In Pursuit of Perfection
In Pursuit of Perfection. Contigo Cocina Latina brings a focus on sustainability to its The pursuit of culinary perfection depends on minute details and timing. . To which there is only one possible answer (because of 'fate'1) 4. Unless you go past the middle man translator of happiness in order to make . .
Running Head: In Pursuit of Perfection: Middle School Drama In Pursuit of Perfection: Middle School Drama Lisa Askew Troy State University 1264 Co Rd 455 Lanett, Al. 36863 334-642-1403 askewla@chambersk12.org Abstract Middle childhood is the period of life between ages 6 – 12 years. It is a time of life that is often unbalanced. Just like a middle child in a family, the middle scholar is not the oldest and not the youngest. On one end you have elementary school, on the other end you have high school, and in the middle are children that are trying to figure themselves out. Middle school children are making friends outside the immediate family, mastering new physical and mental skills, and becoming more and more independent. This period in their lives can be one of the most stressful. It’s a time of development, a time of trying to fit in, a time of self exploration, and a time of conscientious awareness. For parents, the middle-school child can be a nightmare. Every day, you are faced with a different person. This paper will examine the pressures they feel to perform academically, to develop the right self image, to discover who they are, and the pressure to fit in. It will enlighten us on how we can better help them develop and provide them with the support they need. In Pursuit of Perfection: Middle School Drama For children going into the middle school, there are many anxieties, fears, and uneasy feelings to deal with and overcome. As an elementary school counselor, I always feel apprehensive about sending my 5th grade students over to the middle school. I fear what they will encounter and I wonder how they will cope with the changes that they are certain to encounter as they make this transition. I try to put myself in their shoes. What are they thinking? How are they feeling? What is running through their minds? They are leaving the safety of the elementary grades where teachers handle everything from teaching lessons to blood noses in a cozy, self-contained classroom. In elementary school, they’ve have six years to become familiar with the same faculty, lunchroom workers, teachers, and other students. They are often in the same classroom with the same friends for several years, but it all changes as they enter the middle school arena. At the middle school, several small elementary school come together to form a mini college. Middle schools are larger than elementary schools, the school work is harder to do, and there are more classes and more teachers, all with different expectations and personalities. They are not known on a personal level, but rather among many trying to find their way. They are pushed to form new relationships, to build new reputations, and to develop a sense of belonging. And all of this takes place as they deal with new bodies that are expanding, stretching, and developing. Middle school children deal with pressure to perform academically, developing the right image, deciding who they are and figuring out where they fit in. Where Do I Fit In? The typical middle school child is highly distractible, peer-centered, confused by abstracts, unable to stay quiet and full of insecurities from living inside a body that is not fully formed. At this stage they are attempting to discover where they fit in. They are establishing friendships and building relationships. They have left the security of the elementary school. They have left friends and previous acquaintances that have been established over years and are forced into developing new acquaintances. For every aspect, their school life has changed. They are caught in between high school life and elementary school life. They are changing classes throughout the day. They no longer rotate with their same homeroom. They are exposed to new circumstances and new requirements. Without question, the move from elementary school to middle school is a tough one. Grades 5-8 are the toughest socially and emotionally for all students. They spend the majority of their time trying not to be noticed for fear of being laughed at or bullied. Not to mention, that they are also experiencing puberty. Hormones are causing them to be more territorial and explosive. They are full of energy and unsure of how to express it. What was once acceptable at the elementary level is now frowned upon at the Jr. high. They spend the majority of their time trying to figure out “Where Do I Fit in?” Developing the Right Image Few things are more central to our long-term health and happiness than how we view ourselves. Our body image is a vitally important part of our self-image. Our perception of our body often is influenced by how we think others view us. Not meeting these expectations frequently places students in a state of conflict that results in reduced self-esteem and leads to unhealthy diet and exercise practices. The unhealthy practices commonly associated with body image issues may lead some students to become extremely underweight, while others become overweight or obese. Issues involving body image are present in all age groups and both genders in our society. A healthy body image should be a goal of everyone, regardless of his or her circumstances. Often I watch the Disney channel and other popular shows that teenagers are interested in and I can’t help but notice all the perfect bodies that are portrayed on television. Very often in the mainstream media, we only see a very narrow sampling of the wide spectrum of body shape and sizes that exist. During the middle school years, students become more aware of their outer appearance. Because our society is highly focused on appearance, body image becomes central to a young person’s feelings of self-esteem and self–worth. Their achievement in other aspects of life (academics, sports, volunteerism, friendships, etc) seem relatively unimportant as this on “how they look” overshadows all else (Montana Nutrition Team, 2003). Disordered eating has become a significant health risk for adolescents in the U.S. In a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA, 2007) it was reported that the most critical forces influencing adolescent health risk behavior are the family and school contexts. Classroom intervention focusing on problem solving, decision making, assertiveness, communication and stress management are thought to be most effective in reducing health risk behaviors among adolescents. Additionally, training in media literacy can help students analyze media messages and reject those that convey the message that human value is equated with the ideal body image. Finally, by altering school policies to support acceptance of diversity and zero tolerance for harassment, the school environment can serve as a foundation on which to build positive self-esteem and body image and ultimately decrease the incidence of eating disorders among this population. The Pressure to Perform Many parents express each year the fears that they have about their children performing academically at the middle school. In elementary school their child generally made all A’s or all A’s and B’s. Grades have a tendency to drop the first semester of middle school for some students as they adjust to new teaching techniques and new requirements. Middle school is a world much different from the structured, hand-holding atmosphere of the elementary school, but rather, a place that’s a fashion show, a popularity contest, and a place where adolescents learn the true meaning of a “bad hair day.” There’s an increase in the student work load. Students have a noticeably increase in reports, projects, and long-term assignments. Assignments often have due dates and timelines. This type of work becomes a major transition for these students. Academic performance in middle school has been used in the past to determine the success of students in the high school. High schools use standardized score, classroom grades, and attendance records to predict academic success. Therefore parents have a right to be concerned about how their child will perform in Jr. High school. In this section, I would like to offer a few suggestions to help parents stay ahead of the game. When planning your child’s schedule, try to choose teachers that have a reputation for being easy to work with. Encourage the school to use strategies that were successful on the elementary level. Parents should be proactive by attending meetings and talking to teachers to give them a positive profile of your child’s abilities and your expectations. Parents should also introduce themselves to the principal or vice principal (whoever handles discipline), the guidance counselor, and the members of the middle school child study team. Establishing a positive rapport makes it easier to work together should difficulties arise. And above all else, parents should remain positive about experiencing the middle school with their child. Encourage them and give them a positive outlook. Conclusion Without a doubt the transition from elementary school to middle school is one of the biggest transitions a student will ever make. They are presented with new challenges and new expectations. Students are expected to be able to handle a new level of independence that they’ve never had before. It is important that parents are supportive and that the lines of communication are open when dealing with the middle school child. Expectations should be clear and attainable. Middle school children need support, guidance, and boundaries. With a great support system and a little love, their middle school years can be rewarding and successful.In Pursuit of Perfection? Prior to this week, there were only four teams in NFL history to reach a record of 12-0. The 1934 Chicago Bears started 12-0 before eventually losing the . Article discussing symptoms and treatments. Includes case examples and a list of questions to ask in diagnosing BDD. From the American Academy of Family Physicians.. Amazon.com: Geno: In Pursuit of Perfection (9780446577649): Geno Auriemma, Jackie MacMullan, Diana Taurasi: Books.
