Characteristics of Early Adolescents.ppt

Characteristics of Early Adolescents Notes for EdSe 4120 “A growing body of knowledge shows that what happens to students between the ages of 10 and 14 determines not only their future success in school, but success in life as well.” Characteristics of Early Adolescence Physical Changes Social Changes (Psychosocial) Emotional Changes Cognitive (Intellectual) Human Development Infancy Young childhood Later childhood PREADOLESCENCE – more change occurs during adolescence than any other stage in life except infancy Adolescence adulthood Physical Changes Growth Spurts – girls – 12, boys – 14 increase in weight, height, heart size, lung capacity, muscular strength. Bone growth is faster than muscle development – can result in lack of coordination and awkwardness. In girls, sex characteristics continue to develop with breasts enlarging and menstruation beginning Glandular imbalances resulting in acne Fluctuation in metabolism may cause extreme restlessness at times Ravenous appetites Social and Emotional Changes Social (Psychosocial) Changes Allegiance shifts from parents to peers Peers become sources for standards and models of behavior Puppy love emerges Pre-occupied with themselves Yearning to be accepted Three Theories Related to Adolescent Change: Erik Erikson Abraham Maslow Jean Piaget David Elkind is a Piagetian student of Adolescence. Psychosocial Changes They copy and display fads of extremes in clothing, speech, mannerisms, and handwriting; very susceptible to media advertising Erratic and inconsistent behavior common Anxiety and fear contrast with reassuring bravado Students have many fears, real and imagined Young adolescents believe their experiences are unique and dramatic Erick Erikson: Identity (1968) Each stage of life represents a crisis of identity to be negotiated. Success at this determines healthy adult identity. Adolescence represents best chance to revisit unresolved crises of identity from infancy, early childhood, and eleme