The Twists and Turns of Growing Up: Implications for the Classroom

The shift from childhood to adolescence is a pivotal time characterized by significant emotional, psychological, and social transformations. During preadolescence and adolescence students will not only begin to perceive themselves as teenagers but will also undergo numerous physical and emotional changes. This phase is crucial for the formation of their individual identities, the attainment of independence, and the navigation of social circles.

As they seek independence, students increasingly prioritize the external world beyond their families, becoming more engaged in school, friendships, and extracurricular activities. Pre-teens are developing a deeper understanding of interpersonal relationships and gaining a realistic perspective on certain issues. However, despite their growing awareness, they may struggle to manage their emotions effectively. During this stage, children begin to establish an internal moral framework, largely influenced by their interactions with parents and other adults. In early adolescence, which typically begins in middle school and continues until around age 14, young teens start to form their own social groups for the first time. Previously, friendships were often based on proximity—classmates, neighbors, siblings, and extended family, as well as organized activities like sports or theater. Now, children are selecting friends based on shared interests and distinguishing themselves from peers with different preferences. There is a heightened focus on social inclusion and exclusion within these groups. This period is marked by a desire to distance themselves from parents and a need to spend more time with peers.  

Puberty: A catalyst for change

Puberty triggers a cascade of hormonal changes that lead to physical development, including growth spurts, sexual maturation, and changes in body composition. These biological shifts can have significant psychological implications. As students become more aware of their bodies, they may experience body dissatisfaction, particularly within cultures that promote certain body ideals. This can cause self-esteem to fluctuate, and can in turn lead to changes in behavior. Research indicates that negative body image is linked to increased rates of anxiety and depression.

Hormonal changes can also lead to mood swings and emotional instability. Young adolescents may feel overwhelmed by intense emotions, which can manifest as irritability, sadness, or euphoria. The brain during this period undergoes significant maturation, particularly in areas responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and emotional regulation. The amygdala, responsible for processing emotions, becomes more active, and this heightened emotional sensitivity can result in heightened feelings of anxiety, fear, and excitement. To add to this volatility, the prefrontal cortex, which is crucial for reasoning and judgment, is still developing during teenhood and is not yet mature, and this can result in impulsive behavior, and difficulty anticipating the consequences of actions.

The influence of peers and the need for autonomy

Peer relationships become increasingly important during teenhood. The need for acceptance and belonging can significantly influence an adolescent's identity formation. Young adolescents may feel compelled to conform to peer norms, which can lead to risky behaviors such as substance use or engagement in unsafe activities. Teens often compare themselves to their peers, which can impact self-esteem and body image. Positive peer relationships can enhance self-worth, while negative experiences can lead to feelings of inadequacy. It is even more complicated, as the quest for autonomy is a hallmark of preadolescence. As kids become teens they start to strive for independence and often challenge authority as they seek to establish their own identities. The desire for independence may manifest as risk-taking behavior, as teens seek to assert their autonomy and explore their limits. They begin to make more of their own decisions, which can lead to conflict with parents and teachers. This process is crucial for developing critical thinking and self-reliance. Establishing healthy boundaries with pre-teens is essential for maintaining relationships while fostering independence. Open discussions about boundaries can help teachers and teens understand each other's perspectives and foster mutual respect. Kids need to understand that there may be different perspectives and opinions on a topic, and that while their opinions will be respected, they will need to respect the opinions of others. (In Find Your Voice you can find activities which encourage students to take ownership of their learning and become independent. The projects encourage students to think critically and become engaged global citizens.)

Emotional regulation

The ability to manage and express emotions is critical during preadolescence, as teens may experience emotions more intensely than at earlier stages and this can lead to challenges in managing anger, sadness, and joy. Emotional ups and downs happen very often at this developmental period and teachers may witness regular meltdowns, which occur when a child is completely overtaken by emotion and becomes overwhelmed. When children who don’t have the capacity to describe what they're feeling become overwhelmed, they may start sobbing, hyperventilating or storming. Pre-teens often transform feelings of helplessness and sadness into anger, which serves as a defense mechanism against vulnerability and unhappiness. Some may express aggression through physical confrontations with peers or through harsh verbal exchanges with one or both parents. Additionally, conflicts experienced by pre-teens may manifest as physical ailments, such as headaches or stomachaches, which can be both real and distressing.  Effective emotional regulation helps children to understand their feelings, respond appropriately to their emotions, develop resilience in the face of challenges, and build and maintain healthy relationships. This is very important for their mental health: children who learn to manage their emotions effectively are less likely to experience anxiety, depression, or behavioral difficulties.

