Key points:
- Caring connections can support and uplift students
- 3 critical areas necessary to boost student motivation
- 5 restorative practices that help teachers create connections
- For more on teacher-student relationships, visit eSN’s SEL & Well-Being hub
Middle school marks the transition from late childhood to early adolescence. Developmental psychologist Erik Erikson describes the transition as a shift from the Industry vs. Inferiority stage (ages 6-12) into the Identity vs. Role Confusion stage (ages 12-18). Sixth graders in particular go between these two stages. They are developing a sense of competence and confidence in their abilities (industry), but they are also beginning to explore their identities and thus testing boundaries and navigating peer pressure.
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