Notes on Teen Years

Puberty- The physical transformation from a child to an adult, and when you start to show signs
of maturity.

Growth Spurts- Growth during adolescence, and rapid increases in height and weight. Some kids
grow as much as 3-4 inches in one year.

Asynchrony- Occurring with growth spurts, legs and arms often dont grow at the same rate.
Some teens may have short arms and long legs, or long legs and short arms. Teens often look and
feel uncoordinated because of rapid changes in their body proportions.

Egocentrism- Teens are often focused on themselves, with self focus. They are often focused on
how the appear to others, and are self-conscious. Teens are extra concerned with body image at
this time.

Metacognition- Thinking critically about a persons own thinking.

Neural Connections- Links between brain cells, which can be strengthened through activities that
repeatedly stimulate the brain.

Multitasking- Trying to do many things at one time.

Autonomy- Independence that includes personal responsibility and decision making.

Resilience- Being able to bounce back from a defeat or setback.

Invincibility- Feeling as if you are incapable of being defeated or having anything bad happen to
you.

Cognitive Development for Teens- Brain development changes significantly during adolescence.
According to Piagets theory of cognitive development, young teens are changing from concrete
operational stage to formal operational stage, where they begin to think in abstract terms. This
is when they begin to think about the future, consider multiple solutions to problems and the
consequences of each, and figuring out why things are the way they are. As they get older, they
get better at solving problems and making decisions.