Moody, critical, rebellious, volatile, anxious, sarcastic. Do you know 10- to 15-year-old children who fit any or all of these descriptions? Early adolescence is a unique and significant period in human development, as it marks the end of childhood and the beginning of puberty. No longer children, yet not adults, young adolescents are in an insecure world somewhere between yesterday and tomorrow.

As they attempt to cope with overwhelming emotional and physical changes, their resulting unpredictable behavior is likely to baffle and frustrate parents, other family members, and concerned adults.

Early Adolescence: Understanding the 10 to 15 Year Old is both a comprehensive overview and an unerring understanding of the early adolescent as an awkward child "in transition." Dr. Gail A. Caissy, an esteemed educational consultant, compassionately explains the important areas of development - biological, physical, emotional, intellectual, social, psychological - as well as the inevitable differences between male and female sexual maturation.

The natural, specific behaviors that can be anticipated of early adolescents as they undergo change in each of these areas are discussed, and workable strategies and guidelines for managing and coping with behavior at home or in the classroom are clearly provided.

This important book will enable parents and teachers to create helpful guidelines to manage early adolescent rebellion and behavior, develop techniques that encourage more effective adult-child communication, promote positive self-esteem, provide counseling to help early adolescents with their problems, encourage meaningful peer relationships, and channel enthusiasm and energy in positive directions.

The author further examines the early adolescent's role as a student in the middle-level classroom, and how behavioral development impacts on the teaching and learning processes. Important and practical classroom management and discipline strategies are provided along with teaching methods oriented specifically to early adolescent students.

Including an extensive selection of supplementary reading materials, Early Adolescence prepares concerned parents, teachers, guidance counselors, sociologists, psychologists in educational and developmental disciplines, social workers, and psychiatrists with all the necessary information to understand early adolescents and to cope successfully with their behaviors.