I am happy to provide documented feedback.Grading
Narrative Evaluation available if completed guide is submitted for feedback.Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 8
Grades 6-8 can be tough especially for autistic teens as well as teens with ADHD, anxiety, or other learning differences. The goal of this camp is to: *Make that transition a little easier for students who are new to the middle grade experience. * Give experienced middle schoolers, the opportunity to share their experiences. *Help all students navigating middle school and junior high in person to develop a concrete plan for a successful school year. Day 1: Learners will: *Compare the middle grade experience to that of elementary school. *Have the opportunity to ask questions and share what works as a community of beginning and returning middle grade students. *Start developing a plan for making friends and navigating the logistics of the junior high and middle school experience. Day 2: Learners will: * Add to their plan by discussing organizational strategies for completing and turning in assignments. * Learn about the value of reading a junior high- middle school class syllabus, and discuss how each teacher may have different routines and expectations. *Discuss where to seek support and how to work with peers in group projects and other class settings. *Explore how to use school resources and self advocacy to be more comfortable and successful at school. Students are encouraged to record their ideas in the Middle School success guide either in PDF or Google Doc form so they leave class with a concrete plan for a successful school year. **** My Refund Policy **** Courses/ Camps: Free transfers upon request when sections are available. Full refund upon request up to one week before the start of class.
Learning Goals
The goal of this class is for students to get questions answered and to develop a plan for learning success in Middle School.
Syllabus
2 Lessons
over 1 WeekLesson 1:
Day 1: Getting Ready for the New Year
Learners will:
*Compare the middle grade experience to that of elementary school.
*Have the opportunity to ask questions and share what works as a community of beginning and returning middle grade students.
*Start developing a plan for making friends and navigating the logistics of the junior high and middle school experience. 45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Day 2: Self Advocacy and Organizational Strategies
Learners will:
* Add to their plan by discussing organizational strategies for completing and turning in assignments.
* Learn about the value of reading a junior high- middle school class syllabus, and discuss how each teacher may have different routines and expectations.
*Discuss where to seek support and how to work with peers in group projects and other class settings.
*Explore how to use school resources and self advocacy to be more comfortable and successful at school. 45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Learning Needs
This camp prepares neurodivergent learners including autistic preteens as well as those with ADHD and anxiety for middle school transition. Templates are shared in PDF and Google Doc form to support learners with dyslexia and dysgraphia.
Parental Guidance
ADHD Medication and Individual Education Plans may come up in the course of our discussion and developing planning guides. My approach will be that ADHD medication and IEP support can be helpful for some learners with ADHD but everyone has to find what works for their family in conjunction with medical and educational professionals.
Supply List
Please print out materials or prepare the Google Doc version of Our Middle School Planning guide and be ready to use it in each class session. A pen or pencil, some paper plain or lined, and some colored pencils or pens would also be good to have handy!
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
The idea for developing rules or guidelines for surviving middle school came from a book that I use in book study "Eliza Bing is (Not) A Star" by Carmella Van Fleet, author and mom to an ADHD learner.
Joined June, 2020
4.7
895reviews
Rising Star
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Teaching Certificates
California Teaching Certificate in English/Language Arts
California Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education
Master's Degree in Education from University of California, Santa Cruz
Ms. Bridget Smith has taught learners of all ages including middle schoolers during her over 25 year career as an educator. She is a person with ADHD and mom to kids with ADHD, Autism, Dyslexia, Dysgraphia, and other learning differences.Reviews
Live Group Course
$35
for 2 classes2x per week, 1 week
45 min
Completed by 134 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-14
3-12 learners per class
