THE ADOLESCENT

The Adolescent

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Culture

Adolescents need to feel a sense of belonging. They search for someone to tell them they understand. In my experience student teaching, the demographics of both schools were majority minorities and many students were economically disadvantaged.

I knew I had a challenge in front of me: how do I fill those needs and create a positive, understanding learning environment for my diverse students?

I had the help of my school's structure. Students found pride in their academic teams. So, it proved smoother than planned. Like I said, students at the middle level want to belong. I worked in as many team builders--like on the bus, off the bus-- as I could so the class would grow more comfortable with each other and with me. The positive interactions carried over as respect and support in our learning. The students were also excited to come to learn because they knew I would make the content relevant to them by using the J Factor or simply showing them how the material connects to their world outside the classroom.

Developing

At the middle level, students are moving at a rapid pace, and their brains are working even harder. As they prepare for a more grown up word, their minds begin to process more complex emotions and they face puberty head on. Social and emotional ties are made, and peers are everything to the adolescent.

KAYLA LONG

4-8 ELAR/SS Educator

The Adolescent

Adolescents need to feel a sense of belonging. They search for someone to tell them they understand. In my experience student teaching, the demographics of both schools were majority minorities and many students were economically disadvantaged.