When kids go to middle school, parents disappear. Read, read, read. Nothing better prepares a child for an education. This builds vocabulary and builds confidence. T-shirts at home.
Studies show that children with outside interests do better academically.
They also better manage their time. Make getting to school on time a priority. Encourage appropriate bedtimes. Try to get access to reference materials such as dictionaries, encyclopedias and computers. Get your child a calculator.