Girls Human Growth & Development
Grade 5
Ground Rules
. Be respectful
. Discussions are to remain in the classroom. You
don’t have to contribute unless you want to
. Share your learning experience with a trusted adult
if you feel you want to)
. Respect people’s privacy by saying, “I know
someone who…”instead of saying the persons
name
. Be mature and watch the “Sillies”
. Remember the only poor question is the one not
being asked
. Respect others opinions, listen, and be
Topics that will be discussed
. Hygiene, nutrition, and exercise
. Emotions
. Puberty
. What is puberty?
. What is the menstrual cycle?
. What causes Puberty?
. Parts of the Endocrine system
. Female anatomy
Goal of the lesson
. This is an introduction to puberty and the
physiological and emotional changes that
occur.
. This is an introduction and we encourage you
to have further discussions at home.
Hand out feminine
products tips sheet
Remember no question is a silly
question.
What is puberty? Stage of life when
the body changes to enable it to
reproduce life. Your body will grow
faster than any other time in your life.
Starts between the age of 8 and 14.
This growth spurt and changes can
last 2 to 3 years.
. Hormones are responsible for the physical
and emotional changes young people
experience during adolescence.
. Puberty is the time in life when young
people start changing physically and
emotionally into young adults.
KEEP IN MIND:
.We all change at a different rate
. I can talk with my parents about
puberty to get accurate information
. Proper rest, nutrition, and
exercise is important during
puberty
Changes during puberty:
. Ovaries gradually grow
larger
. Body sweats more
. Skin and hair become
more oily
. Body has a sudden
growth spurt
. Body gains some weight
and grows taller
. Hands and feet grow bigger
. Bones in the face grow larger, and longer
. Soft, darkish hair grows around the vulva
and later becomes curly, thick and course
. A tiny bit of sticky whitish fluid may come
out of the vagina
. Hips grow wider
. Body begins to look more curvy
. Hair grows under arms and on legs
. Breasts become larger and fuller
. Hands and feet grow bigger
. Voice can change
. Acne may develop/Oily skin/sweat more often
Apocrine gland: Are sweat glands that creates
perspiration that smells. .
Growing up Healthy
Physical changes
happen during
puberty as well as
emotional, and social.
Common Physical changes:
. Hunger, increased fatigue, growth spurt,
weight gain, acne, and period begins.
Emotional changes: Self-Image, confusion,
overly sensitive, mood swings, angry, and more
self-conscious.
Social changes:
. Peer pressure
. Media influences
. Social groups may change
. Relationships may change
Communication:
Part of growing up involves learning to
take care of oneself and knowing when to
ask for help. It is important to tell a trusted
adult about anything that is scary,
confusing, or hurtful.
Tips to keep in mind:
Deodorant, clean clothing, good
dental care, shaving, physical
activity,nutrition,bathing,facial
cleansers, cotton undergarments are
all important factors when entering
puberty.
Having a trusted adult to talk with
about your feelings as well.
Accept and understand the process of growing.
Everyone changes at a time that is right for them
Hormones are in control and stimulate changes
during puberty. Each person experiences
changes based on genetics and hormonal
activity.
What are hormones?
Hormones are chemical
messengers released by
the endocrine glands that
tell your cells what to do.
They travel around in the
blood stream
. What is the endocrine system?
. Glands
. Female anatomy
Endocrine System:
Although we rarely think about them, the glands of the
endocrine system and the hormones they release influence
almost every cell, organ, and function of our bodies. The
endocrine system is instrumental in regulating mood,growth,and
development, tissue function, and metabolism, as well as
sexual function and reproductive processes.
In general, the endocrine system is in charge of the body
processes that happen slowly, such as cell growth. Faster
processes like breathing and body movement are controlled by
the nervous system. But even though the nervous system and
endocrine system are separate systems, they often work
together to help the body function properly.
Glands
Pituitary Gland:
. It is the master gland that
controls other glands and
secretes many hormones. It
is pea sized and located in
the brain behind the eyes. It
is responsible for releasing
hormones estrogen in
females that signal the onset
of puberty.
Thyroid gland
. Consists of two lobes
located on either side of
the windpipe. The
thyroid controls
metabolism the rate at
which the body burns
fuel-food). During
puberty, appetite often
increases due to rapid
growth which requires
more fuel.
Pancreas: Produces insulin,
a hormone that allows the
body to digest glucose
sugar) to provide energy for
all bodily functions.
Adrenal glands: Two glands
located in the lower back
that attach the kidneys. The
adrenal glands produce
adrenaline and other
hormones enabling the body
to respond to stress and
danger.
Show movie 11
minutes
Movie Time
11 minute video
Just around the
corner
Female anatomy: Look at worksheet
. Ovaries- Two glands located on either
side of the uterus. Ovaries contain egg
cells and produce estrogen and other
hormones.
Fallopian tubes: Connects uterus to
ovaries
Cervix: Base of uterus
Uterus: Womb where the baby grows
Vagina: Passageway leading from the
cervix to the outside of the body
through which menstrual blood flows
Pass out handout
on the anatomy.
Body Image tips:
. During puberty, body image can be a main focus of
self image because of the rapid physical changes
. Some may feel uncomfortable,selfconscious,insecure or dissatisfied. These issues can
be difficult to handle
. Remember, there is no way to control the changes
. Develop an exercise routine: Exercise will make
you look and feel better.
. Explore your strengths and talents
Face Care: Wash face at least twice per week. Acne is
triggered by hormones. Avoid picking acne may cause
scarring. If severe see a dermatologist.
. Bath more frequently to kill bacteria that leads to body
odor. Deodorants reduce body odor
. Brush and floss at least twice per day
. Shaving: Variety of products find the right lotion and razor
for you.
. Healthy Diet: Promotes physical and mental well-being.
Watch out for fried and sugary foods.
. Exercise: Releases endorphins which elevate mood and
improve energy, and helps weight management.
MENSTRUATION: PASS OUT SHEET
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS/ Pass out worksheet
WHAT EXACTLY IS MY PERIOD AND WHAT HAPPENS?
WHAT’S GOING ON INSIDE?
WHAT’S A CYCLE?
WHEN PERIOD STARTS?
WHAT’S NORMAL?
WHAT IS I HAVE CRAMPS?
MOODS
WHAT IF BLOOD LEAKS THROUGH MY UNDIES AND PANTS?
REVIEW ON PADS AND TAMPONS
What happens during the menstrual cycle?
Menstrual cycle: Is when your having your
period
First period usually happens 18 months to 2 years after
breasts start to develop. The menstrual period is when
blood is released through the vagina. Your two ovaries
hold many eggs, an egg is released from one of the
ovaries and begins a trip down the fallopian tubes, then
to the uterus. When the uterus no longer needs the
extra blood or tissue the blood leaves the vagina (that is
your period) Lasts 5-7 days
Normal to have a clear discharge when hormones are
changing usually a couple weeks after period
During your period you can loose up to 7
teaspoons of blood, but your body holds about 5
quarts. Cramps are normal at this time. Exercise,
and a warm bath can help.
Pre menstrual syndrome: Lasts 1-14 days before
your period comes. You may feel sad, may have
headaches, breast hurt, feel heavier from storage
of water.
Ovulation: 2 weeks before period begins it is the
release of eggs that then travel down the fallopian
tubes to the uterus
Strive for accomplishment not perfection
Create healthy habits
Remember these changes are normal
Express your feelings
Avoid comparing oneself to peers and media
Focus on your strengths and a positive attitude