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      How we change during puberty

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe the changes that people go through during puberty.

      Key learning points

      1. Our bodies and emotions change during puberty.
      2. There is no normal way to experience puberty.
      3. Key areas of physical change include size, genitals, breasts and body hair.
      4. Key areas of emotional change include risk-taking, attraction, mood and independence.

      Keywords

      • Puberty - the time when a child’s body starts to change and grow into an adult body

      • Emotional - relating to your feelings and thoughts

      • Physical - relating to your body

      • Genitals - the body parts that help with reproduction and other bodily functions; they are important for health, are private and are different for different bodies

      Common misconception

      Teenagers are lazy.

      The circadian rhythm of teenagers often changes, compared to children and adults. During puberty, many people naturally wake up and fall asleep later in the day.

      Teacher tip

      Be mindful of how pupils will have a different awareness of puberty and if there are children who may find discussion around genitals challenging.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sexual content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is meant by the term trusted adult?

      any adult we meet
      Correct answer: someone we know offline who makes us feel safe who can help us
      any of our friends at school
      someone we know online

      Q2.
      Match the word to the definition.

      Correct Answer:exercise,physical activities that help keep our bodies healthy and strong

      physical activities that help keep our bodies healthy and strong

      Correct Answer:healthy eating,consuming a variety of foods in appropriate amounts

      consuming a variety of foods in appropriate amounts

      Correct Answer:hygiene,practices that maintain health and prevent the spread of disease

      practices that maintain health and prevent the spread of disease

      Correct Answer:emotions,the way people feel

      the way people feel

      Q3.
      Which of these statements about mental health are true?

      Correct answer: Everyone experiences emotions for different reasons.
      You should not ask for help if you are struggling with your mental health.
      Correct answer: All emotions are important.
      It is unusual to experience mental health issues.

      Q4.
      Which of these statements are true?

      Correct answer: Meeting strangers online is risky.
      It is safe to leave the house without telling trusted adults.
      Correct answer: If we are worried, upset or scared, telling a trusted adult will help.
      We should always do what a friend tells us to do.

      Q5.
      What is self-esteem?

      liking how we look
      admiring other people
      Correct answer: being confident in ourselves
      having high aspirations

      Q6.
      is a natural state of rest for the body and mind that helps us stay healthy and happy.

      Correct Answer: sleep

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the words with the definitions.

      Correct Answer:puberty,when a child’s body starts to change and grow into an adult body

      when a child’s body starts to change and grow into an adult body

      Correct Answer:emotional,relating to your feelings and thoughts

      relating to your feelings and thoughts

      Correct Answer:physical,relating to your body

      relating to your body

      Correct Answer:genitals,the private parts of the body used later in life for reproduction

      the private parts of the body used later in life for reproduction

      Q2.
      Which physical changes happen to both males and females during puberty?

      periods
      larger penis and testicles
      Correct answer: increased body odour
      significantly deeper voice
      Correct answer: body hair

      Q3.
      Which statements about sleep are true?

      Correct answer: Teenagers tend to sleep and wake up later as their circadian rhythm changes.
      Puberty means you should sleep less.
      Teenagers are always lazy.
      Correct answer: It is important to get plenty of sleep during puberty.

      Q4.
      Our changes during puberty because our hormones change.

      Correct Answer: mood, feelings, emotions

      To help you plan your 4 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: How we change during puberty, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...