Young Adolescents Who are they and how do we teach them?

“In no other stage of the life cycle, are the promises of finding oneself and the threat of losing oneself so closely allied.” -Erik Erikson

“Young adolescents are at one moment coordinated and awkward, shy and aggressive, attentive and distracted, astute and absentminded.” - M.A. James

John Hill’s Framework for Understanding Early Adolescence Primary Changes –Biological Changes –Psychological Changes –Changes in Social Definition Secondary Changes – Psychosocial Attachment Autonomy Sexuality Intimacy Achievement Identity Settings Family Peer School

Young Adolescence is marked by: Profound and rapid changes Tremendous variability Changes occur irregularly Race, poverty, or ethnicity may play a vital role Areas of development are intertwined Growing and changing thinking capacity Developing sexual awareness Appearance and body image issues Peer acceptance becomes important Burgeoning moral development

Characteristics of Young Adolescents: Physical Development Rapid, irregular growth Awkward, uncoordinated movement Restlessness and fatigue Need to release energy Appearance of secondary sex characteristics Bodily changes magnified in comparison Physically vulnerable Cognitive-Intellectual Development Wide range of intellectual development Transition from concrete to abstract thinking Curious Prefer active learning experiences Enjoy interaction during learning experiences Excel with real-life learning Begin to develop intra- personal intelligence Keen observers of adults

Characteristics of Young Adolescents: Moral Development Transition from self- centered reasoning to other or principle oriented reasoning Idealistic – want to make the world a better place See “shades of gray” in issues Quick to see others’ flaws Influenced by adults with whom they have interaction Psychological Development Self-preoccupied Fluctuation of self- esteem levels Self-conscious and highly sensitive Psychologically vulnerable Develop traditional sex- role behaviors Desire recognition for their positive behavior and achievements

Characteristics of Young Adolescents: Social-Emotional Development Strong need for approval Concerned about peer acceptance Overreact Follow fads Need alone time Experiment with new behaviors and identities Mood swings Exhibit immature behavior Socially vulnerable

Educational Implications Cross content area thematic units Exploratory coursed Teaching approaches that embrace their diversity Assessment and evaluation that promote learning Interdisciplinary teams that support meaningful relationships Health, wellness and safety policies Guidance and support services Create a safe, supportive educational environment Active engagement of students and teachers Establish mentoring/advisorship programs School-Family connection Relevant, challenging curriculum

Your Subtopics Go Here To change the world, teach a young adolescent. - National Middle School Association