Journet - Week 1

In the text we read that there are two very extensive periods in which humans go through a very profound change.  The first rapid and extensive period of change is during infancy.  However, babies don't remember the change.  The second period of time that humans go through a very dramatic and rapid change is in the adolescent years.  The period of time between the ages of 10 and 15 years old.  At this point in life students within this age range look so different physically.  In a room full of 13 year-olds, you may have really tall boys and really tall girls as well as very short girls and very short boys.  Because students are going through puberty, we begin to see the physical changes in both boys and girls.  Some students do not go through puberty until much later so they appear much younger in age next to their peers. 

At this age the way a student thinks is changing as well.  They begin to think a bit more mature but still require a parent or guardians support and guidance.  They also begin to feel insecure about their appearance like their weight or acne.  They care what others think about them.  Around this time students may begin experimenting with alcohol, drugs, smoking and sex.  These behaviors do not come without consequences.  Around this age it is important that these young adolescents have a trusted adult.  If they don't they may be trusting their peers that may have wrong advice but because of their need to fit in they will sometimes trust the peers more than an adult.  

I have worked with this age group in a school setting.  I know that at this age students start developing crushes for each other.  Also, students in particularly boys may try to be assertive and become physically aggressive with peers especially when it comes to crushes or if someone mad them look like a feel on the playground.  Emotions and hormone run loose at this point in human development.  I have also seen how students begin to become interested in social justice issues like Black Lives Matter or LGBT rights.  Students that have previously have been sweet and respectful with me might begin to clown around because they want to look cool in front of their friends.  

I have 3 adolescents of my own.  I have a 13, 15 and a 17 years old.  They now have a mind of their own.  I hope that everything I have taught them stays with them in the long run and that they may make good choices when I am not around to supervise their every move.  My oldest the 17 year old is like a mini adult.  She goes to school, keeps good grades, works a part time and is involved in clubs and sports.  I rarely see her but I go out of my way to make one on one time with her because it is important that she knows she is loved and that I care and check in on her.  My 15 year old son is very independent and stays home if he isn't at baseball related activities or hanging with friends.  My youngest is in 8th grade and her looks mean everything to her,  I encourage body positivity and I never body shame myself or others.  

I can totally relate to the text through my experiences as a para educator and as a mother of 3 teens.