Middle School Transition Group

Helping Students Start Middle School with Confidence

Starting middle school is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. New teachers, changing classes, bigger buildings, increased independence, and new friendships can create a lot of uncertainty for students and their families.

Our Middle School Transition Group is designed to help incoming sixth graders build the confidence, skills, and connections they need to begin middle school feeling prepared and supported.

What is the middle school transition group?

This small-group program combines practical middle school skills with social-emotional learning in a fun, welcoming environment.

Students will have opportunities to ask questions, practice new skills, make friends, and build confidence before the school year begins.

Register Here

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Register Here ·

Program Details

  • August 11th, 13th, 18th, 20th, 25th, & 27th

  • 4:00-5:00 PM

  • One Root Collective, 10 Henson Pl, Suite 4, Champaign, IL

  • Cost
    $150 ($25 per session)

    At One Root Collective, we believe every child deserves access to supportive, high-quality programs. We never want cost to be a barrier to participation.

    That's why we offer a pay-what-you-can model. Families are welcome to pay the full session fee, contribute a reduced amount based on their circumstances, or request a scholarship. No student will be turned away due to financial constraints.

    If cost is a concern, simply let us know during registration or contact us—we're committed to working with families to ensure every student has the opportunity to participate.

Designed by Educators Who Understand the Transition

This program was created by experienced educators and social-emotional learning professionals who understand both the academic and emotional challenges students face when entering middle school. Every activity is intentionally designed to help students feel prepared, connected, and confident—not just on the first day of school, but throughout the year.

That section helps distinguish your program from a generic "middle school camp" by emphasizing the expertise and thoughtful design behind it.

What We Will Cover

Throughout the program, students will learn about:

  • Staying organized

  • Using planners and managing assignments

  • Navigating changing classes

  • Opening lockers

  • Building friendships

  • Handling peer pressure

  • Self-advocacy

  • Asking teachers for help

  • Study habits

  • Time management

  • Managing stress and anxiety

  • Problem-solving

  • Digital citizenship

  • Growth mindset

  • Goal setting

Interactive Activities

Learning happens through hands-on experiences, including:

  • Team-building games

  • Role-playing real middle school situations

  • Organization challenges

  • Locker practice (if available)

  • Group discussions

  • Confidence-building activities

  • Problem-solving games

  • Icebreakers and friendship activities

Skills Students Will Leave With

By the end of the program, students will:

  • Feel more confident about starting middle school.

  • Have strategies for staying organized.

  • Know how to advocate for themselves.

  • Feel more comfortable meeting new people.

  • Understand what to expect during the school year.

  • Have tools for managing stress and challenges.

Who Can Participate?

This program is for students entering 6th grade.

Students from public schools, private schools, and homeschool programs are all welcome.

Meet Your Program Facilitator

Hi! I'm Marina, and I created the Middle School Transition Group because I know just how big the jump to middle school can feel.

As a certified teacher with bachelor's and master's degrees in education, I've taught both 5th and 6th grade, giving me a unique perspective on the transition between elementary and middle school. I've seen the excitement, uncertainty, and challenges that many students experience, and I know where they often need the most support—academically, socially, and emotionally.

I'm also neurodivergent, which has shaped the way I approach education and relationships. I believe every child learns differently, and every student deserves to feel understood, included, and valued. My goal is to create a welcoming, identity-affirming space where students can ask questions, build confidence, develop practical skills, and realize that they don't have to navigate this transition alone.

I can't wait to help students begin middle school feeling prepared, connected, and excited for what's ahead.

Marina Taylor, M.Ed.

Program Director | Founder & Executive Director, One Root Collective

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. While students will learn organization and study skills, the primary focus is helping students build confidence, friendships, and the social-emotional skills needed for a successful transition to middle school. We will assist in homework help.

  • Absolutely! Many students feel nervous before starting middle school. This group is designed to help students feel more prepared, confident, and excited about the transition.

  • Yes! Even confident students can benefit from learning organization strategies, meeting new friends, strengthening leadership skills, and preparing for new expectations.

  • There will be no more than 10 students in a group. Keeping groups small allows every student to participate, ask questions, and build meaningful connections with peers and facilitators.

  • We welcome students with diverse learning styles and experiences. Our facilitators are committed to creating an inclusive, supportive environment where every student feels respected, understood, and able to participate. If your child has specific accommodation needs, we encourage you to let us know during registration.

  • Standard Registration: $150 ($25/session)

    Scholarship Registration: Pay What You Can

    We believe every child deserves access to our programs. If cost is a barrier, please email us at connect@onerootcollective.org or select the "Pay What You Can" option. No child will be turned away due to financial need.

    That's why we offer a pay-what-you-can model. Families are welcome to pay the full session fee, contribute a reduced amount based on their circumstances, or request a scholarship. No student will be turned away due to financial constraints.

    If cost is a concern, simply let us know during registration or contact us—we're committed to working with families to ensure every student has the opportunity to participate.

  • Families are responsible for dropping off and picking up their student before and after each session.

    If transportation is a barrier for your family, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at connect@onerootcollective.org. We'll do our best to work with you to explore possible transportation options or connect you with available community resources.

    At One Root Collective, we're committed to making our programs as accessible as possible, and we encourage families to contact us if transportation or any other barrier might prevent their child from participating.

Get in Touch

Still Have Questions? Looking for more information?

We're happy to help! If you have any questions about the Middle School Transition Group, registration, accommodations, or anything else, we'd love to hear from you.