CHALLENGES
Challenges are like bumps in the road.  Sometimes we go around them.  Sometimes we roll over them.  Most of all, it helps to know how to deal with them when we encounter them.  What do you think?  How do you handle the challenges that you encounter?

Your assignment is to (1) generate questions for research on a topic dealing with a life challenge and (2) to determine key words for your research.  Here are some sample questions:
1.  How does adversity challenge an individual?
2.  What are the personal characteristics that enable a person to survive a difficult situation?
3.  How do challanges to survival change an individual?
KEY WORDS
For key words to use with this assignment,  just think of some of the challenges you have        faced and use them as key words.  Add "middle schoolers" or "children" or "teens" to your    search term in order to get better results.
physical fitness
bravery/courage
respectfulness
maturity/immaturity
bullying
peer pressure
decision making
responsibilities		 self esteem
hyperactivity
motivation
patience
Examples:   "bullying in middle school"
                   "physical fitness issues for teens"
                   "decision making for middle schoolers"
                   "middle school and responsibilities"
Some links that might help you formulate your questions:
You might want to start here...... Kidshealth.org
http://kidshealth.org/kid/
Lots of challenges and other health information here!
Kids, Cops, Counselors and Character: Teaching Respect and Responsibility at the Middle Level
 http://www.ncacasi.org/jsi/2001v2i2/kids_cops_counselors
This article was written by a middle school principal and is about how the school dealth with various challenges.  Although the article is written primarily for adults, young people can learn from it.
Sisters! Middle Schoolers Find Friendship and Support from UVA's Big Sisters
http://www.albemarlekids.com/vpage.htm?pageid=219
One solution to middle school challenges is to have a "big brother" or "big sister" as this article points out.
The Value of Peer Pressure
http://www.scholastic.com/schoolage/middleschool/development/ms_valpeerpress.htm
Peer pressure isn't all bad.  Read this for more information.
Fitness and your 6-12 year old
http://www.medem.com/search/article_display.cfm?path=n:&mstr
=/ZZZQORVN2AC.html&soc=AMA&srch_typ=NAV_SERCH
Fitness and your 13-18 year old
http://www.medem.com/search/article_display.cfm?path=n:&
mstr=/ZZZM2X5S1AC.html&soc=AMA&srch_typ=NAV_SERCH
Peer Influence and Peer Relationships
http://www.focusas.com/PeerInfluence.html
Information and resources about peer issues
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