More Than Just Hormone Driven Balls of Attitude

This week in EDC 533, I was reminded of how tough and important middle school is. In my own personal experience, it was the most painful of all my years in school. I was uncomfortable in my own skin and I thought that I was all alone in this feeling (little did I know). I listened to a powerpoint presentation that reminded me that although I prefer not to teach middle school, the people that do need a whole bag of tricks for dealing with this special time in a child's development and education.

When I see the middle schoolers roaming the halls, I frequently think "Look at these young adults." Some of them are already taller than me and could buy cigarettes without being carded (even though they are only 13). I know I am among the guilty for thinking that these KIDS are adults. They are closer to being a kid than a grownup, regardless of how they look. Their brains and bodies are still developing (at a rapid pace) and their hormones are kicking into high gear, effecting how they act and what they say. They are all dealing with their own self-image and how they fit into the dynamic of their relationships with their peers.

The biggest thing that struck me was the point the presentation made about the development of their prefrontal cortex. Their hormones and emotions are on overdrive and their prefrontal cortex is unable to rein in their emotional responses. It's not that they want to be dramatic and cry all the time, it's what their brain is telling them to do!

The lesson for me and maybe you too is that the next time I see a hulking 8th grader wandering the halls, remember that they need reassurance and acceptance just like any other kid, in addition to a hefty dose of compassion and understanding. Go hug a middle-schooler today!