"I" stands for Intellectual

The third developmental area you may want to know more about is the "I" in "Spice" which stands for Intellectual. This includes the basic idea of transitioning into a more adult way of thinking and solving problems. Ultimately, the student will be able to make connections and have a new, greater perspective on issues, and thinking in a more complex manner. This is a major developmental area because students are forming opinions on certain ideas and are coming to conclusions based on how they view the world. This idea of experiencing and forming connections is evident throughout this age group, providing the opportunity for students to expand and broaden their beliefs.

*Becoming*
Sara Davis Powell stated that "Middle level students are generally concrete thinkers at age 10, and some may remain basically concrete through age 14. However, they may be concrete at age 10 and well on their way to abstract thinking capabilities by age 11." (p. 30) Concrete thinking applies to the idea of a child learning based on something that is visually familiar. Abstract on the other hand describes a type of thinking that goes beyond what is seen, but provide mental connections based on perspective and prediction. Powell is coming to the conclusion that each student will develop differently in this area and may not think abstractly around the same time as every other student. As teachers, we are responsible for advocating for all students and understanding where they are on this developmental spectrum as well as providing parents with the tools to help make this transition easier.

*Issues*
As we all know, some children do not have the longest attention span and sometimes find it difficult to focus in on a certain lesson or a lecture from a parent. Intellectual development is the cause of this issue! It may be necessary to break a lesson up into segments (in the classroom) and may benefit to do the same at home while the child is doing chores or their homework. Keeping them engaged in the task at hand as well as giving them ample time to complete the task is always necessary. Also, embracing a child's imagination is always a positive when it comes to learning. Allowing them to use their creativity or specific gift will benefit the child more than forcing them to do something in a specific way. Powell also states that "While we may be able to identify and characterize stages of mental and intellectual growth, we must remember that the process of moving from concrete to abstract thinking is completely individual." (p. 31) It is important to realize that not all children will develop in the same way or at the same time!