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Young Adolescents and the Middle School Program

Young Adolescents and the Middle School Program. Name of your middle school. Overview of Presentation. Early adolescence Young adolescent development Physical Intellectual Emotional Social The middle school program Our program Resources.

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Young Adolescents and the Middle School Program

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  1. Young Adolescents and the Middle School Program Name of your middle school

  2. Overview of Presentation Early adolescence Young adolescent development • Physical • Intellectual • Emotional • Social The middle school program Our program Resources

  3. 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.

  4. Physical Characteristics • 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

  5. Intellectual Characteristics • 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

  6. Emotional Characteristics • 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

  7. Social Characteristics • 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

  8. What should parents do? • 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

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. The Middle School

  12. What is a middle school?The Middle School Program 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.

  13. Effective middle schools must be . . . • Developmentally responsive • Challenging • Empowering • Equitable

  14. Components of a Middle School • Teachers who like working with young adolescents • A shared vision • Committed, knowledgeable leadership • Challenging, integrative, and relevant curriculum

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

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

  17. The Middle School The Elementary School

  18. How is middle school different from elementary school? • The work load is heavier and expectations are higher • Students often have lockers • No recess • Schedules with different teachers • Extra curricular activities/electives

  19. Families and the School

  20. What should a parent remember? • 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.

  21. What should a parent do? • Academically: check school newsletters, access Infinite Campus, check report card, attend school events, email teachers, check homework • 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

  22. How can I as a parent help the school? • 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

  23. Association for Middle Level Education www.amle.org Project Appleseed – parental involvement in education www.projectappleseed.org Family Friendly Schools www.familyfriendlyschools.org Spark Action – stories, news, etc. for youth www.sparkaction.org National Education Agency – Parent Page www.nea.org/parents Parent Involvement Matters www.parentinvolvementmatters.org

  24. In conclusion . . . 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.

  25. References Association of Middle Level Education. (2010). This we believe: Keys 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.

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