It turns out that young teen boys may actually be more cruel, according to a recent study from the University of Georgia.

Interestingly, the study found that students from sixth to eighth grades – the Mean Tween years – had the highest levels of physical and relational aggression. Is it any wonder why Montessori pedagogy supports a specific educational environment for these young teens?

The Montessori adolescent program recognizes the challenges found at this stage of development. It responds by providing young teens with the opportunity to focus and guide their intense feelings (and drive) into the building of positive relationships through directly interacting with the dynamic energy of the earth – soil, water, fire and wind as well as the life that dwells on it. As they work with the earth, they are nurtured by it.

LGMS adolescents and Upper El students in Moab, Utah