Helping 5th graders build the thinking skills they’ll need before middle school expects them to use them.
A personalized four-week academic coaching experience where students solve a science mystery while developing critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and confident decision-making.
[Enroll Now] OR *Enroll via FL Step Up For Students Marketplace HERE, search “Jennifer Dobert”*
The Problem
Elementary school often focuses on finding the right answer and rightfully so as that is developmentally appropriate.
However, middle school expects students to explain why it’s the right answer.
Many capable students struggle with this transition. Not because they aren’t smart, but because they haven’t had many opportunities to practice thinking through complex problems independently.
Middle School Ready helps bridge that gap.
A Different Kind of Academic Coaching
This isn’t traditional tutoring.
Your child won’t spend four weeks completing worksheets or reviewing homework.
Instead, they’ll become the lead investigator in The Pond Mystery, a four-week science investigation that strengthens the thinking skills used across science, writing, history, and everyday life.
Throughout the program, students learn to use the THINK Framework:
T – Think Carefully
H – Hunt for Evidence
I – Investigate Options
N – Notice Patterns
K – Know Why
What Your Child Will Learn
By the end of the program, students will be better able to:
- Ask thoughtful questions.
- Support ideas with evidence.
- Explain their reasoning clearly.
- Solve multi-step problems with confidence.
- Evaluate information instead of guessing.
- Apply critical thinking to real-life decisions.
How the Program Works
Over four weekly one-hour coaching sessions, your child will investigate an unfolding science mystery.
Each week introduces new clues and new thinking challenges while building confidence through guided coaching.
By the final session, your child will independently solve the mystery, defend their conclusions with evidence, and demonstrate the thinking skills they’ve developed throughout the program.
Is This a Good Fit?
This program is ideal for students who:
✔ Are entering or currently in 5th or 6th grade.
✔ Enjoy science, mysteries, or solving problems.
✔ Need confidence explaining their thinking.
✔ Would benefit from personalized coaching before middle school.
What Parents Receive
- Weekly progress updates.
- Student work samples.
- Personalized coaching.
- Final Thinking Skills Growth Report.
- Practical strategies to continue encouraging thoughtful learning at home.
FAQs
Is this tutoring?
No. This is individualized academic coaching designed to strengthen critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and problem-solving through an engaging four-week science investigation.
Will my child learn science?
Yes—but the focus is bigger than science. Students practice observation, evidence-based reasoning, communication, and decision-making skills that transfer across many subjects.
Does my child need to love science?
No.
Students who enjoy mysteries, asking questions, and solving problems tend to enjoy the program, even if science isn’t their favorite subject.
Is homework included?
No.
Everything is completed during our coaching sessions.
Investment
Four personalized 60-minute 1:1 coaching sessions.
Your investment includes
✔ Four live 60-minute coaching sessions
✔ Personalized instruction
✔ Investigator notebook activities
✔ Weekly parent progress updates
✔ Final T.H.I.N.K. Skills Growth Report
Current pricing is a one time investment of $200.
Next Steps After Purchase
Brief virtual intake meeting
Select an available time Tuesday or Thursday 1-2pm EST OR 2:15 – 3:15pm EST
Are You Middle School Ready?
[Enroll Now] OR *Enroll via FL Step Up For Students Marketplace HERE, search “Jennifer Dobert”*