Common Characteristics of Eleven-Year-Olds

Elevens are going through huge changes in their bodies, minds, and social behavior as they begin adolescence.  The easy friendliness of ten often gives way to the awkward, sometimes rude behavior at eleven.  With their growing capacity for higher thinking, children this age like to try work that feels grown up, such as researching and interviewing. 

SOCIAL:Moody, self-aborbed; Easily embarrassed; need to "save face" in front of peers; Sensitive about their changing bodies; Needs lots of time to talk to peers; Common age for girls to form cliques; Worry about who's "in" and who's "out"; Like to challenge rules, argue & test limits.

COGNITIVE: Can think abstractly; Beginning to challenge adult explanations and their own assumptions; Would rather learn new skills than review or improve previous work; Enjoy using their developing thinking skills to do brain teasers and puzzles; Like "adult" tasks, though may outwardly fuss while secretly enjoying the work.

PHYSICAL: Restless and very energetic; Need lots of food, physical activity and sleep; Growth spurt for many girls; some begin menstruating; "Growing pains" (bone outgrowing muscle) may cause nightly aches and daily complaints.  More colds, ear infections, flu, etc.