Episode 207: Middle School Executive Functioning and the Role of the Parent-Teacher

Episode 207: Middle School Executive Functioning and the Role of the Parent-Teacher

Author: The Classical Academies November 18, 2025 Duration: 24:31
Middle school marks a pivotal time as students transition from one primary teacher to several, face increasing academic expectations, and start seeking greater independence. It’s also a season when parents shift from manager to coach, learning to balance autonomy with meaningful guidance. Dawn Sullivan, a Classical Academy middle school teacher, shares insights on how families can nurture executive functioning skills during this critical period. She offers practical approaches such as modeling organization, establishing routines, weekly schedule reviews, and encouraging students to communicate directly with teachers. As students transition to high school, Dawn outlines how parents can gradually assume a mentor role, equipping teens to handle increasingly complex responsibilities with confidence. For slides to this presentation, visit here.

At The Classical Academies Partnering With Parents, we believe a child's education is a shared journey. This isn't about delivering lectures from experts to an audience; it's a conversation built on real experience. Each episode draws from the collective wisdom of our hosts-educators and homeschooling parents who are in the trenches themselves-to explore what it truly means to guide a young learner. You'll hear specific, actionable strategies for creating a rich learning environment at home, alongside candid stories about the challenges and triumphs of taking an active role. The aim is to move beyond theory into the practical realities of teaching, whether you are fully homeschooling or seeking to better support your child within a traditional school setting. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion that reframes education as a collaborative effort, offering reassurance and concrete ideas to help you cultivate curiosity and confidence in your role. This podcast from The Classical Academies serves as a steady resource for anyone committed to being a foundational part of their child's academic and personal growth.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

The Classical Academies Partnering With Parents
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