Grade 5-five-sessions

This session introduces the who, what, when, and why of puberty. We’ll start with a read-aloud about a fictional character navigating the social, emotional, and physical changes of puberty, and discuss how these changes are affecting them. Topics include the role of hormones, new body hair, body odor, acne, feelings of attraction, mood swings, and wanting more alone time, privacy and independence. This session also emphasizes the importance of identifying trusted, knowledgeable adults at home and at school.

👩‍🏫 Session 2

This session introduces body odor and healthy hygiene. We will then focus on the concepts of bodily autonomy, boundaries, consent, and sexual abuse. We'll watch and discuss a short animated video called Stop the Secrets That Hurt: Sexual Abuse is Confusing from the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center Foundation.

👩‍🏫 Session 3

This session will begin with discussion about attraction, sexual orientation, sex assigned at birth, and gender identity. We'll watch and discuss two short animated videos called Gender Explained for Kids - Parts 1 & 2 by Pop'n'Olly. From there we'll focus on the first two stages of puberty, known as Tanner Stages I & II, and how kids can recognize when puberty has begun.

👩‍🏫 Session 4

The focus of this session is Tanner Stages III, IV & V, the anatomy and physiology of the genitals and reproductive organs, and how these organs change during puberty to allow for reproduction.

👩‍🏫 Session 5

We'll start by learning about the menstrual cycle, and common menstrual symptoms and supplies. We'll watch a short animated video by Amaze called Menstruation: What to Expect. From there we'll discuss the role of the fallopian tubes, uterus, ovaries, eggs, and sperm in reproduction, and briefly touch upon assisted reproductive technology, pregnancy and birth.