The document discusses the physical, intellectual, and social/emotional changes that occur during adolescence. It notes signs of these changes such as rapid growth, increased brain development, exploring interests, and becoming more reliant on peers. The document provides implications for parents, students, and educators to support students' development, including sharing activities with parents, allowing for independence, and focusing on critical thinking skills.

1. “ P artnerships P romote S uccess” King Philip Middle School Open House 2010

2. “ When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years.” ~Mark Twain, "Old Times on the Mississippi" Atlantic Monthly , 1874

3. Adolescent Transformation Characteristics of Change Physical Intellectual Social/Emotional

4. Signs of Physical Change Rapid growth and hormonal changes Preoccupation with appearance High levels of activity coupled with frequent fatigue Increased brain development Source: American School Counselor Association Normal Adolescent Development in Middle School Years

5. Signs of Intellectual Change Explore a variety of interests Better able to problem solve Establish a sense of self and individuality Need to see the connection between learning and practical life applications Difficulty planning and anticipating consequences of their actions (impulsivity) Source: American School Counselor Association Normal Adolescent Development in Middle School Years

6. Signs of Social/Emotional Change May be moody and display less affection Sensitive to comments from others Reliant on friends to provide comfort and approval. Beginning to turn to peers rather than parents for ideas and affirmations, but continue to need parental support and guidance. Source: American School Counselor Association Normal Adolescent Development in Middle School Years

7. Implications for Parents Share time engaged in fun activities Make time to discuss school: ask questions and listen Encourage self-advocacy: Don’t solve problems for them. Be firm, fair, and consistent Communicate that learning is central focus Praise your child for his/her efforts Let praise stand alone Allow for natural consequences at school

8. Academic Change: Adjusting to Middle School 1 Academic Teacher Minimal Transitions Desk Homework from 1 Teacher Classroom of 25 5-7 Academic Teachers Frequent Transitions Locker Homework from 5+ Teachers Team of 100

9. Common Challenges for Parents My child resists my efforts to help. My child won’t communicate with me. Homework completion is an issue. Agenda is not filled out completely Organizational issues-lost papers, forgot book “ I did it in learning lab” Motivating my child Grades, achievement, and career ambition Avoid a negative consequence

10. Overcoming Potential Challenges Become familiar with team homework expectations Create a nightly routine Review agenda Check off completed work Look for long-term assignments Organize completed work Pack book bag before bed Maintain a distraction-free supervised setting Access team and teacher Blogs Give positive praise for effort

11. School Counselors Role & Delivery of Services Alphabetical Split A-D Mrs. Brohinsky E-K Mr. D’Addio L-K Mrs. Johnson R-Z Mrs. Stevenson Web-Page http://blog.whps.org/KPCounsel/ Frequently Asked Questions/Contact Information

12. Implications for Educators Emphasize critical thinking Provide connections beyond the classroom Curriculum-connections Focus on essential questions and learning goals Structure student learning Modeling, guided practice, independent practice, and feedback Multiple forms of assessment Develop personal relationship- “foundation for powerful learning” Source: Turning Points Transforming Middle Schools