Middle school students are often given a bad reputation. They are in a very different place in their lives than when they were in elementary school or where they will be in high school. It is important to understand how students in this stage of their lives develop year by year. Below are general middle level learner characteristics separated year by year, ages nine to fourteen.
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9 year olds
At this age, children tend to be good self-learners. They want to do well but are hesitant. They should be given a lot of practice before tests are taken. Around nine is when children begin to view the world in a serious, real way. Because of this they might be considered moody and competitive and overreactive. Their scope is broadening beyond their own circle of family and friends. In school, students should want to work with partners. Encouragement from teachers is key at this age because nine year olds tend to doubt themselves and their ideas, giving up easily.
10 year olds
Ten year olds are thought of as being in the last stage of childhood. They are content with their friends and family. At this age, students are orderly and are able to easily follow directions. They memorize facts easily as well. Ten year olds are generally easy going and cooperative.
11 year olds
At eleven, students begin to question known facts and ideas – loving to debate topics. They tend to separate into cliques and are becoming more concerned about their appearance and reputation. Moody and overly sensitive, eleven year olds begin to want to spend more time away from home. At school, students should feel challenged.
12 year olds
Twelve year olds are thought of as difficult. They need to socialize and begin to figure out who they are outside of their home. Students of this age feel best when given small amounts of responsibility such as group projects or babysitting. They should still have a lot of energy to be spent. Twelve year olds begin to understand more abstract ideas and tend to be quick and witty in their responses using sarcasm. In school, this is the time where students begin favoring certain subject matter over others.
13 year olds
Thirteen year olds often feel under appreciated and misunderstood. They are confused with how or what they are feeling or should be feeling. At this age, there is the greatest separation between genders, often with girls being taller and bigger than boys. Social life is still very important, especially outside of school.
14 year olds
By 14, puberty has officially begun in both genders – leaving them to feel isolated from other age groups, especially adults. Appearance is a huge concern. Fourteen year olds like to be active and over schedule themselves. They like to be challenged without feeling as if they are doing busy work.
Sarah Kedzior 