During his three years in middle school, a boy grows from being a concrete thinker to developing the ability to understand abstract concepts. Boys in this developmental period are energetic, sensitive, and keen to banter and joke. They crave strong, authentic relationships with trusted adults. In fact, their connection to their teacher is equally as important as their interest in the subject matter being taught. If a boy genuinely feels inspired by his teacher, he will work to gain his or her admiration, which often leads to solid results in the subject being taught