Going through puberty isn't easy, or for the faint of heart. Prepare middle schoolers for the challenges of the changes with activities that ask them to assume the role of a reporter for the Human Body Olympics. Writers craft a news article identifying the hormone they believe should win the award for causing the greatest changes of puberty. A second activity casts individuals as an advice columnist responding to queries about puberty. Writers research and provide responses to a letter from a tween.

Concepts

social-emotional learning, puberty, hormones, human development, emotional development, human sexuality, menstruation

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Instructional Ideas

• Before conducting the lesson, check with your administration to determine if parental permission is required given the topic
• Invite a medical professional to talk with the class about puberty
• Use the quiz to assess understanding of the material

Classroom Considerations

• Be sure that a protocol has been established for a safe, mature, and respectful discussion of the topic

Pros

• The activities provide information without personal embarrassment
• Includes a answer key for the quiz

Cons

• None

Common Core

SL.6.1.a SL.7.1.a SL.8.1.a