With the big transition from elementary to middle school, we have found it beneficial to everyone involved for the 6th graders to attend monthly 6th grade fellowship events September through December.  Once they have adjusted more to middle school life, both they and the 7th and 8th graders are ready for them to join Sunday night youth group in January.  There are several reasons why we believe this is best for all middle schoolers.  First, this gives the 6th graders some time to get acclimated to middle school and, quite frankly, some time to mature.  There is quite a wide gap in maturity between a 6th grader and an 8th grader particularly at the beginning of the year.  Believe it or not, having separate 6th grade events also helps our leaders get to know the 6th graders much better than if they were meeting with us on Sunday nights.  At the 6th grade fellowship events, leaders are able to give their undivided attention to getting to know the sixth graders.  It also helps solidify the 6th grade class some so they know each other better and don’t feel so overwhelmed when they join the 7th and 8th graders.