Physical Development

Puberty reigns at this age. Puberty, however, has several stages and kids will develop at different rates.
Growth spurts may result in clumsiness and a lack of coordination as they adjust to their new bodies.
This is the age when they need to be informed of and practice personal hygiene.
Typically, between ages 12 and 14, preadolescents become very aware of their own sexuality and others’ sexuality.
- These body changes can inspire both curiosity and anxiety
- Sexual questioning and curiosity
- Some children may question their gender identity at this time, and the onset of puberty can also be a difficult time for transgender or gender nonconforming children.
- Positive and accepting school climate is an important protective factor.
  - Over the past 15 years, more students report that their schools have gay-straight alliance programs, more school staff who are supportive, and their schools have anti-harassment policies that protect LGBTQ students

Cognitive and Intellectual Development

Children at this age begin to move from concrete to abstract thinking. Piaget termed this the Formal Operational Stage.
Early Adolescents may still lean towards concrete thinking and increased “ego-centricism”
As processing becomes more complex, they are also more likely to question rules and standards and want to understand the “why” of things.
Intellectual interests expand and become more important. Good time to bring up issues of social justice, prosocial behavior and change
Academically, preadolescents may enjoy school more as well as the social aspects of learning. This works well when teachers encourage learning in small groups.
Elkin: Imaginary Audience
- Feeling that one is the center of everyone’s attention
- World is a stage
- Increased self-consciousness
- Peaks in early adolescence , slows down a bit as move towards older years
- Personal Fable: personal uniqueness: no one understands me

Moodiness and roller-coaster emotions emerge during puberty; they can be happy one moment and then angry or very upset the next.
They have a greater desire for independence, yet there is a tendency to return to “childish” behavior, particularly when stressed.
They tend to test rules and limits at home and in school (e.g. not following directions, using foul language).

Peer groups become increasingly important. Many preteens would rather be social than tend to their school work or other responsibilities.
Some experience large shifts in their social circles as they go through puberty. Tight-knit groups and cliques can form.
As they further into adolescence, they may dabble in more serious risk behaviors (such as self-harm, drinking alcohol, or sexual activity).
It is important to speak with them about what they’re experiencing and what they’re seeing going on with their peers.

Puberty reigns at this age. Puberty, however, has several stages and kids will develop at different rates.
Growth spurts may result in clumsiness and a lack of coordination as they adjust to their new bodies.
This is the age when they need to be informed of and practice personal hygiene.
Typically, between ages 12 and 14, preadolescents become very aware of their own sexuality and others’ sexuality.
- These body changes can inspire both curiosity and anxiety
- Sexual questioning and curiosity
- Some children may question their gender identity at this time, and the onset of puberty can also be a difficult time for transgender or gender nonconforming children.
- Positive and accepting school climate is an important protective factor.
  - Over the past 15 years, more students report that their schools have gay-straight alliance programs, more school staff who are supportive, and their schools have anti-harassment policies that protect LGBTQ students

Children at this age begin to move from concrete to abstract thinking. Piaget termed this the Formal Operational Stage.
Early Adolescents may still lean towards concrete thinking and increased “ego-centricism”
As processing becomes more complex, they are also more likely to question rules and standards and want to understand the “why” of things.
Intellectual interests expand and become more important. Good time to bring up issues of social justice, prosocial behavior and change
Academically, preadolescents may enjoy school more as well as the social aspects of learning. This works well when teachers encourage learning in small groups.
Elkin: Imaginary Audience
- Feeling that one is the center of everyone’s attention
- World is a stage
- Increased self-consciousness
- Peaks in early adolescence , slows down a bit as move towards older years
- Personal Fable: personal uniqueness: no one understands me

Moodiness and roller-coaster emotions emerge during puberty; they can be happy one moment and then angry or very upset the next.
They have a greater desire for independence, yet there is a tendency to return to “childish” behavior, particularly when stressed.
They tend to test rules and limits at home and in school (e.g. not following directions, using foul language).

Peer groups become increasingly important. Many preteens would rather be social than tend to their school work or other responsibilities.
Some experience large shifts in their social circles as they go through puberty. Tight-knit groups and cliques can form.
As they further into adolescence, they may dabble in more serious risk behaviors (such as self-harm, drinking alcohol, or sexual activity).
It is important to speak with them about what they’re experiencing and what they’re seeing going on with their peers.