Define+a+Middle+School+Student

MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS - YOUNG ADOLESCENTS The term used to describe students in this developmental period include early adolescents, preadolescents, transescents, and middle schoolers. We prefer young adolescents, who we define as students between the ages of 10 and 15 who experience the physical, psychosocial, and cognitive changes associated with the early adolescence developmental period, yet who also exhibit tremendous cultural, gender, developmental, and individual diversity that deserves to be considered by middle school educators who plan educational experiences. (Manning & Bucher, pg. 8, 2009)



How are middle school aged students different emotional, physically and emotionally from older high school? Diversity is the hallmark of middle level learners. Middle schoolers range from childlike to adult-like, from socially awkward to socially adept, from emotionally insecure to brimming with confidence, and from concrete to abstract in thinking – sometimes seemingly all in the same student on the same day. (Manning & Bucher, pg. 8, 2009)

Here are just a few of the many reasons why middle school students differ emotional and physically from older high school students.....

A - PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT:

 I - Selected physical developmental characteristics can have profound effects on young adolescents and the issues affecting their lives. (Manning & Bucher, pg. 33, 2009)

 II - Restlessness and fatigue: Due to growing bones, joints and muscles often causes restlessness and fatigue. (Manning & Bucher, pg. 33, 2009)

 III - Physical diversity: Early developers sometimes feel more “grown up” and engage in adult-like behaviors, often participating in activities that have potentially dangerous consequences. (Manning & Bucher, pg. 33, 2009)

 IV - Nutritional: Sound nutritional habits that are established during childhood and early adolescence are considered essential for proper growth and development, reduction of chronic disease risk, and long-term quality of life. (Manning & Bucher, pg. 34, 2009)

 III - Sexual awareness: The onset of puberty sometimes results in a sense of sexual awareness, which can have dangerous consequences if sexual experimentation occurs. (Manning & Bucher, pg. 34, 2009)

 IV - Sexual identity: With the onset of puberty, young adolescents begin to develop and examine their sexual identity. (Manning & Bucher, pg. 35, 2009)

 V - Depressions and acute health conditions: Compared to adults, young, adolescents suffer fewer illnesses and general health problems. However, their physical development can be affected by their general health, depression, and days missed from school due to acute health conditions. (Manning & Bucher, pg. 37, 2009)

 B - PHYCHOSOCIAL DEVELOPMENT:

I - Rapid physical development: Problems can arise when physical development is not matched by emotional or social development

II - Peer pressure: Peer pressure represents a powerful and often underestimated source of influence in the social academic, and overall development, behavior and attitudes of young adolescents.

 III - Shifting allegiances: Young adolescents need eductors’ and parents’ support even as their allegiances shift and they move away from associating with adults.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> IV - Preoccupation with appearances: Young adolescents need to understand that it is normal to be preoccupied with their appearances and behaviors.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"> V - Changing self-esteems: With young adolescents’ changing self-esteems, middle school educations need to recongnize how self-esteem dips and must take appropriate action. Changing from the elementary school to the middle school, developing bodies, making new friendships and tackling more difficult subject matter can have negative effects on self-esteem.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial Black',Gadget,sans-serif; font-size: 9pt; line-height: 115%;">C - EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">I - Middle school children have been described (by many educational experts) as being emotionally unstable. “Everything is a crisis!”

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">II- Children in this age group often want their independence.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">III - Rejection of adult advice and “talking back” are common personality traits.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">IV - Mood fluctuation is common. One minute they are adult-like, the next they are child-like.

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">V - Middle school children are often highly critical of themselves.