Lesson 1: Puberty

PUBERTY: The CHANGES

Puberty is a vital process in the development of all individuals—the series of hormonal changes during puberty results in the physical development of sexually mature adults. In addition to sexual maturity, children also go through other physical and emotional changes such as hair growth, voice changes, and acne. Puberty is a time of big changes for a teen that eventually ends with the full maturation of the body. The different stages can be challenging and even confusing for teens, especially since the timeline of these changes is different for each person. Puberty may also be difficult for any pre-teens questioning their gender identity or whose gender identity does not match their assigned gender birth.

Explaining the process to your child can help them know what to expect.

Sexual Maturity Ratings (SMRs) or Tanner Stages

They serve as a general guide to physical development, although each person has a different puberty timetable. Here is a brief overview on what to expect for based on the stages for males and females during puberty. NOTE on TEACHING: using male and female add inclusive language. people with penis and uterus.

Stage 1 describes what’s happens before any physical signs of puberty appear. It typically starts after a female’s 8th birthday and after a male’s 9th or 10th birthday. At this stage, these internal changes are the same for males and females.

• The brain begins to send signals to the body to prepare for changes.

• The hypothalamus begins to release gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) to the pituitary gland, which makes hormones that control other glands in the body.

• Pituitary gland starts to make two other hormones: luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

• Physical changes aren’t noticeable for males or females at this stage.

Stage 2 marks the beginning of physical development. Hormones begin to send signals throughout the body.

Females: puberty usually starts between ages 9 and 11. Visible changes include:

• First signs of breasts, called “buds,” start to form under the nipple. They may be itchy or tender or one bud may be larger than the other, which is normal.

• Darker area around the nipple (areola) will also expand.

• Uterus begins to get larger, and small amounts of pubic hair start growing on the lips of the vulva.

On average, Black females start puberty a year before white females and are ahead when it comes to breast development and having their first periods. Also, females with higher body mass index experience an earlier onset of puberty.

Males: puberty usually starts around age 11.

• Testicles and skin around the testicles (scrotum) begin to get bigger.

• Early stages of pubic hair form on the base of the penis.

Stage 3 physical changes are becoming more obvious for both males and females. Along with a growth spurt in height, your teen’s hormones are hard at work, furthering development from the previous stage.

Females: usually start after age 12. These changes include:

• Breast “buds” continue to grow and expand.

• Pubic hair gets thicker and curlier.

• Hair starts forming under the armpits.

• The first signs of acne may appear on the face and back.

• The highest growth rate for height begins (around 3.2 inches per year).

• Hips and thighs start to build up fat.

Males: usually start around age 13. These changes include:

• Penis gets longer as testicles continue to grow bigger.

• Some breast tissue may start to form under the nipples (this happens to some teenage males during development and usually goes away within a couple of years).

• Males begin to have wet dreams (ejaculation at night).

• As the voice begins to change, it may “crack,” going from high to lower pitches.

• Muscles get larger.

• Height growth increases to 2 to 3.2 inches per year.

Stage 4 puberty is in full swing during stage 4. Both males and females are noticing many changes.

Females usually start stage 4 around age 13. Changes include:

• Breasts take on a fuller shape, passing the bud stage.

• Many females get their first period, typically between ages of 12 and 14, but it can happen earlier.

• Height growth will slow down to about 2 to 3 inches per year.

• Pubic hair gets thicker.

Males stage 4 usually starts around age 14. Changes include:

• Testicles, penis, and scrotum continue to get bigger, and the scrotum will get darker in color.

• Armpit hair starts to grow.

• Deeper voice becomes permanent.

• Acne may start to appear.

Stage 5 begins the culmination of your teen’s development. In this final phase, your teen will eventually reach full physical maturation, including their final adult height.

Females stage 5 usually happens around age 15. Changes include:

• Breasts reach approximate adult size and shape, though breasts can continue to change through age 18.

• Periods become regular after 6 months to 2 years.

• Females reach adult height 1 to 2 years after their first period.

• Pubic hair fills out to reach the inner thighs.

• Reproductive organs and genitals are fully developed.

• Hips, thighs, and buttocks fill out in shape.

Males stage 5 usually starts around age 15. Changes include:

• Penis, testicles, and scrotum will have reached adult size.

• Pubic hair has filled in and spread to the inner thighs.

• Facial hair will start coming in and some males will need to begin shaving.

• Growth in height will slow down, but muscles may still be growing.

• By age 18, most males have reached full growth.

Acne in puberty

Changing hormones cause oils to build up on the skin and clog pores, resulting in acne. Acne can develop on the face, back, or chest. Some people have worse acne than others.

Body odor in puberty

Larger sweat glands also develop during puberty.

Mood changes in puberty

Teens can be moody and/or behave differently. Hormones or feelings about physical changes, friends, or school may be the culprit. Be on the lookout for signs of depression or anxiety, like trouble sleeping, avoidance, or poor performance in school. Any extreme or troubling mood changes should be discussed with your child’s doctor. In some cases, therapy or medication may help.

Takeaway

Puberty doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a years-long process involving various physical and hormonal changes — all of which can be uncomfortable to go through. Students are likely having a lot of feelings right now, whether it’s about acne, body odor, menstrual cramps, or something else. Keep the line of communication open and be patient while discussing these feelings. Reassure your students that what’s going on is normal and an expected part of puberty.

LESSON 1: GROUND RULES

It is imporant to work with students to construct a list of ground rules that will increase their feelings of safety and comfort during puberty classes.

It is essential that the following ground rules be included:

• No personal questions or sharing of private information.*

• You have the right to pass on a question.

• No question is silly or stupid.

• Use dictionary words whenever possible.

Post the list in the classroom and refer to it as needed.

* There is a balance between encouraging students to talk about real life and over-disclosure of private information. Encourage students to use the phrase "Someone I know…" instead of the person's name if sharing information of a personal nature.

It may be helpful to frame the ground rules in a creative way, such as:

G...Giggling is okay but laughing at others is not

R...Respect for myself and others is important

O...Option to pass on answering questions is available to all

U...Use dictionary words when describing the body

N...No question is a silly question!

D...Do use "Someone I know…" instead of the person's name

LESSON 2: LANGUAGE EXERCISE

1. Draw a table on the board with 4 columns.

2. Label the columns (Dictionary, Childhood, Polite, Slang/Street) as in the example below.

3. Using the word 'buttocks' as an example*, ask students to suggest no more than 2 words for buttocks that fall under the other categories: childhood, polite, and slang/street words.

4. Remind the students they will be encouraged to use 'dictionary' words in class.

5. Now look up the definition for the word 'elbow'.

6. See if students can come up with words in each category.

7. Was there a difference? Discuss.