How to Prepare Yourself for the First Day of Sixth Grade

Last Updated: February 19, 2023 References

The first day of sixth grade may feel a little scary but with good preparation ahead of the day, you can feel reassured that you are ready to begin the new year.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

The Night Before

1
Set out your clothes or uniform. With this done, you won't waste time in the morning or feel rushed.^{[1]
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- If your school doesn't have a uniform, choose an outfit that is clean, neat and suits your personality. Your friends may be helpful if you're uncertain what to choose.
2
Pack your backpack. You will probably already have a school stationery list; this should have been sorted by now. All you'll need to do is pack these things into your bag. Also add your bus/train pass (if you need it), your ID (if you have it yet), spare change, your cell phone (if allowed/have one), your contact numbers for emergencies, sanitary ware for girls, medication, etc.^{[2]
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- Keep a kit for emergencies.
- Sort your school supplies. Your school will have either provided you with a list of supplies to purchase, but some schools give supplies to the students.
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3
Sort out your lunch the night before. Will you be making it or taking it? If making it, what can you make now and what needs to be made in the morning? Sandwiches need to be made just before you go, or else they'll go all soggy but cookies, a piece of fruit, a drink and some snacks can usually be packed the night before, in readiness. If buying lunch, ask your parents or guardians for the money now, to save rushing in the morning.
4
Take a shower or bath if you usually have one at night. If not, leave this until the next morning.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

The Morning Before School

1
Wake up at a good time. It depends on what school you go to. It depends on what time you need to leave for school. Normally it is good to wake up an hour or two before school starts so you can be prepared if anything goes wrong. You don't want to be late for your first day of school!
2
Have a shower if you're a morning washer.^{[3]
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3
Have a very healthy breakfast. Try waffles/pancakes, cereal, oatmeal, toast and eggs, etc.
4
Brush your teeth before leaving home. Take some floss with you in case you get something stuck in your teeth during the day.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

At School

1
Socialize with others. Say hello to the people you know already. Introduce yourself to new people; there may be some new friends you're yet to make!
- - Don't get in trouble at school with your friends. It's okay to socialize with your friends as long as you don't disrupt anyone's learning or your class, but if your teacher tells you to be quiet, do so. Generally, only talk when permitted such as during work periods and not when the teacher is teaching the class.
  - Don't just hang out with people you know—try to include new students.
2
Make sure everything's organized. Get a file-case for organized papers.^{[4]
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3
Have a binder or a planner for your homework papers and tests. Or at least place a calendar or sticky notes at your locker to mark it.
4
Keep track of your projects, homework, reports and school stuff. Sure, 6th grade is very similar to elementary, but the teachers are harder on turning in work so make sure you turn in your homework whenever you have it, and study for tests.^{[5]
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5
Breathe in and out in a relaxed way. You've started sixth grade at last!

Community Q&A
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Question

How do I make my teachers like me?

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Some ways that can help teachers like you include: Be well behaved in class, hand your assignments in on time, answer questions in class, be polite to other students and don't be disruptive in class. Lots more great ideas can be found in this wikiHow: How to Make Your Teacher Like You.
Question

What if I don't know how to open a locker? Do I ask someone for help, or do I just carry everything in my backpack?

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Definitely ask for help; people are very understanding when they know you're new to the school or it's about new arrangements for a new grade. Ask friends or classmates, or the teacher, for help with the lockers. You might also find this wikiHow helpful: How to Open Your Locker.
Question

What if you don't have a locker?

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If you don't have a locker, you'll need to get into a routine of carrying only the things needed for each day. Make a list of what you need for each day, then empty your bag each school night and repack it with just the items needed for the next day. That way, you can keep the load down to only the things you need and not carry unwanted weight. If the bag is still too heavy, ask your teacher if there is somewhere in your homeroom that is safe to leave books, gym clothes, etc. It is unusual to not have someplace to keep your items, so maybe raise this as an issue for the whole school if there is nothing proper in place for keeping personal items during school hours.