Raising kids who are prepared to thrive in the world can be a lot to navigate.
Whether your family’s road is straight or winding, we’re here to help you know what to expect — and find joy in the journey.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP!

We love partnering with students’ families to provide support and encouragement when you need it.

Contact your child’s teacher — or reach out to the office — any time you have questions about your child’s behavior, learning or experience at school.

Larned Elementary School
2104 Broadway
Larned, KS 67550
Phone:  (620) 285-2141

Larned Middle School
904 Corse Ave.
Larned, KS 67550
Phone: (620) 285-8430

STAGES AND PHASES TO EXPECT

Here are a few of the behaviors, attitudes and experiences that are common among students intermediate grades.

  • Students in intermediate grades enjoy exploring more complex topics and ideas and are generally getting better at managing behavior, solving problems and managing disagreements.

  • Whether working alone or working with others, students are developing an ever-stronger sense of what they enjoy most and how they learn best.

  • Intermediate students often enjoy being part of a group, club and/or team.

  • They may be more self-conscious, with a focus on dressing and speaking more like their peers.

  • There is often a strong sense of right/wrong and “unfair” among intermediate students.

  • It’s common in these years for kids to be very expressive, talking and telling stories about something they’ve seen, heard or read about.

  • Students may feel pressure about academic performance. Let your child’s teacher know if school creates stress or anxiety. We can help.

LEARNING AT HOME

For some families, this stage feels a bit like a honeymoon. Gentle reminders tend to keep things on track, as responsibility and trust grows. Families often enjoy playing games or spending time together outside.

  • Listening to a long, winding story or retelling of events takes time and patience, but feeling “heard” is a great gift anyone can give.

  • Feeling over-scheduled? Discussing priorities and saying no to some opportunities can help young people learn those life-long skills.

  • This is a great stage to encourage self-sufficiency skills, such as making a healthy snack, helping with yardwork or doing a load of laundry.

  • Adults can name and model their core values, such as honesty or respect for others, to help build decision making skills, both now and in the future.

LEARNING AT SCHOOL

Our educators enjoy combining learning with more advanced play, such as teamwork, to equip students with skills for success in school and in life.

  • Students have more opportunities to manage their own learning, whether individually or as a group.

  • Longer-range projects help students practice time management and skills to prioritize tasks.

  • Classes learn problem-solving steps to reach goals, including skills to calm down in times of frustration and other strong feelings.

  • Students practice taking another perspective to deepen friendships and empathy skills.

  • New skills help students respectfully ask for what they need, based on their unique feelings, preferences and challenges.