One formal health unit, titled Growth and Development, is presented to 5th grade students each year. You may review the curriculum at: http://needham.k12.ma.us/departments/curriculum_and_academics/wellness/resources/sexuality/grade_5
Dear Families,
Please click on the link below for the notification that went out to fifth grade parents/guardians during the week December 12 regarding fifth grade health for this school year!
2022-23 Parent Health Notification
Thank you to all who joined us via zoom on January 4! The link to the presentation can be found here.
Just a reminder that Ms. Smith's classes (Hindermann, Phinney, Bonvouloir) will be starting health the week of January 9. Mr. Brenhiser's classes (Gill, Marinak, Boyd) will be starting sometime at the start of February (stay tuned for exact start date later this month!)
Growth and Development Outline
Lessons 1-2: Introduction/What is puberty and why is it happening to me?
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
Question box collection
Lessons 3-4: Social and emotional changes that occur during puberty
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 5: Physical changes during puberty
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 6: The male reproductive system
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 7: The female reproductive system
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 8: Wrap Up/Review (If necessary)
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
Recommended Resources:
Books:
It’s So Amazing by Robie H. Harris and Michael Emberley
It’s Perfectly Normal by Robie H. Harris
What’s Happening to Me? A Guide to Puberty by Peter Mayle
What's Happening to Me? by Alex Firth
The Care & Keeping of You: The Body Book for Girls (American Girl Library) by Valerie Schaefer and Norm Bendell
Websites:
amaze.org/
SexEdRescue