54 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • OCTOBER 2019
MIDDLE SCHOOLERS FINDING THEIR PASSION
By REBEKAH YAHOVES
The middle school years — when
childlike energy meets grown-up
dreams — may be the perfect time for
students to find their passion.
“For a long time, I thought my job
was to share my passion with my
students,” says Shane Cappuccio,
middle and upper school English
teacher at Portledge School in Locust
Valley. “Now I know that I just need
to show them what it looks like to be
passionate, and give them space to
find their own.”
Here’s how to help your preteen find
their love.
FIND THEIR
FRUSTRATION
Your middle schooler may need to
explore before learning what their
interests are.
If they are truly passionate about
something, they will work at it. This
provides the intrinsic motivation
that they will carry into adulthood.
“Kids need to find what they like
being frustrated by,” Cappuccio says.
EMBRACE
AWKWARDNESS
Middle school has a reputation for
being a time of gracelessness. Yet
nervousness and anxiety can become
excitement when kids know
they can be successful.
As parents, it is our job to encourage
any signs of accomplishment
in our
middle schoolers.
If your child is
suppressing
a smile at the
thought of
an upcoming
concert, tell them how proud you are.
Remember that your child’s concern
is an indication of how much they
care.
TRIM SCREEN TIME
Excess social media has been linked
to obesity, attention problems, and
poor sleep. It could crush your child’s
creativity. But eliminating it altogether
is a struggle.
Before letting your
child tunnel into
their cyberworld,
require them to read
a chapter of their
favorite book, or spend
time practicing their
musical instrument.
Adul t s know
how to reward themselves often when
they are doing a great job. Middle
school is a great time to develop this
habit in children. Use screen time to
help kids relax after they have made
a real effort.
UP YOUR COACH GAME
A professional coach will focus on a
player’s natural strengths and find
gentle ways to improve weaknesses.
Many middle schoolers desperately
need this kind of guidance.
Parents should praise children
honestly when they notice real improvements
and talents. Deep down,
we all know that we have gifts worth
nurturing. One adult who believes in
a young person can inspire them for
a lifetime.
Editor’s note: Rebekah Yahoves
is an orchestra teacher
at the Portledge School
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Middle school is when
students ideally find their
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