The Development of Adolescents-Textbook Reflection

Adolescents develop intellectually, morally and physically. As adolescents develop they wonder if they normal. Many books can help them understand that their physical changes are normal. Intellectually, students develop from concrete to abstract. When asking questions and recommending books, take into consideration whether they are developmentally concrete or abstract thinkers. Adolescents go through developmental stages at different rates. They learn to get along with peers and the opposite sex. They start working for pay, which means independence. Their relationship with their parents start to change as well. Finding a vocation helps them start thinking about what they might be good at when they grow up. They start to develop morals and values which directly affects their relationships with others. During their development, adolescents start to adapt to their changing bodies. Defining their sex roles is difficult at this stage because society puts a stigma on what is or isn’t girl or boy “things”. Kohlsberg’s theory is important to remember as adolescents start to develop their level of morality. Consider the needs of adolescents according to Maslow: physiologically, safety, love, self-esteem, and self- actualization. Librarians may be able to suggest books that can help adolescents who’s certain needs are not being met. The library needs to always be safe and a place where a student feels accepted. Adolescents are always developing as readers. As librarians, we need to make sure we provide books that reflect the diversity of the readers and where they can see themselves through the books. Knowing how students develop and that they develop at different rates will help me be aware of the books I have in my library collection. I always make sure my classroom is safe space and students’ needs are being met, and I will instill this same philosophy in my library. Most of the time we don’t know what students are going through at home and allowing them to feel welcomed in the library, will motivate them to want to read and continue to come back to the library., As I evaluate books, I will be conscious of how books portray the development process in a truthful and positive way.