Name of your middle school

Early adolescence Young adolescent development Physical Intellectual Emotional Social The middle school program Our program Resources

Early adolescence is the time in life between ten to fifteen years old when children are developing socially, physically, intellectually, and emotionally. More growth occurs during early adolescence than at any other time of life.

Young Adolescent Development PhysicalIntellectualEmotionalSocial

Experience rapid, irregular physical growth Experience periods of restlessness and fatigue due to hormonal changes Have varying maturity rates, girls tend to be 1 ½ to 2 years ahead of boys in beginning puberty Need good nutrition but prefer junk food Need outlets for releasing energy Awkward

Need to have learning connected to real life situations Developing capacity to understand higher levels of humor Inquisitive about adults and are keen observers of them Beginning to think critically about the world around them Moving from concrete to abstract thinking Intensely curious

Tend to be self-conscious Experience mood swings Often preoccupied with self Seeking to become more independent Highly sensitive to personal criticism, embarrass easily Desire recognition for their positive efforts and achievements Begin to experience feelings of sexual/romantic attraction

Like fads, especially those shunned by adults Very sensitive to feedback and criticism Are socially vulnerable as they are developing their beliefs, attitudes, and values Increasingly concerned about peer acceptance and need to belong to a group Need moderate amounts of time alone Want to make more decisions on own, need for independence, can tend to test authority Social Characteristics

 Be knowledgeable about the different stages of development  Be sensitive to the variation between adolescents; do not compare your child to others  Be open and informative about sexual changes

 Encourage critical thinking at home  Be sensitive to what is important to your child  Keep communication open, talk to your child  Do not use sarcasm  Allow your child to choose what he/she wants to excel in

 Set fair and consistent rules  Be a responsible role model  Encourage healthy choices  Encourage good decision making  Accept your child’s differences  Maintain close supervision but view your child as responsible

A middle school is not about the grade levels housed within the building; it is about the program created within the building. The middle level program is designed specifically to address the needs of young adolescents.

 Developmentally responsive  Challenging  Empowering  Equitable

 Teachers who like working with young adolescents  A shared vision  Committed, knowledgeable leadership  Challenging, integrative, and relevant curriculum

 Multiple learning and teaching approaches  Varied and ongoing assessments  Extra-curricular and co-curricular activities  Organization that fosters learning and building relationships

 Exploratory/enrichment program  Inviting and safe environment for all  Counselor and support services  Health and wellness programs  Community and business partners Actively involved families

The work load is heavier and expectations are higher Students often have lockers No recess Schedules with different teachers Extra curricular activities/electives

Young adolescents rely on parents and significant adults for advice, especially when facing major decisions. Young adolescents need time to explore their environment, relationships, and interests as they are “finding themselves.” A decline in grades can happen. Young adolescents still need and want parent/adult support and supervision.

Academically: check school newsletters, access Infinite Campus, check report card, attend school events, teachers, check homework Academically: check school newsletters, access Infinite Campus, check report card, attend school events, teachers, check homework Socially: let your young adolescent invite friends over, attend events as chaperone, get to know parents of your child’s friends Socially: let your young adolescent invite friends over, attend events as chaperone, get to know parents of your child’s friends Personally: TALK openly with your child, get to know them as people--their likes, thoughts, and interests Personally: TALK openly with your child, get to know them as people--their likes, thoughts, and interests

Volunteer to help in the classroom or during school functions Join the parent teacher organization Serve on school committees Ask teachers if they need supplies Attend parent conferences Attend school functions

Association for Middle Level Education Project Appleseed – parental involvement in education Family Friendly Schools Spark Action – stories, news, etc. for youth National Education Agency – Parent Page Parent Involvement Matters

Adolescence is a time of rapid change. Families, community, and teachers need to be aware, empathetic, and actively involved in the positive development of all adolescents. If schools, families, and community work together they have the ability to make the middle school years a positive and successful time for all young adolescents.

Association of Middle Level Education. (2010). This we believe: K eys to educating young adolescents. Westerville, OH: Author. Brighton, K. (2007). Coming of age: The education and development of young adolescents. Westerville, OH: National Middle School Association. Strahan, D., L’Esperance, M., & VanHoose, J. (2009). Promoting harmony: Young adolescent development & classroom practices. Westerville, OH: National Middle School Association.