Reading Log

Week 1:
Reflection question:
How do your own experiences at this age compare to what these texts report?
As a tween, I never read for pleasure. I would read what was required of me as a student, but I would never read more than that. I struggled with reading as a kid, so when I had free time I would play sports or run around rather than open a good book.
When looking over the 40 developmental assets, I meet many of the external factors, however I lacked in the internal aspects. I remember felling stupid and not as smart as the other kids, which turned me away from reading during my tween years. However, when I reached my teens something changed and I began to read for pleasure! I read every book that came my way.

How do your interactions with tweens today align with what these texts suggest?
I see two different demographic populations of tweens in my work as a librarian. At one of my school site, I work with predominately white, high income students. These tweens are at high levels of reading and are very competent, respectful and well rounded students. At the other site I work with 90% English language learners, from low income families. These students are struggling readers, who have trouble in other areas of school. There is also a lack of respect for others and themselves. I feel that the major difference between these two groups is the SUPPORT, the external asset of SUPPORT. Students who are struggling are not receiving the support they need at home, for many reasons; the parents don’t speak English, the children have a bad home life, they don’t live at home etc. The tweens at the first site have great support and guidance outside of school.

What ages would you use to define "tween" and why?
I agree with Lesesne and her definition of tweens, “Focusing on students in grades 4-8; roughly kids age ten through fourteen.” These children are in the middle of not being small children, but are not quite mature enough to be considered teenagers. They are also trying to figure out where they belong in school, family and society, while being influenced by external and internal factors. They are very impressionable at the tween age.

Which developmental assets seem most critical to tweens?
I feel each of the 40 assets are important, however I feel that SUPPORT has an affect on all other assets. A student needs support in order to have the gain empowerment, understand boundaries, to be guided in using time constructively, to develop a commitment for learning, to instill positive values, to feel socially competent, and finally to create a positive identity for themselves. Everyday I see students who lack in all developmental areas, because they are not getting the support and guidance at home or anywhere outside of school. Not having this support affects children in all areas of their lives.