There's an interesting dynamic that I have seen among 6th graders. Frequently, there are girls who are already ready for middle school owing to their interests and physical and social maturity. They gave me more than a few eye rolls when I asked them to cease socializing! On the other hand, there typically are a few boys who are still very, very young with interests retained from their lower grades (Pokemon card playing, Diary of a Wimpy Kid reading). On so many occasions, these little boys would greet me in the morning with, "Hey Mr. T. did you see the Red Sox last night, wow!" It's like they stepped right out of Miss Landers class from Leave It To Beaver! Suffice it to say, the "too cool for school" mature girls and these very young boys don't interact much! Such a contrast in maturation and in height too as they tower over the little guys! They will all get there eventually! 

Peter T.