Middle School

Adolescent Development

Middle school represents a huge challenge for children. They are learning who they are as individuals and also in a group. They are also learning how to reason abstractly and are developing their own theories about just about everything.

6th Grade

During 6th grade, children are undergoing a lot of changes as they become adolescents. Some of these changes include:

• Socially more active and wants to fit in with peers
• More curious
• Restlessness
• More assertive and likes to talk
• Moody and has a wide range of emotions
• Competitive

7th Grade

During 7th grade, adolescents are changing rapidly and become more mature in their interactions with others. Other changes include:

• Has self control
• More concerned about self and others
• Not as moody as before
• Self reliant
• Increased peer pressure

8th Grade

There are probably more changes that occur during 8th grade than in any other school year. Therfore, this year can be very stressful for the teenager and parents. Some common changes include the following:

• Girls have reached most of their adult height, and boys have a growth spurt
• Energy is high
• Skin problems such as acne
• More concerned about personal appearance
• Girls usually have close friendships while boys hang out in groups
• Increased use of telephone, computer, radio, and video games
• Participate in sports more often
• Peer pressure increases
• Begin abstract reasoning
• Challenge authority
• Self concept and intellectual ideas forming
• More concerned with school work