Finding the Magic in Middle School

Tapping Into the Power and Potential of the Middle School Years

By: Chris Balme

Narrated by: Chris Balme

How can parents stay close with their children through middle school? How do we help middle schoolers discover who they are, enjoy friendships, and manage their growing emotions? What kinds of learning experiences will keep them curious and motivated?

These and more questions are answered in this highly engaging and informed guide to the middle school years. Chris Balme draws on his experience as a middle school founder, principal, and teacher, together with the latest adolescent neuroscience. He shows what is going on in the brains of middle schoolers, and how that affects everything from their friendships to the way they relate to parents or show up in a classroom.

Parents will gain insight into how to transform their parenting to help middle schoolers find greater independence, connect well with peers, and have the deepest learning possible in and out of school. Educators will learn about the developmental keys to making middle school a place of belonging, with deep social and emotional learning and academics that draw out students' full motivation and potential.

©2022 Christopher Balme (P)2022 Christopher Balme

For Both Parents & Teachers

Truly great stuff. Explained and actionable.
Great for all types of parents and teachers. Especially those looking to find new or lost inspiration. Or those looking to connect with their child or student(s)

Helpful and hopeful guide

As a parent of a rising middle schooler, this was a invaluable guide to all things middle school. I now have a clear sense of what kinds of developmental stages middle school needs to support and what my role as a parent will be. Balme’s advice is evidence-based, efficiently delivered, and measured; I especially appreciated his take on tricky topics like social media. I’m going to get a hard copy of this book so I have it on hand in the coming years. I recommend it to soon to be or current middle school parents and teachers.

Parent and Educator Friendly

Appreciated this as a parent as well as a school psychologist. Easy to follow, and note worthy throughout.