Middle School Developmental Characteristics Grades 6-8 Physical Cognitive Social/Relational May appear awkward due Capable of abstract Sensitive to appearance to rapid physical growth thinking Critical of parents and Differing rates of Beginning to plan adults in authority maturation and stages of for future Exploring/forming puberty Ability to postpone personal identity (may Increase in appetite instant gratification change dress, appearance, Enjoy competitive and Can plan and speech, mannerisms, etc.) cooperative game play organize without smaller peer group adult assistance discussions Increasing interest Strong desire for in social issues and independence and forming opinions individual thought about societal issues YOUNG TEENS SO TEACH THEM BY are testing independence while desiring to guiding them, not pushing! • • belong. using positive peer pressure to your • are capable of abstract thinking. advantage. • are self-conscious. accepting them as they are. • • are post-child, BUT pre-adult. being patient. • • are influenced by their peers. having lots of fun. Laugh with young teens, • • have fluctuating emotions. not at them. • have active imaginations. remembering that many students have been • • have a good sense of humor. bullied themselves at some time and so • although they can have compassion for the target, they may be wary of standing up to the bullies themselves.
Middle School Developmental Characteristics Grades 6-8 Physical May appear awkward due to rapid physical growth Differing rates of maturation and stages of puberty Increase in appetite Enjoy competitive and cooperative game play Cognitive Capable of abstract thinking Beginning to plan for future Ability to postpone instant gratification Can plan and organize without adult assistance Increasing interest in social issues and forming opinions about societal issues Social/Relational Sensitive to appearance Critical of parents and adults in authority Exploring/forming personal identity (may change dress, appearance, speech, mannerisms, etc.) smaller peer group discussions Strong desire for independence and individual thought YOUNG TEENS • are testing independence while desiring to belong. • are capable of abstract thinking. • are self-conscious. • are post-child, BUT pre-adult. • are influenced by their peers. • have fluctuating emotions. • have active imaginations. • have a good sense of humor. SO TEACH THEM BY • guiding them, not pushing! • using positive peer pressure to your advantage. • accepting them as they are. • being patient. • having lots of fun. Laugh with young teens, not at them. • remembering that many students have been bullied themselves at some time and so although they can have compassion for the target, they may be wary of standing up to the bullies themselves.
middle-bullying-prevention-information.docx