Key Messages

  • To identify and describe some common changes which occur during puberty.

Learning Intention

Students will:

  • Describe some of the changes which happen during puberty.
  • Have opportunity to overcome embarrassment in discussing puberty changes.
  • Reflect on the language they use when talking about private body parts and puberty.
  • Provide opportunity for teacher to correct misconceptions they have about the changes of puberty.

Time

30 minutes

Required Resources

  • Set of Puberty Taboo word cards.
  • Teacher reference sheet with list of changes and taboo words for the judge.
Download Required Resources

Teaching Notes

Some students may be unwilling to volunteer for this activity. It’s important to only choose willing participants. Some classes will need the teacher to demonstrate first to feel safe enough to try this in
front of the class.

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. When we discuss bodies, we often separate them into two categories – typical male and female. People who are intersex, transgender or non-binary may not fit exactly into either of these categories. Because of this, where possible, the word ‘typically’ is used when referring to specific sexes or genders. Students should be encouraged to apply the information that is fitting for them and their individual body.

Procedure

  1. Ask a volunteer to come to the front of the class.
  2. Volunteer chooses one Taboo Word card and reads it to themselves (not out loud).
  3. Volunteer then describe the puberty change on the card without saying any of the “taboo” words (words in different colour).
  4. They may choose to act out the change.
  5. Another volunteer can be given the role of judge looking for the use of the taboo words. This role can be carried out by the teacher.
  6. When they have finished, they can select another student to guess what the change was and if the change is usually for typical males / female or anyone.
  7. As cards are guessed they can be displayed in groups of change typically for males / changes typically for females / changes for anyone.

Questioning

  1. What is puberty and why do people go through it?
  2. Does everyone experience puberty the same as each other? Explain
  3. What people or sources of information can an individual access if they have any further questions?

Curriculum Information