CAPE UPDATE: CHARACTERISTICS OF MIDDLE LEVEL STUDENTS

Characteristics and special needs of students ranging in age from 10 through 14 are unique and very diverse from those students in other age groups. Specifically designed programs of study and specially trained teachers are needed to meet these needs of the middle student.

These specialized programs are established and designed based on the research related to the preadolescent characteristics of students in ages 10 through 14. Students in this developmental stage vary in a wide range of individual differences. Some of the characteristics for students in grades six and seven are:

1. Differences in maturity levels.

2. Marked differences in interests between boys and girls.

3. Interests in group of same sex, particularly boys.

4. Interests in team games, pets, television, radio, movies and comics.

5. Friendships between boys and girls are frequently expressed by teasing and feigned antagonism.

6. Loyalties to peer group opinion as opposed to adult opinion begin to develop.

7. This age is often emotionally volatile, hypercritical of self and others, changeable, rebellious and at times uncooperative.

8. Extremely self-conscious concerning their physical changes.

These characteristics translate into some very definite needs on behalf of this emerging preadolescent. School and home environments should be aware of these needs:

1. A sense of belonging and acceptance by peer groups.

2. Liking acceptance by adults who are capable of warm affection and humor.

3. Freedom from nagging, talking down, condemnation.

4. Understanding of approaching physical and emotional changes.

5. Opportunities for working with and enjoying other members of his or her own age group.

The school setting must through a variety of challenging academic programs meet the needs of all students as they go through this unique developmental stage of their life. This is best accomplished by specifically designed schools for the 10 through 14 age group which satisfy their intellectual interests and provide opportunities for self-expression in specialized programs.

As the early adolescent begins to emerge, the characteristics also begin to change. For students in grades seven and eight, characteristics commonly displayed are:

1. Characteristics of sexual maturity.

2. High interest in ideals plus philosophical, ethical and religious problems.

3. Strong identification with an admired adult.

4. Assertion of independence from family members as a natural step toward adulthood.

5. Need for acceptance by the peer group.

6. Strong response to group responsibility and participation.

7. Fear of social ridicule and of being unpopular.

8. High interest in physical attractiveness.

9. Higher interest of girls in boys than of boys in girls.

10. Extreme emotional attitudes and fake habits such as "know-it-all."

11. Return of habits of younger childhood, nail biting, day-dreaming.

12. Forming of cliques within groups.

13. Oversensitivity to the needs and feelings of others.

These early adolescent characteristics again translate into some rather definite needs:

1. Adult guidance which does not threaten the adolescent's feelings of freedom.

2. Assurance of security.

3. Opportunities to make decisions.

4. Opportunities for interaction with peer group members through academic activities which satisfy intellectual curiosity.

5. Activities for creativity and self-expression.

6. Physical and social activities.

7. Causes, ideals or issues for which to work.

8. Opportunities to earn and save money.

The middle years are ideal for young people to explore and develop interests. Their energy and enthusiasm make it ideal for discovery and participatory activities if given the opportunity.

It is imperative that any community and school district wishing to meet the needs of this unique age group provide the facilities and programs which will afford middle level students the opportunity to develop to their greatest potential. These schools and programs should have enough flexibility to withstand the challenge of time and innovation.

This column is made available through the cooperation of the Southeast Missourian staff and is being presented in an attempt to provide accurate information to the community on issues related to education. Initially, the Cape Update will focus primarily on actual events occurring within the local schools. However, parents, grandparents or others wishing answers to specific educational questions are encouraged to submit question in care of Cape Girardeau public schools, 61 N. Clark, Cape Girardeau, Mo. 63701.

Neyland Clark is superintendent of Cape Girardeau public schools.