For rising sixth graders
Middle School Is a Big Step. Help Your Child Feel Ready.
This guide helps rising middle schoolers build confidence, navigate friendships, manage emotions, get organized, make thoughtful decisions, and set goals.
By Terri McColl, LCPC · Professional School Counselor
Six skills for a confident start
Confidence
Build a steady sense of self for a new chapter.
Friendships
Navigate shifting friend groups and make new connections.
Emotions
Name, understand, and manage big feelings.
Organization
Lockers, planners, and routines that make days easier.
Decision-Making
Pause, think, and choose thoughtfully.
Goal Setting
Set meaningful goals and take small steps toward them.
The book
Middle School Ready: A Social-Emotional Learning Guide for a Successful Transition is a 270-page, 8.5 × 11-inch paperback written by a professional school counselor.
- • Practical, age-appropriate social-emotional learning
- • Designed for families, counselors, and classrooms
- • Shipped personally by the author
Paperback · 270 pages · 8.5 × 11 in
Middle School Ready (Paperback)
$29.99
In stock — shipped by the author.
The 270-page book only. A separate workbook or planner is not included.
Digital planner · 173 pages · 36 weeks · Instant download
My 6th Grade Success Digital Planner
$19.99 one-time purchase
A 36-week digital planner for 6th graders that builds organization, confidence, smart choices and planning for the future.
Shop the Digital Planner — $19.99Available now — opens the author's secure store (SelfCareIsLove.com) in a new tab for instant download.
For schools & counselors
Ordering for a grade level, counseling program, or organization? Send a bulk inquiry.
Bulk order inquiry
A companion to the planner · Online academy
Chill Champs Academy
The planner gives your child the words, structure and weekly practice. The academy adds the next layer of support: lessons, quizzes and an AI learning coach that bring those same skills to life and keep them growing all year long.
- 22 modules and 125 lessons
- Lessons adapt to your child's level as they go
- A built-in AI learning coach with checkpoints and feedback
- Quizzes that lock in progress
- Learn on any device, at your own pace
- Full access for as long as you're subscribed
$35/mo
Recurring billing · cancel anytime
Free lesson needs a free account. Enrollment and billing are handled securely on TeachClub, not through this site's cart.
What students build
Understanding & managing emotions
Notice body signals, triggers and thought patterns, and use calming strategies that actually work.
Executive functioning
Organization, time management, planning, working memory and following through.
Communication & relationships
Friendships, conflict, boundaries, peer pressure and self-advocacy.
Flexible thinking & resilience
Problem-solve, adjust when plans change, and recover from mistakes.
Self-awareness & wellness
Strengths, values, self-care habits and a personal toolkit.
Life beyond middle school
Career curiosity, independence and early college and career readiness.
Written and led by Terri McColl, LCPC. The academy is an educational program and is not individualized clinical treatment. If your child needs mental-health support, please reach out to a licensed professional.