Final answer:
Aleeza shows a stronger sense of self in the sixth grade by understanding her uniqueness and confidently making personal choices, similar to how children develop self-concept and a sense of competence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Aleeza displays a stronger sense of self when she enters the sixth grade because she becomes more aware of her individuality and her ability to make choices that are right for her. This is similar to how young children, such as those mentioned in Chick, Heilman-Houser, & Hunter's 2002 study, start to establish a self-concept and a positive sense of self through social interactions and understanding their personal traits and group memberships. During the elementary school stage, children may experience industry versus inferiority, where they compare themselves to peers to assess their competencies. To foster a sense of competence and belief in their abilities, parents and teachers can provide consistent encouragement, celebrate their efforts and achievements in schoolwork and other activities, and support them when they face challenges.
Through characters like Caitlin, who stepped out of her comfort zone and made discoveries about herself, or through Sandra Cisneros's realization that her uniqueness spurred her writer's journey, we learn that embracing differences can lead to a strong sense of self. For Aleeza, entering the sixth grade could mean that she is at a stage where she not only identifies her uniqueness, but also learns to confidently navigate through social challenges, such as bullying in her earlier years.