So often in education we focus on elementary and high school student categories, ranging from age-appropriate behaviors in their little personalities and curiosities to a career-oriented plan for those who are older. But the one monster less often discussed is that of the middle school student and the overall significance of the middle school experience. This is an extremely important time in their lives for numerous reasons: social skills development, behavioral appropriateness, and discovering talents, to name a few.
Time of Social-Emotional and Physical Growth
One of the most integral aspects of middle school and secondary school is that of social skills development. Because puberty has such a major role during this time, students are beginning to develop more of those emotional feelings regarding their friends and potential significant others. They become more active physically as they grow, and they are trying to figure out the best ways in which to get attention, whether it is through the class clown label, the bad girl-boy persona, or the normal maturation process for growing up and developing positive characteristics that will help them succeed in life.
In middle school, students learn valuable lessons about how to act within different groups. Everyone is experimenting with the best ways to act accordingly. It is a challenging time in solidifying friendships, developing loyalty, or on the opposing side, experiencing the hurt and disappointment of lost friendships or disloyalty, which is quite common in these age frames.
The Role of Social Media
Social media is instrumental in modern times regarding social skills development. While it can positively impact developing their awareness of identities and provide an opportunity for independence in their growth, more often than not, it becomes a challenging and judgmental tool in their lives. While it can help bond some students, it is a trial-and-error medium that develops a socially destructive response, in some cases. Middle school students often want to avoid face-to-face moments, which can cause discomfort and embarrassment, and can easily hide behind the mob mentality of anonymous postings without the abstract understanding of the consequences sometimes derived from these actions.
Learning Appropriate Behaviors
So, because of this development, it becomes increasingly important for these students to be educated on the appropriate behaviors, thus solidifying opportunities for positive social interactions and the development of their personalities. A new opportunity arises for this training because while students are attempting to identify the groups in which they best fit, (different from their usual acceptance of everyone in elementary) they now begin to process that they are unique people with individual personalities. They no longer require a friendship with everyone but instead focus on their like-minded peers with similar interests.
Hobbies and Role Models
There is a birth-death transition sequence for students, as they begin to separate in different areas. Sports play a substantial role for students, as they are analyzing their physical changes and what they can and cannot handle in their academic and personal lives. Other students are processing the different hobbies they may enjoy, and the social labels placed upon those outlooks. Males often focus on more of the physical attention-grabbing behaviors, while females, who mature at a faster pace in these ages, are struggling to process their own physical changes, as well as a new understanding for academic possibilities.
This transformation of oneself isn’t just isolated to their peer groups but also includes adults. Middle schoolers need a sense of stability in positive interactions with trusted adults. Often these types of role models are substantial in their lives to provide the confirmation of their actions. While they are trying to understand their own identities, they are trying to understand others as well. And the experience of adults in their lives is integral to their development because they have been through these issues before in their own lives and can provide answers and support during times of confusion and hurt.
Developing the Bridge for Successful Learning
As well, adults can help provide that transition into appropriate social roles that go beyond just their time in school. These relationships can illustrate the pathways for success when they graduate and exit the building, both socially and emotionally. It is a perfect time in their lives to integrate SEL (social-emotional learning) strategies. Students need to feel safe and supported so they can focus on their growth and adults can provide this environment.
When it pertains to academic expectations in middle school, again it is important to note that it can be one of the most significant time periods in their lives to develop the bridge for successful student learning. Building the ladder toward more abstract thinking is achieved through multiple means. Educating students about studying habits, connections from lessons to real-life experiences, how to behave in varying scenarios, and building confidence in their thinking and responses are just a few of the vital features of this age.
And the reason this stage plays such a strong role in their lives is because it not only builds confidence but also has low academic stakes. Children are learning to be better students but don’t have the pressures of competition among grades and peers, credits to attain, or major career-oriented decisions that affect their lives yet. Their focus is on becoming appropriate young adults with appropriate learning experiences in preparation for the next stage of high school.
Middle school is well known for being one of the tougher times in a person’s life. It is an imperative time to develop value in education but is usually overshadowed by the social and emotional experiences in their daily lives. The exploration of friendships and behaviors and their own personal identities are characteristics beginning to cement themselves for life.
This transitional time period can certainly affect the pathway they choose to take as they progress through their educational years and then beyond. It is a time to build resilience through tough times, add positive experiences to shape their personalities, and become their own independent human being.
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