Young adolescents seek advice from trusted adults but want more independence in decision making. They are quick to judge others but slow to acknowledge their own faults. These characteristics of early adolescents are described in sources that discuss turning points in middle school, the adolescent learner, principles of effective middle schools, and typical development during this stage.

13. • Relying on parents and important adults for
advice, but wanting to make their own
decisions.
• Judging others quickly, but acknowledging
one’s own faults slowly.

14. Sources:
• At the Turning Point The Young Adolescent Learner: Turning Points
Transforming Middle Schools. www.turningpts.org
• Teaching and Learning with Young Adolescents; Section 2: The Adolescent
Learner. www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/sp/intermed/diversity/sec2.PDF
• This We Believe: Successful Schools for Young Adolescents. National
Middle School Association.
• Catlin Gabel School. (2013). Characteristics of Adolescents.
http://www.catlin.edu/middle/characteristics-of-adolescents
• F.P. Hughes. (1999). Children, Play, and Development: 3rd Edition.
Pearson: New Jersey.