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February 6, 2008
Dear Parents,
This week we will carry on with our exploration of adolescent development, by continuing the focus on adolescent intellectual traits: INTELLECTUAL TRAITS
Argumentative - I am quite sure that NONE of
you are having this problem, right? It truly
is a normal part of adolescent development.
At this age, kids have become more adept both
verbally and intellectually and they are
practicing with this newly discovered skill.
They tend to surprise themselves when they
come up with arguments that legitimately
challenge the adults around them. Our job is
to help them learn to present their arguments
in ways that are respectful and
non-confrontational. Try not to take the
argument too personally and avoid power
struggles. Middle school advocate, Neila
Connors, says, "Don't get into an argument
with a young adolescent. It is like mud
wrestling with a pig. You both will get
muddy, but only the pig will enjoy it!"
Exploration - Early adolescence is a time of exploration. Kids are testing their new physical attributes and socially, they are learning to navigate peer relationships. They are even dabbling in budding romantic interests! This time of exploration is one reason we offer such a variety of electives at the junior high. Adolescents are beginning to consider their possible selves, what they aspire to become in the future, and what they fear might be their fate. A variety of elective choices will nourish their interests and aptitudes. Introspection - Children are really unaware of what others think about them, their social status, etc. However, young adolescents now have the intellectual ability to turn their thoughts inward. They are beginning to form impressions of themselves and look at how they are perceived by others. The impressions we form of ourselves during this stage of our life persist long into adulthood. At this stage, now more than ever, it is important that our adolescents are forming healthy self-images. Perceptive - Young adolescents are incredible perceptive and truly resent when adults try to fool them. Whether you speak the words or not, your middle school child knows when you disapprove of something or you are disappointed with their choices.
Reference:
Next week we will talk about brain research and mental processes that adolescents are experiencing for the first time!
Take care,  Go Mustangs
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email:
kgephart@fisdk12.net
phone:
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