On September 2nd, SHSID sixth graders had their first youth development class of the new semester. As the grade with the greatest number of new students and the first year of middle school, sixth grade offers many new challenges, begging the question: How should sixth grade students best adapt to the new environment and study tasks to ensure their success? In the first youth development class of the new semester,thesixth-grade teachers and students engaged in activities and discussions about this topic.

“What should I do if I forgot to bring my class schedule? Who should I talk to if I lost my locker key? How do I apply for new ID card?” These are just a few of the questions that were answeredoverthe past two days. The students actively participated to find appropriate solutions, which can be best summarized by, “Don’t worry and let’s help each other.”

The 6th grade homerooms have been re-organized and re-arranged from the primary section.Newand returningstudents from the Pudong campushave been incorporated into the new sections. This means the students are not familiar with each other. Therefore, creating a united and friendly class group has become themaingoal of teachers and students. One of the tasks of this youth development class is to design class logos and set class goals, which helps to make connections and build community. During the discussion, students were infinitely creative and inspired. Some used animals, others homophonic sounds, and some even had special meanings or included inside jokes. After a brainstorm, each class will have its own unique logo!

Another important theme in this youth development class is to set SMART goals for the new semester and familiarize students with how to use planners. Teachers guide students to set specific and measurable goals, use their planners to record the assignments and deadlines for each subject’s homework, improve their time management skills, and develop intocapableindependent learners.

After goal setting, teachers introduced new service teams, clubs, and school teams that were recruiting members. Students were encouraged to take advantage of all the wonderful extracurriculars that are offered here. A new semester is a new beginning, and we wish every sixth grader a happy and fulfilling one!

(Written by Liu Chen, Hannah Bush Pictures by Grade 6 Teachers Edited by Huang Shiyuan, Brie Polette)