Grade 5

Unit: Puberty
Grade 5
Growth and Development: Puberty

One formal health education unit focusing on puberty is taught by a health educator to students in grade five. This is a six lesson unit designed to help students understand the social, emotional, and physical changes they will experience during puberty. Students will learn to identify the structure and function of the male and female reproductive systems, learn to identify the anatomical parts using scientifically correct terms, and understand the changes that will occur during puberty They will also explore strategies for managing the emotional and social issues that some experience during puberty and learn how to take care of themselves (proper nutrition, physical activity, and hygiene). Students will be given a homework assignment designed to help them practice talking with a parent, guardian, or other trusted adult about the experience of puberty.


Essential Questions

What is happening to me and why?

Why does this happen?

How do I take care of myself during puberty?

Who can I talk to when I have questions?


Skills

1. Understand the physical, social, and emotional changes boys and girls experience during puberty

2. Understand the structure and function of both the male and female reproductive systems

3. Practice using proper vocabulary when referring to the anatomy of the human reproductive systems

4. Explore strategies to manage emotional and social issues associated with puberty

5. Learn strategies for taking care of oneself (e.g., nutrition, physical activity and hygiene)

6. Identify resources for support from home, school and family


Lesson 1: Introduction/What is puberty and why is it happening to me?
(Click here for the full lesson plan)
A. Create a comfortable environment for 5th grade students
B. Negotiate agreements and expectations for creating a safe and comfortable class climate for learning
C. Introduce Question Box - Students may ask questions anonymously & put questions into the box
D. Describe the process of growing towards adulthood to introduce the life stage of puberty
E. Define Puberty and explain why it occurs
F. Introduce the vocabulary used to describe both the male and female reproductive systems
Activity: Sort vocabulary words into male, female, or both
G. Question box collection

Lesson 2: Social and emotional changes that occur during puberty
(Click here for the full lesson plan)
A. Review questions that students left in the question box from the previous lesson
B. Discuss the social and emotional changes that occur during puberty
C. Describe the changing emotions and mood swings that are common during puberty
D. Discuss ways to manage mood/emotions during puberty and throughout life
E. Identify the characteristics of a healthy friendship
F. Learn to recognize peer pressure & develop strategies to avoid being negatively influenced by peers
Discussion: strategies to deal with peer pressure
G. Question box collection

Lesson 3: Physical changes during puberty
(Click here for the full lesson plan)
A. Review questions that students left in the question box from the previous lesson
B. Understand the physical changes experienced by both genders during puberty
C. Describe the physical changes experienced by males during puberty
D. Describe the physical changes experienced by females during puberty
E. Express feelings associated with going through puberty
F. Identify a parent/guardian or other trusted adult as a confidant
G. Discuss puberty with a parent/guardian or other trusted adult
Family Assignment: Students will conduct an interview asking the parent/guardian or other trusted adult questions about their experience with puberty.
H. Understand the importance of good hygiene during puberty and into adolescence.
I. Question box collection

Lesson 4: The male reproductive system
(Click here for the full lesson plan)
A. Review questions that students left in the question box from the previous lesson
B. Identify and describe the structure and function of the male reproductive system
C. Learn the proper vocabulary for the male anatomy
D. Understand the process of sperm production and ejaculation
E. Question box collection

Lesson 5: The female reproductive system
(Click here for the full lesson plan)
A. Review questions that students left in the question box from the previous lesson
B. Identify and describe the structure and function of the female reproductive system
C. Become aware of the maturation process of the female reproductive system
D. Learn the proper vocabulary for the female anatomy
E. Understand the process of menstruation and ways to decrease cramps and uncomfortable feelings during menstruation
F. Question box collection

Lesson 6: Review
(Click here for the full lesson plan)
A. Review questions that students left in the question box from the previous lesson
B. Finish material on ovulation and menstruation
C. Review the terms associated the male and female reproductive systems
D. Review strategies for dealing with emotions
E. Review healthy habits for taking care of oneself
F. Survey/questionnaire about participation in puberty unit
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