Growing and Changing — Year 5 Lesson Plan
National Curriculum: PSHE — Health and Wellbeing: puberty, physical and emotional changes, menstruation, personal hygiene
Overview
Pupils begin to understand the physical and emotional changes associated with puberty. Lessons are delivered with sensitivity, emphasising that change is normal, happens at different rates, and can be discussed with trusted adults.
Learning Objectives
- Understand that puberty is a normal part of growing up that affects everyone.
- Identify the main physical changes associated with puberty for all bodies.
- Recognise that emotional changes during puberty are normal and linked to hormones.
- Know where to go for reliable information and support about puberty.
Key Vocabulary
Suggested Lesson Structure
Ask pupils to write one question about growing up anonymously on a slip of paper. Collect and address any that relate to today's lesson. Establish ground rules for the lesson: respect, confidentiality, and the right to pass. Clarify the purpose: to give accurate information so growing up feels less confusing.
Explain that puberty is triggered by hormones and affects all bodies, though at different times and rates. Cover physical changes (using age-appropriate diagrams): changes to height, body shape, body hair, skin, and sweat glands for all bodies; additional sex-specific changes explained matter-of-factly. Cover emotional changes: mood swings, stronger feelings, changing relationships with friends and family — all driven by hormones and temporary. Discuss hygiene: washing more frequently and using deodorant become important. Emphasise: starting earlier or later than your friends is completely normal.
Pupils work in single-sex groups on a 'myth or fact' activity about puberty — correcting common misconceptions with accurate information. Groups share their answers with the whole class, teacher clarifying as needed.
Pupils write a reassuring, accurate letter to a younger fictional child who is worried about growing up, including three things they now know that are helpful to understand.
Return to the anonymous questions from the starter. Answer any remaining ones where appropriate. Signpost where pupils can find reliable information: a trusted adult, the NHS website, or a book such as 'The Usborne Growing Up Book'. Remind them that no question is too silly.
Common Misconceptions
- Everyone starts puberty at the same age — the range is broad (approximately 8–15); earlier or later than peers is equally normal.
- Puberty is only relevant to boys or only to girls — puberty affects everyone and there are many similarities alongside the differences.
Prior Knowledge
Pupils should already be able to:
- Year 4 PSHE: health and wellbeing, bodies and self-care.
- Science Year 5: life cycles, reproduction in plants and animals (depending on school sequencing).
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