CHARACTERISTICS of MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
Early adolescents are in a particularly difficult state of development. As stated in the website document, Characteristics of Young Adolescents, “Youth between the ages of 10 to 15 are characterized by their diversity as they move through the puberty growth cycle at varying times and rates. Yet as a group they reflect important developmental characteristics that have major implications for those agencies that seek to serve them.”
Middle school students are experiencing dramatic changes in physical development, although the rate at which this development occurs varies individually. Changes in height, and weight, and in body chemistry are taking place, along with rapid sexual development. This heightened physical growth, together with their tendency to be very active, causes frequent fatigue in early adolescence. Many of them find it difficult to cope with the many changes taking place in them and compare themselves unfavorably to their peers. At the same time, they are often concerned about their ability to learn and whether or not they can meet the expectations of parents and other adults.
Students of this age are sensitive and have a strong need for approval from others; thus, deflating comments or criticism sometimes have debilitating effects. Conversely, they are frequently thoughtless and calloused in their relationships with one another. They seek associations, relationships, and links with people, things, and new ideas. They are particularly concerned about peer approval and acceptance, and they need close friends their own age who can provide the comfort and understanding they find hard to get from adults.
Most early adolescents enjoy team sports, thrive on competition, work hard at perfecting athletic skills, and respect good sportsmanship. They seek values in simplified, concrete forms; are often hyper idealistic; and demand fair treatment. They are usually excitable, easily motivated, creative, inquisitive, and eager to explore; but if not active participants in learning situations, they may easily drift into daydreams.
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