Puberty Power Script

Warm-Up: What Do You Know? (5 minutes)

Teacher: "Good morning/afternoon everyone! Today, we're going to talk about something really important and exciting: growing up! Your bodies are amazing, and they're always changing and learning. I want to start by asking you a question: When you hear the words 'growing up' or 'puberty', what's one word or short phrase that comes to mind? Don't worry about being right or wrong, just share the first thing that pops into your head. You can share it anonymously if you prefer. I'll write some of your ideas on the board."

(Allow students to share. Write their responses on the board. Briefly acknowledge common themes like 'changes', 'getting older', 'scary', 'exciting', 'tall', etc.)

Teacher: "Thank you for sharing those thoughts! It's clear that growing up brings up a lot of different ideas and feelings, and that's perfectly normal. Today, we're going to explore what these changes mean."

Introduction to Puberty (5 minutes)

Teacher: (Transition to Puberty Power Slide Deck - Slide 2: "What is Puberty?") "So, let's dive in. What exactly is puberty? Puberty is simply the time when your body starts to change from a child's body into an adult's body. It's your body's way of getting ready for the next stage of life. These changes happen inside and outside, and they're all natural and healthy parts of becoming an adult."

(Transition to Puberty Power Slide Deck - Slide 3: "When Does Puberty Happen?")

Teacher: "Now, when does this amazing transformation happen? For most people, puberty usually starts between the ages of 8 and 14. But here's the really important part: everyone's timeline is unique! Some of you might start earlier, some might start a little later, and that's completely okay. There's no 'right' age to start puberty. It's a gradual process, not an overnight change, so don't expect to wake up completely different one day!"

Changes During Puberty (Boys & Girls) (10 minutes)

Teacher: (Transition to Puberty Power Slide Deck - Slide 4: "Physical Changes: Common Ground") "Let's talk about some of the physical changes you might notice. These are things that many people experience, no matter if they will become a young man or a young woman. First, you'll likely have a growth spurt. This means you'll grow taller and heavier pretty quickly! You might also notice body hair starting to grow in new places, like under your arms or in your pubic area. Your skin might get oilier and you might even get some acne, or pimples. And you might start to sweat more, which can lead to body odor. These are all normal signs that your body is maturing."

Teacher: (Transition to Puberty Power Slide Deck - Slide 5: "Physical Changes for Boys") "Now, let's look at some specific changes for those of you who will develop into young men. One big change is that your voice will deepen, meaning it will get lower. You'll also start to gain more muscle, and some of you might even notice facial hair starting to grow. And internally, your testicles and penis will grow larger."

Teacher: (Transition to Puberty Power Slide Deck - Slide 6: "Physical Changes for Girls") "For those of you who will develop into young women, you'll see some different, but equally important, changes. Your breasts will start to develop and grow. Your hips will also widen and become rounder. And a very significant change is that you will start to have menstruation, or periods. We will talk more about periods in another lesson, but it's important to know it's a natural part of your body's development."

Teacher: (Transition to Puberty Power Slide Deck - Slide 7: "Emotional Rollercoaster?") "It's not just your body that changes during puberty; your feelings might change too! You might find yourself on an emotional rollercoaster, feeling really happy one moment and a little grumpy or sad the next. Your emotions can feel much more intense than before. You might also become more self-conscious, meaning you worry more about how you look or how you fit in with your friends. Remember, these emotional changes are just as normal as the physical ones."

Teacher: (Transition to Puberty Power Slide Deck - Slide 8: "Taking Care of Your Changing Body") "With all these changes, it's super important to take care of your body. Good habits are key! This means practicing good hygiene, like showering daily and using deodorant. Eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep are all super important to fuel your growing body. And most importantly, remember to talk to someone you trust – a parent, a guardian, a teacher, or another adult – if you have questions or need to talk about your feelings. You don't have to go through this alone."

Discussion & Questions (7 minutes)

Teacher: (Transition to Puberty Power Slide Deck - Slide 9: "Questions & Discussion") "Now it's your turn to ask questions. Remember, there's no such thing as a silly or too-small question when it comes to your body and growing up. This is a safe space to learn, and I'm here to answer your questions honestly. You can raise your hand, or if you prefer, you can write your question on a piece of paper and hand it to me without your name."

(Refer to Puberty Power Discussion Guide for potential questions and guidance. Address questions respectfully and calmly.)

Teacher: "That was a great discussion. Thank you for your thoughtful questions."

Cool-Down: One Takeaway (3 minutes)

Teacher: (Transition to Puberty Power Slide Deck - Slide 10: "You Got This!") "To wrap up our lesson today, I'd like everyone to take a moment and think about what we discussed. On a piece of paper, please write down one important thing you learned today, or one question you still have. You don't need to put your name on it. This helps me understand what stuck with you and if there's anything we need to revisit later."

(Collect papers as students leave or give them a minute to write. Thank them for their participation.)

Teacher: "Remember, puberty is a journey, not a race! It's a natural and exciting part of growing up, and your body is amazing. You're not alone, and it's always good to ask questions if you're unsure. Great job today, everyone!"

Puberty Power Warm-Up: Word Association

Instructions:

1. When you hear the phrase "growing up" or the word "puberty," what is the first word or short phrase that comes to your mind?
2. You can write it down on a piece of paper or share it aloud (if the teacher asks you to).
3. Don't worry about being right or wrong—just share your honest thought!

My Word/Phrase:









(Teacher will collect responses on the board for a brief discussion.)

Puberty Power Cool-Down: One Takeaway

Instructions:

1. On the lines below, write down one important thing you learned today about puberty OR one question you still have.
2. You do not need to write your name.

Thank you for your thoughtful responses!

Puberty Power Discussion Guide

This guide provides potential questions and discussion points to facilitate a safe and informative Q&A session after the main presentation.

Guidelines for Discussion:

• Safe Space: Remind students that this is a safe space for questions. No question is silly.
• Respect: Emphasize respectful listening and responses.
• Privacy: Reinforce that personal experiences don't need to be shared unless a student feels comfortable.
• Trusted Adults: Remind students to always talk to a trusted adult if they have more questions or concerns.

Potential Discussion Questions:

1. "What surprised you most about what we learned today about puberty?"

   • Follow-up: "Why did that surprise you?"

2. "What's one thing you're curious about regarding growing up or puberty?"

   • Follow-up: "Is there anything you've heard about puberty that you'd like to ask about?"

3. "Why do you think it's important to learn about puberty?"

   • Follow-up: "How can knowing about these changes help you or your friends?"

4. "What are some ways we can take care of our bodies and feelings during this time of change?"

   • Follow-up: "Who are some trusted adults you can talk to if you have questions or feel worried?"

5. "We talked about how everyone experiences puberty differently. What does that mean to you?"

   • Follow-up: "Why is it important not to compare our own growth to others?"

Addressing Sensitive Questions:

• Be Calm and Direct: Answer questions factually and without judgment.
• Keep it Age-Appropriate: Provide information that is suitable for 5th graders without overwhelming them.
• Refer to Resources: If a question is too complex or sensitive for a brief classroom discussion, suggest they speak with a parent/guardian, school nurse, or provide a trusted resource.
• Reiterate Normalcy: Continuously reassure students that all these changes are normal and part of healthy development.

Example Teacher Responses/Phrases:

• "That's a really good question! Many people wonder about that."
• "It's completely normal to feel that way during puberty."
• "If you have more detailed questions about that, it would be a great idea to talk with a parent or trusted adult at home, or perhaps the school nurse."
• "Remember, our bodies are amazing and they work in different ways."
• "Thank you for being brave and asking that. It helps everyone learn."