Puberty Wonder Wall

Welcome to our warm-up! Today we’ll build a “Wonder Wall” to capture what you know and what you’re curious about puberty.

Step 1: Individual Reflection (1 minute)

Write one thing you know about puberty:

Write one question you wonder about puberty:

Step 2: Think-Pair-Share (2 minutes)

• Turn to a partner and share your sticky notes.
• Discuss any similarities or surprises.

Step 3: Post-It Collection & Review (2 minutes)

• Place your sticky notes on the board under “I Know” or “I Wonder.”
• We’ll quickly review a few examples together.

Definition: Puberty is the time when our bodies begin to change from child to adult.

Puberty Vocabulary Match

Purpose: Deepen understanding of key puberty terms and practice respectful, accurate language in small‐group discussion.

Materials:

• Puberty Vocabulary Cards
• Chart paper or whiteboard space
• Markers

Setup:

• Arrange students into groups of 3–4.
• Give each group a shuffled deck of vocabulary cards.
• Assign one student per group as the recorder (writes on chart paper) and one as the presenter.

Discussion Steps

1. Sort & Categorize (5 minutes)

• Task: Sort each card into one of three piles: “Changes for Girls,” “Changes for Boys,” or “Both.”
• Guidelines:
  • Read the term aloud before sorting.
  • If you’re unsure, hold the card and discuss with your group.

Follow-Up Question: How did you decide whether a change applies to girls, boys, or both?

2. Define & Clarify (5 minutes)

• Task: For each pile, pick two cards and write a student‐friendly definition on chart paper.
• Roles:
  • Reader: Reads the official definition from the card.
  • Explainer: Puts the definition into your own words.
  • Recorder: Writes the group’s version clearly.

Follow-Up Question: Which term was hardest to define and why? How did you help each other understand it?

3. Use in Context (5 minutes)

• Task: Each group creates one example sentence for two different terms. Sentences should show how the body change might feel or look, using respectful language.
• Example: “When my voice starts to deepen, I might sound different on the phone.”

Follow-Up Question: Why is it important to speak respectfully about these changes?

4. Share & Reflect (5 minutes)

• Presenters share one definition and one example sentence with the whole class.
• Classmates give a thumbs-up if the definition was clear or a thumbs-down if it needs more clarity.

Reflection Prompts:

• What new word did you learn today?
• How can you use these words to support a friend who is going through puberty?

ASD-Friendly Tips:

• Provide a visual timer for each step.
• Offer sentence starters on a handout if needed (e.g., “My body is changing because…”).
• Check in quietly with any student who seems overwhelmed.

End of Discussion: Gather cards for the next activity or review.

Puberty Vocabulary Worksheet

Name: _______________________ Date: ___________

This worksheet gives you a chance to practice key terminology and think about how our bodies change during puberty.
Work independently, and ask for help if you get stuck.

1. Matching (Write the letter of the correct definition next to each term.)

Terms:
A. Menstruation
B. Facial hair
C. Voice change
D. Growth spurt
E. Oil glands (in skin)

Definitions:

1. ____________ A rapid increase in height and weight during puberty.
2. ____________ Monthly bleeding from the uterus that usually begins in girls.
3. ____________ Appearance of hair on the face, such as mustache or beard.
4. ____________ Skin may become oilier and develop pimples.
5. ____________ When the voice becomes deeper as vocal cords grow.

2. Label the Diagram

Look at the Puberty Changes Diagram on the board or projector. Write the correct term next to each arrow.

• Arrow 1: ___________________



• Arrow 2: ___________________



• Arrow 3: ___________________



• Arrow 4: ___________________

(Hint: terms might include breast development, hair growth, voice change, growth spurt.)

3. Short-Answer Questions

1. Describe one physical change that both girls and boys experience during puberty.

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2. Why is it important to use respectful language when talking about puberty changes?

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3. Write one question you still have about puberty changes.

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When you are finished, check your answers and then hand in your worksheet.
If you need more time, let the teacher know—you may use a quiet spot if that helps you focus.