Yes, there is. This wise owl agrees with you, and so did the developers of Our Whole Lives. The leaders are expected to tailor the program to the specific developmental level of their group. Pat Hoertdoerfer, developmental editor of Our Whole Lives for Grades 4-6, writes about the enormous developmental differences between children at either end of this age range. At ages nine to ten, children approach sexuality information in a direct and scientific way.
Preteens also experience increased pressure to conform to stereotyped gender roles.
Second, harness some of this newly-created energy by forming a committee to oversee the implementation of the curriculum. Congregations have frequently found it helpful to form an 'OWL Oversight Committee' separate from the Religious Education Committee, as coordination of Our Whole Lives tends to require significantly more effort than coordination of a typical RE curriculum. The Oversight Committee can make sure teachers get trained. Third, educate the congregation. The oversight committee, RE committee, professional religious educator, and minister can all play a role in educating the congregation about your commitment to young people in offering these programs.