Child+Development+-+Gr.+7-9

=** Child Development - Grade 7-9 **media type="youtube" key="kRQC5ht23vU?rel=0" height="207" width="273" align="right"=

Web resources:
> Seventh Grade Academics: What to Expect > Eighth Grade Academics: What to Expect > Seventh Grade Social Changes: What to Expect > Eighth Grade Social Changes: What to Expect > How Your Middle Schooler Thinks
 * Stages of Development

Physically:

 * Brain white matter increases
 * PUBERTY!!!
 * May want to eat better and exercise
 * OR may develop other eating disorders due to low self image

Cognitively:

 * Minds are focused on what is important to them personally
 * Interaction with others and group work is good for this age group
 * new experiences and interactions stimulate brain growth

Socially:

 * Increased desire for independence
 * Increased need for self-esteem
 * Desire for attention
 * a desire for attention may lead to positive change or to picking up negative habits like drinking, smoking, drugs, or bullying
 * Fell that they need someone to listen to them
 * Body image is very important to manny teens
 * a desire for independence decreases interaction with parents and increases dependence on peers