Always Changing 5th Grade Puberty

Education Program

Approved by the CCSD B.O.E.

9/23/10

• As you grow up, your body changes

• Changes in how you look and feel

• Timing is different for everyone – from 9-14 years old

• Each girl grows at her own pace

• Girls are usually 2 years ahead of boys

Class Overview

Class Guidelines

• Don’t be afraid to ask questions

• Be respectful of your peers

• No personal stories

• Use appropriate medical terms

Class Agenda

• Video• Puberty

– Physical Changes– Emotional Changes– Menstruation/Cramps– Feminine Protection

• Personal Hygiene• Healthy Bodies• Questions

Watch Video Stream

Sweating• Body produces more sweat;

body odor• Bathe/shower daily with soap• Shampoo hair regularly, from

root to tip• Control underarm odor and

wetness with deodorant or antiperspirant

• Change sweaty clothes

Personal Hygiene

Skin Care• Oil glands in your skin become more

active• Oil and dead skin cells lead to acne• Cleanse skin twice a day• Don’t worry; acne is a normal part of

puberty, and steps can be taken to reduce it

Personal Hygiene

• Stay active – exercise!

• Eat nutritious foods

• Regular bathing and dental care

• Personal safety

Healthy Bodies

Puberty: Physical Changes

1 2 3 4 5

Stage One (up to ages 8-12):

• Childhood stage; no visible signs of puberty

Stage Two (may begin at ages 8-14):

• Height and weight increase rapidly • Breast buds • Pubic hair

Puberty: Physical Changes

Stage Three (may begin at ages 9-15):

• Height continues to increase• Breasts – rounder and fuller• Pubic hair – darker and thicker• Hips widen• Vaginal discharge• Menstruation for some girls

Puberty: Physical Changes

Stage Four (may begin at ages 10-16):

• Underarm hair• Nipple and areola more prominent• Pubic hair starts to form triangular patch• Menstruation for many girls

Stage Five (may begin at ages 12-19):

• Breast development complete• Pubic hair forms thick triangular patch• Adult height probably reached• Menstruation occurs regularly

Puberty: Physical Changes

• Feelings may change from day to day• Caused by hormones• Don’t worry; it’s all part of growing up!

Puberty: Emotional Changes

• Menstruation is part of the female reproductive process

• Average 28-day cycle, but different for everyone

• Your period is when you lose fluid at the end of the cycle

Puberty: Menstruation

Puberty: Female Reproductive System

Puberty: Menstrual Cycle

• Usually last 3-7 days

• Might not be regular at first

• Only lose about 7 teaspoons of blood

• It doesn’t hurt!

Puberty: Periods

Puberty: Periods

When Does My Period Start?• Usually between 10-16 years old• About 2 years after your breasts

develop• Soon after you grow pubic hair• After you start to notice vaginal

discharge

• Track your period on a calendar:

Puberty: Calendar

• Visit Beinggirl.com for an online Period Predictor

What Are They?• Aches in the lower abdomen or along the

inner thighs

What Can I Do?• Take a warm bath• Hold a heating pad on your lower stomach• Exercise• Check with an adult before taking medication

Puberty: Cramps

Pads• Worn outside your body, in your

underwear• Many different kinds, depending on

heaviness of period and body size• Wings provide extra protection• Change frequently to keep fresh

and dry

Puberty: Feminine Protection

How to Use a Pad

Puberty: Feminine Protection

1. Pull off paper strip or wrapper.

2. Attach sticky part securely to center of underwear.

3. For wings, peel off paper strips and wrap around sides of underwear.

How to Get Rid of Pads• Fold it up• Wrap it in tissue or toilet paper• Put it in the trash (special cans in ladies’

room)• Don’t flush pads down the toilet – they

clog it!• Wash your hands

Puberty: Feminine Protection

• Family member: Your mom, aunt, grandma, older sister, or trusted adult etc.

• Teacher or school nurse

• Doctor

Who to Talk To

• Write question on a note card; fold it and place it in the Question Box

• Everyone must write something on the notecard

• All questions are good

Questions