(Grade 6)   The Eleven-Year-Old
Preadolescence gradually gives way to adolescence ... eager to discover secrets ... wants to figure things out for self in ethical and religious matters ... girls usually more physically and emotionally developed than boys ... more sensitive to criticism ... capable of great anger, fear, dejection, and elation ... growing ability for abstract thinking ... relationships with peers can be both exciting and painful ... critical of adults ... open to ideas that will realize more mature values but must reach them by oneself ... sees connection between religious teaching and personal problems ...

(Grade 7)   The Twelve-Year-Old
Onset of adolescence ... traits developing that will leave into maturity ... girls are about a year ahead of boys in intellectual and physical development ... with guidance, can see relationship between different events ... resentful of repetitive, childish activity ... beginning of search for philosophy of life ... can be encouraged to express abstract values ... receptive to social action projects ... enjoys responsibility that gives a sense of achievement ...

(Grade 8)   The Thirteen-Year-Old
Can be a difficult year of emotional imbalance ... physical changes become more pronounced ... leadership potential is emerging ... receptive to learning from stories of courageous deeds ... especially proud of new skills ... can relate God and prayer to personal problems and harsh realities ... insecurities manifest in complaining, withdrawal, sarcasm ... some linguistic skills appear particularly strong ... word games can be effective learning tools ... judging religion by the examples of its representatives ... greater interest and power in reasoning and discussion ... language can be useful tool for expressing values ...