Double-Entry Journal - The Junior Learner

1) Reflect on what you know about the junior age student and complete the left-hand side of the
double-entry Journal.

Pre-Task Writing:
Activate Prior Knowledge

Physical
Growth

Social
Growth

Cognitive
Growth

The junior age student is between the ages of 812. They are maturing physically. Self-esteem
challenges may begin to arise due to their
changing bodies.

Socially the junior age students is beginning to

understand relationships with others and is
beginning to understand where they fit in. They
are also trying to fit into desired social groups
more and be accepted. They are more aware of
socially acceptable behaviours or are learning
what is acceptable.
A student at this level is beginning to learn more
complex ideas with guidance. They can take
knowledge and begin to apply it to real life
situations. They are beginning to assess
themselves during their learning and in all areas.

Post-task writing:
Ideas from the Course
-body-image due to changing bodies is a significant
issue at this age in both girls and boys but the problems
are more predominant and severe with girls. Eating
disorders can begin (bulimia, anorexia etc.). Teaching
strategies need to be implored when dealing with selfesteem and sensitive topics on image and the body.
-physical activity is important for healthy body
development (approx 1 hr per day)
-students grow slowly but significantly (boys develop
muscle)
-boys and girls segregate from one another more and
can be critical of the opposite gender
-peer relationships are developing and students are
learning which groups they fit best into (usually same
gender based) (my own and teaching experience)
-students are learning which activities they enjoy more
or dislike
-beginning to learn what behaviours are acceptable and
which are not appropriate
-students are more reflective of learning that has
occurred (experience) Think-about it type questions
-children can begin goal-setting and taking practical
steps to achieving goals
-reading everyday is vital
-increased attention span
-children can begin learning more abstract concepts and
move away from concrete knowledge

-journals are great ways for students to reflect,

document their thoughts and feelings and use as a tool
of expression. Students cannot always comfortably
express themselves so notebooks/journals are useful

2) At the end of Module 1, complete the right-hand side by making reference to the activities you have
completed so far. Then add a paragraph at the end of the Journal explaining your greatest insight
about students at this level.
I learned a lot about students at this level that I previously did not know. My greatest insight was learning
more about their physical development and the close connection between physical development and selfesteem. I didnt realize that students at such a young age can experience physical changes such that,
their view of themselves could drastically change. I thought this happened more from Grade 9 and into the
senior level. Although the growth of the junior level student is slower than previous years of growth, the
changes are more obvious from an external perspective. For example, boys begin developing muscles that
were previously not there and girls mature as well. It was shocking to learn that the self-esteem of the
junior student could be so impacted by physical growth, and issues such as severe eating disorders,
bullying, low confidence, low self-esteem, and withdrawal from activities can begin to arise. These issues
do not pertain only to girls but also to boys. Girls want to be more thin and look similar to their pop
culture role models, whereas boys want to have bodies that are masculine, muscular and sporty. However,
girls react in more detrimental ways. It was interesting to read the information provided. I learned that
teachers have a large role in promoting positive body image and promoting acceptance especially to
reduce harassment and bullying. Ultimately, these challenges can become barriers to learning. The goal is
to have students confident and happy with their self-esteem such that they are engaged in experiences
that are cognitively, physically and socially important for them.