Benchmarks
Kids are curious about how
God is a part of their identity.
They recognize the differences
in their peers' traditions and
beliefs. They are more aware
of the changes in their bodies,
which affects their confidence.
Kids waver between wanting
affection from their parents and
spending time with their peers.
The people they choose to
surround themselves with and
their desire to be accepted will
greatly influence their interests. It
is important to remind kids of their
value in Jesus. They ask more
complex questions and may even
challenge authority. They desire to
be more independent and begin
to develop their own interests.
Spiritual
You may hear a child ask a faith
question such as "Why do bad things
happen to good people?" They may
begin to recognize that their friends
have other traditions, practices,
and beliefs than them. They need
reminders of God's unconditional love
for them and their identity in Him.
Social
As relationships develop for kids,
they spend less time with their
parents and more time with their
peers who have the same hobbies,
beliefs, or interests as they do.
They are trying to find their place.
For better or worse, this can
influence them and their decisions.
Emotional
As kids begin to go through
puberty, they can experience
a mix of emotions, feeling
overconfident one day and
unaccepted the next. They can
be under stress with many new
changes and can be very sensitive.
Intellectual
Kids begin to think more abstractly
and develop a sense of right and
wrong at this age. Something that
previously had a clear answer may
now be shrouded in ambiguity.
Preteens may ask hypothetical
questions and challenge authority.
Physical
There is a wide range of physical
development among kids at
this age. While some kids may
not have hit a growth spurt yet,
others may be experiencing
puberty and growing quickly. This
can affect a child's self-esteem,
acceptance from peers, and
coordination in physical activities.
Upper Elementary • 2 • cph.org • Copyright © 2019 Concordia Publishing House