BIG emotions in the classroom

The ability to self-regulate emotions is a vital skill and learning this at a young age will benefit children throughout their lives. By understanding and utilizing big emotions in the classroom, teachers can create a more engaging and inclusive learning environment. When students feel their emotions are recognized and valued, they become more invested in their education. This approach not only enhances engagement but also supports students’ social and emotional development, equipping them with valuable skills for their future.

So, what can we do in the classroom?

Practical tips for teachers

Create a safe and supportive environment

Establishing a safe space for children to express their feelings is crucial for effective emotional regulation.

Open communication

Encourage open dialogue about emotions. Let students know that it’s okay to feel and express their feelings without fear of judgment. Discuss your own feelings and how you manage them. For instance, explain how you cope with stress or frustration. Prepare activities to allow students to express emotions. (In the Find Your Voice course you can find real-life topics which are connected with expression of emotions. For example, Unit 7 My Week provides the opportunity to talk about which situations elicit different emotional responses.)

Introduce routines

Create predictable routines to help children feel secure. Stability can reduce anxiety and promote emotional well-being. You can begin the lesson by using an emotional barometer to help students express how they’re feeling. 

Teach emotion identification

Helping children recognize and label their emotions is the first step in self-regulation. You can use visual aids, such as emotion charts or flashcards, to help children identify and express their feelings. One of the most effective methods is storytelling: share stories that highlight different emotions; discuss characters' feelings and responses to various situations; invite students to share their own stories or experiences related to the lesson. This helps build a community and fosters connection among classmates, enhancing overall engagement.

Select emotionally charged topics

Choose themes that evoke strong feelings, such as social justice, environmental issues, or historical events. Discussing these topics can motivate students to participate more actively and passionately and project their emotions into engagement.

Encourage Journaling

Encourage children to keep a feelings journal where they can write or draw about their emotions.

Introduce coping strategies

It is also important to equip children with a toolbox of coping strategies which can help them to manage their emotions effectively. You can practice deep breathing exercises together in the classroom to help them calm down during moments of stress. (e.g. inhale for three counts, hold for three, and exhale for three.) Introduce mindfulness techniques, such as guided imagery or body scans, to help children focus on the present moment and reduce anxiety. Moreover, try to encourage physical activity, even during the lesson. Pupils can do some simple movements to relieve their tension in body. Exercise can be a powerful outlet for emotions.

Interactive learning (IL)

Design lessons that involve active participation, such as group discussions, hands-on projects, or problem-solving tasks. Engaging physically and mentally can channel emotional energy into productive learning. (Find Your Voice is a course which is based on the idea of IL with plenty games and videos.)

Drama

Drama can be a powerful tool and there are many different drama strategies and conventions that can be used. Role-playing different emotional scenarios can help children practice their emotional regulation skills in a safe environment. You can prepare role-playing situations where children can practice responding to various emotions, such as disappointment, anger, or excitement and practice their social skills. You can use role-play to practice conflict resolution skills. You can also apply different artistic activities: encourage students to express their emotions through art, music, or writing. Projects that require creative expression can enhance emotional engagement and provide insights into students’ feelings and perspectives

Encourage Problem-Solving Techniques

Teaching children to approach emotional challenges with problem-solving skills can empower them to take control of their feelings. When children express a problem, encourage them to brainstorm possible solutions. This fosters a sense of agency and responsibility. Help children weigh the pros and cons of different responses to their emotions, promoting critical thinking. (Find Your Voice is a course with a special focus on social and emotional learning. Students learn mediation and negotiation skills and other skills for life.)

You can find more ideas in the new Macmillan course Find Your Voice which responds holistically to the needs of pre-teen students at this stage in their lives.