The Social Animal
This age represents another shift towards adult bodies
and capabilities. During this height of early adolescence, the students truly become Social Animals. As humans, and primates more generally, we have evolved to be both social and playful. Watching a group of 8th and 9th graders during their free time reflects this reality. The whole world could pass a group of them by as they talk and giggle, consumed by their social reality. Just as members of this age group yearn for social cohesion, they also strive for individuation from their parents. They want to "be individuals together," and straying from their peer group's social norms can be deathly frightening. To add to that intense socialness, they head home after 7 hours of school and chat with friends on the phone or computer. While the thought of calling our colleagues after work is ludicrous to the adult mind, it is the water in which these little fish live and swim.
The 8th & 9th Grade Experience
Our curricular response to the Social Animal taps into this natural social urge. Often, the adolescent's strong social urge is seen as a distraction, as a potential disciplinary problem to be corrected. We believe, however, that this is the direct result of kids trying on their new social prowess without the means to be skillful in handling a new level of social complexity. These skills can be structured, taught, improved, and developed. By focusing the years of the Social Animal on the concept of justice, both social and environmental, we help students construct a fair and just world in their immediate environment and to imagine one in the larger world. It is a prime time to study how people work together in groups, including how they live, build governments, and design laws together. Students consider which rules and societies have demonstrated justice and which have not. Through these explorations, the Social Animals develop increased social and emotional intelligence and learn the ins and outs of conflict resolution. Thus, the Social Animal continues the journey towards personal responsibility and self-regulation within a social context.
