Focused on mental health and protective factors in early adolescence. Significant relations between coping strategies and mental health were found, which are different according to gender: girls invest in more social relations, negative feelings, and consumption habits; boys often use sense of humor, or practice a hobby or sport. (JBJ)

Provides direction for developing appropriate, meaningful social studies instruction for the middle school. Identifies characteristics of early adolescents that have a direct relationship to curriculum design and the selection of appropriate social studies instruction strategies. Offers National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)…

Literature on preadolescent friendships is reviewed to examine the relationship between preadolescent friendship and social support in adulthood. Present research is suggestive of the importance of preadolescent friendships in adult social relatedness, but it is not sufficient to validate the period as critical to social support in adulthood. (SLD)

Reviews computer software that meets the interests and needs of young children and teaches powerful ideas. The evaluations are based on field tests and the following criteria: age appropriateness, child control, clear instructions, expanding complexity, independence, nonviolence, process orientation; real-world model, technical features, and…

Summarizes research on the effects of friendship and group acceptance on adolescents' evaluations of camp, and on the incidence of homesickness among boys ages 8-16 participating in a residential sports camp. Implications for camp involve helping campers develop appropriate social skills and educating staff concerning the symptoms of homesickness.…

The study of peers who dislike one another, termed mutual antipathies, is being recognized as an important aspect of a child's social world. An overview of this area and a review of the literature concerning mutual antipathies is provided. Particularly of interest is the type of mutual antipathy known as an "enemy" relationship, and…

Over the past 15 years a number of studies and official statements have considered characteristics and competencies of effective middle/junior high school teachers. Thirty-eight items found to be present in several studies were used to form a questionnaire, sent to 500 members of the National Middle School Association, about the importance of…

This document synthesizes research findings to formulate a theory to guide relaxation training in educational settings, particularly rural schools. Young people experience many intense life events that require coping skills or relaxation. Family-related stress factors include instability in the home, lack of a support system, conflicting values,…

This paper reviews social support programs designed to have a preventive impact on young adolescents. A review of supportive programs for reducing adolescents' risks of educational failure and poor health has identified a number of innovative school- and community-based support programs. School-based support programs are aimed at enhanced…

This booklet reviews research on the middle school environment, the characteristics of the middle school student, and the factors involved in teaching effectively at the middle school level, and then proposes a method that middle school teachers can use for analyzing their own classroom behavior and their instructional options. The booklet's first…

This paper reviews the literature concerning attitudes of fifth and sixth grade students to provide background information for instructional designers and scriptwriters from the Skills Essential to Learning Project, which develops television/film series and related print materials for different grade levels to enhance the teaching of thinking…

Analyzes what is known about how children's judgments of their intellectual competence and their definition and criteria for evaluating competence change with age and experience in achievement contexts. (PCB)

Summarizes research examining the potential impact of year-round schooling on organized camping, and research on the developmental needs of children ages 8-11. Implications for camp include stressing the educational value of camp, adjusting camp schedules to accommodate year-round schooling, educating camp staff on child development, and including…

Examines from two developmental perspectives how elementary and middle school counselors can use innovative technologies in their schools. The first perspective is from the viewpoint of student developmental needs; the second is from the viewpoint of counselor adoption of new technologies. Provides strategies for incorporating computer technology.…

Summarizes current research on teaching children to love reading, and identifies techniques that can be used by parents, teachers and librarians to foster this attitude. The topics discussed include the value of reading aloud to children, selecting children's books, the different interests of boys and girls, and reading to develop values. (six…