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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]The following is an entry from Chip Wood's blog: Yardsticks4-14.com  He is the author of a great book called "Yardsticks: Children in the Classroom ages 4-14" Each chapter is about the physical, social, cognitive and learning traits of each age.  At my school each August, teachers read the chapters about the age group they'll be teaching.  It's great stuff for parents as well.  Here's what he says about 11 year olds:

Elevens are powerful advocates, strong believers, and budding lawyers. They are passionate about their ideas and their opinions, their allegiances and their sense of justice. They are devoted to their classmates and peer groups,and the social negotiations surrounding cliques, which tend to peak at eleven and twelve, elevens are in a clear growth spurt both physically and cognitively. While both their bodies and ideas can often appear awkward and clumsy, they are actively engaging whole new worlds with a sense of outward boldness, yet inward tentativeness. Everything at eleven is in rehearsal.

Praise elevens for every piece of the rehearsal, remembering that their pronouncements and proclamations are not quite as sure as they sound, that their assertiveness is not intended as rudeness. Take notice of their voluminous rough-draft writing and their sketches and doodles. These things have importance to elevens. Respond to their journals in writing or leave a written note by the bedside. This communication “at a distance” is one good way to keep in touch and continue to build strong relationships with eleven-year-olds while they are so overboard with being attached to their peers.

Even the “contemptuous” behavior of elevens is a positive attribute. The eye rolling, teeth sucking, deep sighing, tongue clicking, shrugging, “whatever” posture of the age is a physical manifestation of a psychological response: It’s a way of practicing “distancing” to establish physical and social safety when sensing a threat or discomfort from another. And who better to first practice this with than a trusted parent or teacher!

Elevens would rather learn new skills than hone the old ones, but revision and final-draft excellence in all their school work is a source of pride,—even though they may complain their way there. Teaching formal debate in sixth grade is a great way to channel elevens’ needs to be contrary and their sense of justice. Having to argue an opinion opposite from the one they hold is a great object lesson in perspective taking and empathy at this age.

Elevens do well with project and service learning, especially when it is their idea. Homework can be a hassle, but the more they are held responsible by their teachers and given independence by their parents for this responsibility, the more able they are to learn from the positive logical consequences in school for accomplishment as well as from the negative consequences for not following through.

Elevens are ready to spread their wings and take short flights from the nest. Parents often report that they seem to do better away from home and at school and are often moody around the family. That’s where it’s safest to let your guard down and show your insecurities. Elevens are less grown up than they wish they were some of the time and still can completely enjoy retreating to the safety of younger childhood patterns. These children are truly the tweeners
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This is great. +1!!![/quote]

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