Intellectual
Characteristics of Middle Schoolers
Young Adolescents
• Exhibit growth from
concrete thought to abstract thought
• Exhibit growth that
may be irregular across disciplines
• Place more importance
on social and physical development than on intellectual development
• “Construct” new
knowledge based on current knowledge and experience
How can schools provide for
young adolescents’ intellectual needs?
• Make students aware
of their preferred learning style (see Multiple Intelligences)
• Progress from
hands-on to group to independent practice with new concepts
• Challenge students to
become critical thinkers
• Provide a variety of
learning activities
• Provide
individualized instruction such as reading/writing workshop
How can parents help?
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Check the website regularly.
Instructions and rubrics for major assignments will be posted whenever
possible. Exemplars, examples of work that meets or exceeds standards, will
be presented in class whenever possible.
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Provide a designated spot for
homework
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Provide tools for completing
homework
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Look for attention slips in the
weekly envelope
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Check your child’s assignment
notebook
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Let your child see you reading
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Look for opportunities to
extend learning outside of school Art Class? Family Vacation?
Museum Trip? Factory Tour? Visit the library?