Fifth Grade Growing and Changing Parental Information Session

Why now? Human Systems was placed in 5 th grade because Growing and Changing ties nicely to the Human Systems unit. Also, the understandings in the Growing and Changing unit are not outlined in the state assessment frameworks

OBJECTIVES OBJECTIVES Upon completion of the unit, students will be able to… Describe the physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty. Describe the process of fertilization Describe fetal development and the birth process. Apply knowledge to make responsible decisions regarding their own health.

Quick Overview The information provided is simple and direct. It is taught in a scientific way, as in anatomy or biology class. We will emphasize the process of human development. We will tell students that each family has their own values. “Value” questions will be referred back to the family.

Quick Overview Contd. classroom discussions Many topics may be deferred into the “Ask your parents” category

Co-Ed Setting…why? They need an opportunity to talk with each other. They have the same questions. Important to see that the other sex has questions too. Separation implies they should not communicate or talk together about it…does not help to foster respect but fosters an secretive “air.”  We want to promote respect of each other and ourselves, thus, no secrets

Rationale…why now? Children from 9 to 11 have many concerns about the changes they may be experiencing. Students need to be reassured that a wide range of development rate is normal. Misinformation needs to be corrected and substituted with correct, positive information. They are involved in family but are beginning to feel a need for separateness. They need to understand that changing feelings accompany the change in their bodies.

Table Talk Topics 5 cards throughout the unit 3 to 4 questions for parents to discuss with their children Review the planner each night to see when Table Talk Topics go home.

Sample Table Talk Card: Table Talk #1 OBJECTIVE A: Describe the physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty. Approximate teaching date: _________________________ TOPICS: 1.Parents, please tell about your memories of puberty. 2.Were there differences in the expectations for boys and girls? 3.What are some problems your student may face during puberty and how can they ask you for help? 4.Parents, what problems do you expect to encounter during your child’s experience with puberty? How can your son/daughter make it easier on you? Please sign that you have discussed these topics with your student: ________________________________

The Question Box Reason: many unanswered questions arise Box located in the room for questions. Answers once a week, more if time

Materials Overview The unit is divided into 8 chapters, each detailing specific topics Variety of media  Growing and Changing Student Book  Video

Chapter 1: What’s happening to me? Puberty: A broad overview  Topics: height changes and differences, weight gains, moving at your own timetable, gender differences, skin and hair changes, hygiene, voice changes, hormones (the reason for all of this), and feelings

Chapter 2: Sexual Maturity Physiology  Male and female reproductive systems, erections and ejaculations, wet dreams and orgasms, menstruation, and tampons and sanitary pads

Chapter 3: Changing Feelings Emotions  Feelings toward parents, towards friends, towards the opposite sex, attraction, self-esteem, and masturbation

Chapter 4: The Beginnings Fertilization  Egg, sperm, intercourse, fertilization, fallopian fertilization, twins, heredity, built-in instructions, gender

Chapter 5: The First 9 Months Development  Stages of development, how and where a fetus lives

Chapter 6: Childbirth The birthing process  Birth and first hours of life  Guest speakers

Chapter 7: Responsibilities Responsibilities and being a steward of your body  Open discussions, love, choices with your body and responsibilities

Videos United Streaming:  Always Changing Video:  Fertilization