Finding the Magic in Middle School: Tapping Into the Power and Potential of the Middle School Years
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Finding the Magic in Middle School: Tapping Into the Power and Potential of the Middle School Years Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

Chris Balme (Author, Narrator), Zero Circle Press (Publisher)
4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 53 ratings
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How can parents stay close with their children through middle school? How do we help middle schoolers discover who they are, enjoy friendships, and manage their growing emotions? What kinds of learning experiences will keep them curious and motivated?

These and more questions are answered in this highly engaging and informed guide to the middle school years. Chris Balme draws on his experience as a middle school founder, principal, and teacher, together with the latest adolescent neuroscience. He shows what is going on in the brains of middle schoolers, and how that affects everything from their friendships to the way they relate to parents or show up in a classroom.

Parents will gain insight into how to transform their parenting to help middle schoolers find greater independence, connect well with peers, and have the deepest learning possible in and out of school. Educators will learn about the developmental keys to making middle school a place of belonging, with deep social and emotional learning and academics that draw out students' full motivation and potential.

Previous page
  1. Listening Length
    6 hours and 50 minutes
  2. Author
    Chris Balme
  3. Narrator
    Chris Balme
  4. Audible release date
    December 1, 2022
  5. Language
    English
  6. Publisher
    Zero Circle Press
  7. ASIN
    B0BNP842J5
  8. Version
    Unabridged
  9. Program Type
    Audiobook
  10. See all details
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Product details

Listening Length 6 hours and 50 minutes
Author Chris Balme
Narrator Chris Balme
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date December 01, 2022
Publisher Zero Circle Press
Program Type Audiobook
Version Unabridged
Language English
ASIN B0BNP842J5
Best Sellers Rank #42,763 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#16 in Adolescent Psychology (Audible Books & Originals)
#33 in Medical Adolescent Psychology
#54 in Popular Adolescent Psychology

Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
4.9 out of 5
53 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Kari Keith
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2023
Verified Purchase
Fantastic book for parents of middle schoolers. This was recommended to me by a middle school teacher. I’ve found I have a lot more patience when I understand WHY my preteen is acting the way that he is. I’ve recommended this to anyone living with or working with kids in this age group.
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Sara
5.0 out of 5 stars Best Book I've Read in a Long Time
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2023
Verified Purchase
I loved this book so much! It was the perfect blend between THEORY and PRACTICE. Author Chris Balme weaved in enough of the "why" behind his perspectives and opinions but didn't let it overshadow the "what" and the "how." I found the information useful as an educator and a parent. A huge thank you to the author for sharing such relevant and insightful information about how to support adolescents in the most developmentally appropriate way!
2 people found this helpful
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Betsy W. Rollins
5.0 out of 5 stars Essential reading!
Reviewed in the United States on August 23, 2022
Verified Purchase
I'm a parent of an 11yo and a 13yo, but this book is essential for ANYONE with middle schoolers in their lives - parents, home educators, teachers, youth leaders/mentors, grandparents, aunts & uncles, neighbors... everyone! The author brings incredible insight to a time fraught with difficulty. If you want to meet your kid where they're at and help them thrive, read this book! Not only is it insightful and aspirational, but it gives you many tips and small steps to take, so you don't feel overwhelmed. So much good stuff in here! I read it through in just a couple days and highlighted all the best bits for reference, but I also plan to re-read and listen to the audiobook when it comes out.
6 people found this helpful
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Ben Owens
5.0 out of 5 stars Must Read!
Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2022
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This book should be essential reading for anyone working with middle schoolers. Even as a former high school teacher, Chris' book resonated on so many levels regarding what is possible...especially when we look at middle school as the perfect opportunity and environment for young people to develop the skills that will help them thrive for a lifetime (as opposed to the unfortunate "wasted years" too many people think of when they think about middle school).
2 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
4.0 out of 5 stars More for teachers, still great for parents
Reviewed in the United States on October 21, 2023
I bought this because I wanted to be prepared for my 8-year-old moving towards middle school. I feel like I certainly do know a lot more about the social and psychological changes that accompany the middle school years. It's also positive throughout as befits the title, which was really refreshing. Finally, unlike so many parenting help books, it's written from a place of genuine caring and desire to help, and respect for the feelings of both parents and children.

But the book kind of left me hanging right as it was getting into the details. It's written for a teacher who wants to get back to teaching as soon as they've got the basic info. It's much less journalistic and narrative than the usual parenting book, which is a pro for some and a con for others. I also felt like it was written very much for the median kid, which is great in the way I suppose, but it definitely didn't speak to my own experience in middle school. But as a thoughtful place to open conversations with your child or your spouse about the middle school years, I really recommend this book.
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flora brown
5.0 out of 5 stars Fun and important reading
Reviewed in the United States on January 29, 2023
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Love this book! It is so easy and enjoyable to digest, yet full of thought-provoking information and ideas to shift our personal and collective ways of thinking about this stage of life. Such a valuable resource - I wish I could give out copies to everyone I know!
One person found this helpful
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Nicole A. Ramos
5.0 out of 5 stars This book is an incredible gift for parents of middle schoolers!
Reviewed in the United States on September 3, 2022
Verified Purchase
What a beautiful gift this book has given me! Thank you Chris Balme for helping me form a whole new perspective on parenting and growing my capacity to love my kid and celebrate these coming years. I knew I needed to read this book when the introduction alone had me welling up with tears - tears of relief and tears of hope that middle school does not have to be awful.
One person found this helpful
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Rob B
5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read For Middle School Parents/Guardians
Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2022
Verified Purchase
This is a fabulous must read book for family members with Middle Schoolers! It’s well organized and easy to read. I loved the combination of scientific, developmental and descriptive information.
2 people found this helpful
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