Joe+Peterson(Who+is+my+student?)

Who is my student? 

There is no typical sixth grade student, they are at the crossroads confussion and puberty. The average sixth grade student is between 11 and 12 years old. They are entering into a unique period of their lives as they are striving for more individuality and freedom, but are still in need of adult guidence and supervision. Student in this age range are subject to changes in brain developement, changes in their bodies, and changes in their overall socialization.


 * ** Emotional/Social Changes ** || ** Mental/cognitive Changes ** || ** Physical Changes ** ||
 * More focused about body image, looks, and clothes. || More ability for complex thought. || Puberty begins. ||
 * Focus on __**self**__ going back and forth between high expectations and lack of confidence. || Better able to express feeling through talking. || Boys grow facial and pubic hair and their voices deepen. ||
 * More interest in and influence by peer group. || Stronger sense of right and wrong. || Girls grow pubic hair and breasts, and start menstruating. ||
 * Less affection shown toward parents, may sometimes be rude or short tempered. || Many teens sometimes feel sad or depressed. ||  ||
 * Anxitety from more chalenging school work. || Some teens may develope eating, drug/alcohol, or mental addictions. ||  ||

// For help and ideas about teenage drug/alcohol, eating disorders, or depression click below. //

[] //My body is changing, and I am feeling different feelings than I have in the past//. [] [] __ [] __

What can I do to help my student?


 * Create a safe environment.
 * Provide both challenge and support.
 * Establish clear procedures and routines.
 * Use carefully assigned and well managed cooperative groups.
 * Make frequent real-life connections.
 * Privide engaging instructional experiences that are relevant to the students.
 * Provide activities where the students produce and share products.

The teacher must take the time to get to know their students, remembering that all students come from different backgrounds and experience, but they all have something in common they are the tweens of America. They all want to express their feelings and be heard. This is a unique stage in the students life where they are desperately seeking more and more independence in their lives, but do not neccesarily possess the judgement to make the appropriate choices. Often times they need us even more as they are pulling away to provide that moral baseline for them. to accomplish this clear behavior expectations must be presented and adhered to. When lesson plans are being prepared remember that students learn best when they learn high interest topics and are offered hands on activities.

Helping at risk middle school students.

My students like those of many surrounding middle schools often times come with certain bagage that must be overcome, including EL students and studedents of poverty who may have different difficulties in their learning that may not be the same as many of their fellow classmates. These at risk students often times will need a little extra guidence and specific strategies to motivate them on their educational journey.

Where can I find help with my homework?

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