Key Messages

  • Puberty is experienced by the majority of the population.
  • Many changes of puberty are likely to happen to all people. Some changes go with specific types of bodies.
  • everyBODY is different.

Learning Intention

Students will: Understand that individuals can expect their body to change as it goes through puberty.

Time

15 minutes

Required Resources

  • One set of “Puberty Changes” cards.
Download Required Resources

Teaching Notes

This is a fun and interactive activity which allows for a lot of discussion amongst students. It can be conducted in a number of ways including in a group setting, as individuals or as a class. Conduct a class discussion about each of the answers.

Please Note: It is important to note that all bodies are different. This can include differences in how someone's body looks or how someone feels about their gender. As the changes are categorised, students will note that not all changes happen to all bodies. The physical changes relating to ‘some' bodies will be changes to do with specific body parts. Students might identify these as typically ‘male' or ‘female' changes. Take care to note that intersex, transgender or non binary people might experience changes based on their bodies, not their gender identity.

Procedure

  1. Place the category cards in different areas of the classroom.
  2. Inform the class that each student or pair will be given a card
    describing a puberty change. Students will need to decide under which to place the card.
  3. As each student/pair does this, ask them to explain their choice and reasoning. Make corrections and provide feedback as necessary.
  4. Provide additional health/hygiene information where necessary (e.g., preventing body odour by showering, changing clothes daily, and using deodorant).

Alternative Procedure
1. Create a set of cards for students to work in small groups of 3-5. Students can discuss the changes in a group and then compare their ideas as a class.
2. Expand on the idea that some changes will only happen to some bodies. Ask students to identify what body parts a person would have to expect that change.

Questioning

  1. What is puberty, when does it occur, why does it occur and what are some changes?
  2. Outline the similarities and differences of puberty changes that all young people might expect.
  3. What people or sources of information can an individual access if they have any further questions?

Curriculum Information