Future High School Students – What to they need to know?

Blueprint Education and Hope High School Online practice the “Go Giver” philosophy (great book to read by Bob Burg and John David Mann). During the month of May, I had the pleasure of visiting several 8th grade classrooms in the Phoenix, Arizona, area in order to share with them little pieces of information that they should know before they transition to high school. This presentation was completely free to the schools and students – it is just information we wanted to share with all future high school freshman!

The presentation was guided by a “book bag of gadgets.”  Each item in the book bag represented a topic that the 8th graders needed to know about in order to be successful in high school.  The students would reach in the bag and pick out a gadget.  Then as a group we would hypothesize what that gadget might symbolize in relation to high school.  The gadgets and their meanings…

1. Lanyard – symbolized the title of the presentation “KEYS TO SUCCESS” -- What you need to know BEFORE entering high school

2. Timer (in the shape of an apple) – symbolic of the need for time management

3. Stress ball (in the shape of a globe) – discussed healthy stress management techniques

4. Pad-folio – discussed organizational techniques and inexpensive resources that can help

5. White board – probably the most critical topic of the presentation was the discussion on what earning “credit” means and how easily it can be wiped away (Video)

6. Puzzle game – time to step it up; everything in high school is just a bit harder than junior high

7. Sweatband – hard work is not something to be afraid of – relish the time you have in high school

The overall message the students learned is that even though high school may be a bit harder, and might take some new skills, it is the next step in their lives.  It is a new social setting with new teachers and higher expectations, but it is preparing them for their futures (no matter what path they choose).

I had a great time visiting with the 8th graders.  Their excitement for high school exudes from their pores!  I hope that giving them these little pieces of information will make their transition just that -- much more exciting and successful.