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What's Happening To My Body?

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Lesson Plan

What's Happening to My Body?

Students will be able to identify and describe the basic physical and emotional changes associated with puberty.

Understanding puberty helps students feel prepared and less anxious about the changes happening to their bodies and minds. This knowledge promotes self-confidence and healthy development.

Audience

6th Grade

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, visual aids, and a reflective activity.

Materials

Prep

Teacher Preparation

15 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up: What Do You Know?

5 minutes

  1. Begin by asking students what comes to mind when they hear the word 'puberty.'
    2. Emphasize that this is a safe space for questions and learning.
    3. Briefly introduce the topic as a natural and exciting stage of growth.

Step 2

Slide Deck Presentation: The Puberty Journey

15 minutes

  1. Present the Puberty Changes Slide Deck.
    2. Go through each slide, explaining the physical and emotional changes in an age-appropriate manner.
    3. Encourage questions throughout the presentation.
    4. Address common myths or misconceptions gently.

Step 3

Worksheet Activity: My Puberty Passport

7 minutes

  1. Distribute the Puberty Exploration Worksheet.
    2. Instruct students to complete the worksheet independently or in small, discreet groups if preferred.
    3. Circulate to offer support and answer questions privately.

Step 4

Cool Down: One New Thing

3 minutes

  1. Ask students to share one new thing they learned about puberty, either verbally or by writing it down and submitting it anonymously.
    2. Reiterate that puberty is a normal part of life and that support is available if they have more questions or concerns.
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Slide Deck

What's Happening To My Body?

Understanding Puberty: A Journey of Growth!

Welcome students and introduce the topic of puberty as a natural and exciting stage of growth. Reassure them that this is a safe space for questions.

What is Puberty?

• The time when your body changes from a child's body to an adult's body.
• It happens to everyone, but at different times.
• Usually starts between ages 8 and 14.
• It's a natural and normal part of growing up!

Explain that puberty is the time when our bodies start changing from a child's body to an adult's body. It happens to everyone at different times, usually between ages 8-14.

Physical Changes: What to Expect

• Growth Spurt: You might grow taller quickly!
• Body Odor: Your body starts to sweat more, and it smells different. (Time for deodorant!)
• Acne/Pimples: Your skin might get oily and break out.
• Hair Growth: Hair will start to grow in new places (underarms, legs, pubic area).

Discuss physical changes common to all genders, like growth spurts, body odor, and acne. Emphasize that hygiene becomes more important.

More Physical Changes

• For Girls:
• Breasts begin to develop.
• Menstruation (periods) usually starts.
• For Boys:
• Voice gets deeper.
• Hair on face (like a beard) might start to grow.

Briefly mention changes specific to girls (breast development, periods) and boys (voice changes, facial hair). Keep it general and focus on the 'what' not the 'how'.

Emotional Changes: Roller Coaster of Feelings?

• Mood Swings: You might feel happy one moment and grumpy the next.
• New Feelings: You might notice new feelings about yourself and others.
• Feeling Sensitive: Things might bother you more easily.
• It's okay to feel different emotions! Talk to a trusted adult.

Explain that emotional changes are also normal. Mood swings are common, and it's important to talk about feelings. Stress the importance of kindness to themselves and others.

Your Unique Journey

• Everyone goes through puberty differently and at their own pace.
• It's a journey of becoming the amazing adult you're meant to be.
• Remember: You are not alone! Talk to a trusted adult if you have questions or concerns.

Conclude by reiterating that puberty is a unique journey for everyone and support is available. Encourage questions.

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Worksheet

Puberty Exploration Worksheet

Name: _________________________ Date: _________________________

Part 1: What I Know & What I Wonder

  1. Before today's lesson, what did you already know about puberty?





  2. What is one question you still have about puberty?





Part 2: Understanding the Changes

  1. What is puberty? Describe it in your own words.






  2. List three physical changes that can happen during puberty.<n 1.



    2.



    3.


  3. List two emotional changes that can happen during puberty.







  4. Why is it important to talk to a trusted adult if you have questions or concerns about puberty?





Part 3: My Puberty Journey

  1. Puberty happens to everyone differently. What does it mean to say that puberty is a "unique journey"?










  2. If a friend was worried about a change happening to their body during puberty, what advice would you give them?












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Answer Key

Puberty Exploration Answer Key

Part 1: What I Know & What I Wonder

  1. Before today's lesson, what did you already know about puberty?

    • Answers will vary. Students might mention things like growing taller, voice changes, or starting periods. This question gauges prior knowledge.

  2. What is one question you still have about puberty?

    • Answers will vary. This provides an opportunity for students to voice lingering curiosities or concerns. Encourage them to write down any questions they still have.

Part 2: Understanding the Changes

  1. What is puberty? Describe it in your own words.

    • Thought Process: The slide deck defines puberty as the time when the body changes from a child's to an adult's. Students should be able to paraphrase this.
    • Sample Answer: Puberty is a time when your body grows and changes, turning into an adult body. It's a natural part of growing up.

  2. List three physical changes that can happen during puberty.

    • Thought Process: The slide deck covers several physical changes common to all, plus specific ones for boys and girls. Students should list any three from the slides.
    • Sample Answers: (Any three of the following or similar)
      1. Growth spurt (growing taller quickly)
      2. Body odor increases
      3. Acne or pimples
      4. Hair growth in new places (underarms, legs, pubic area)
      5. Breasts develop (for girls)
      6. Menstruation/periods start (for girls)
      7. Voice gets deeper (for boys)
      8. Facial hair grows (for boys)

  3. List two emotional changes that can happen during puberty.

    • Thought Process: The slide deck specifically discusses mood swings and new/sensitive feelings.
    • Sample Answers: (Any two of the following or similar)
      1. Mood swings (feeling happy one moment, grumpy the next)
      2. New feelings or emotions
      3. Feeling more sensitive

  4. Why is it important to talk to a trusted adult if you have questions or concerns about puberty?

    • Thought Process: The slide deck and lesson plan emphasize the importance of trusted adults for support and guidance.
    • Sample Answer: It's important to talk to a trusted adult because they can help answer your questions, explain what's happening, and offer support so you don't feel alone or confused. They can help you understand that these changes are normal.

Part 3: My Puberty Journey

  1. Puberty happens to everyone differently. What does it mean to say that puberty is a "unique journey"?
    • Thought Process: The last slide highlights that everyone's experience is unique regarding timing and specific changes.
    • Sample Answer: It means that everyone experiences puberty at their own pace, and the exact changes and when they happen can be different for each person. There's no single
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