Hult Center for Healthy Living’s evidence-based Puberty Program is provided to 4th & 5th grade students (8-10 years old) and taught in 2 class sessions. The first session (Part I) is taught in a co-ed classroom and the second session (Part II) separates students by biological sex. Note that Hult Center for Healthy Living requires both sessions. The following subjects are discussed:
Puberty Part I (co-ed classroom setting)
- Definition of puberty and adolescence
- Age range of puberty
- Emotional changes (mood swings, irritability)
- Introduction to hormones and the endocrine system
- Hygiene (body odor, acne)
- Physical changes that happen for everyone (growing taller, gaining weight, body hair, voice changes)
Puberty Part II: Male System (males only)
- Male reproductive system anatomy
- Physical changes caused by testosterone
- Facial hair, voice cracking, body odor, and hygiene
- Erections
- Exercise and healthy diet
Puberty Part II: Female System (females only)
- Female reproductive system anatomy
- Physical changes caused by estrogen
- Anatomy of the breast, breast development, bras
- Menstrual cycle
- Menstrual hygiene options
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NOT discussed in Hult Center for Healthy Living Puberty lessons?
- Human reproduction, pregnancy, or childbirth
- Sexuality/Sexual intercourse
- STIs (sexually transmitted infections) or HIV
- Birth control methods
What if a student asks a question about a subject not included in the lesson plan?
Hult Center for Healthy Living’s educators make every effort to create a safe space for students to ask questions about subjects they are curious about, but realizes that many questions a student may ask do not have a “one-size-fits-all” answer. Our staff members are trained using the FLASH (Family Life and Sexual Health) protocol to respond to questions in the same way that differentiates universal and personal/family values. Universal values are values that 99% of the population agrees upon (for example, we agree that assault is wrong). Personal or family values are values where a group of people would all have different opinions and thoughts on the subject (for example, different people have different beliefs about birth control methods). Our staff members will never tell what is “right” when it comes to personal/family values questions and will refer the student back to their family and community.
If a student asks about a subject that deals with personal values, our staff will:
- Listen to the question
- Legitimize the question (That’s a great question!)
- Identify it as a belief or values question
- Answer the factual part, if there is one
- Refer to family and other trusted adults
- Check to see if the student’s question was answered
- Leave the door open for more questions
Learn more about the FLASH curriculum here: About the FLASH curriculum – King County
Can my school have just one part of the puberty lesson?
Our puberty program is one lesson taught in two sessions. Part I and part II are not complete or comprehensive lessons, so we do not offer them independently. If your school or organization has specific needs or concerns about puberty education, please contact us and we can discuss options available.
Can parents and/or guardians be involved?
Parents of students in Kindergarten- 5th grade are welcome to attend their child’s lesson at their school or at Hult Center for Healthy Living. Please note that there may be a fee for attendance. Our educators always encourage students to go to their trusted adults for questions after a lesson.
Do you offer programs for younger/older students in these subjects?
Of course. Hult Center for Healthy Living offers a full scope and sequence in the areas of sexual and reproductive health ranging from basic hygiene for 2nd & 3rd graders through more advanced topic areas for high school students. Our team also offers sexual and reproductive health curriculum for people living with disabilities. You can learn more about all of our programs here. If your school or organization has specific needs please contact us and we can discuss options available.
Do you have more questions about this topic?
That’s great. Please reach out to our team and we can provide you with more answers.
Hult Center for Healthy Living
Phone: (309) 692-6650
Email: info@hulthealthy.org