New
New
Lesson 2 of 3
  • Year 5

Menstruation

I can explain what menstruation is and how to manage it.

Lesson 2 of 3
New
New
  • Year 5

Menstruation

I can explain what menstruation is and how to manage it.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Menstruation happens in females as part of puberty.
  2. Menstruation most commonly starts between the ages of 10 and 15.
  3. Menstruation happens roughly once a month.
  4. During menstruation, small amounts of blood will be released from the vagina.
  5. There are many different ways to manage menstrual blood.

Keywords

  • Menstrual cycle - the monthly cycle, during which someone ovulates and menstruates

  • Period - another word for menstruation

  • Menstruation - the time of the month when blood comes out of the vagina

  • Vagina - the opening in female genitalia between the womb and the vulva

  • Ovulation - the time of the month when an egg is released from the ovaries

Common misconception

Females are irritable during their period.

During the menstrual cycle, people may experience intensified emotions that can impact their mood. However, this does not make their emotions any less valid or imply that menstruators are irrational or overly moody.


To help you plan your year 5 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Menstruation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Balance the positives and negatives of menstruation. Avoid any ideas of it being dirty or shameful. However, do not avoid discussing the challenges that menstruators face, such as cramps. emotional changes and managing menstrual blood.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
  • Depiction or discussion of sexual content

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
You become an adult once you turn years old.

Correct Answer: 18, eighteen

Q2.
Match the words with the definitions.

Correct Answer:puberty,the stage in life between childhood and adulthood

the stage in life between childhood and adulthood

Correct Answer:emotional,about your feelings and thoughts

about your feelings and thoughts

Correct Answer:physical,about your body

about your body

Correct Answer:genitals,the sensitive parts of our bodies between our legs

the sensitive parts of our bodies between our legs

Q3.
Why should we learn the scientific names for our genitals?

It is wrong to use different names for our genitals.
Correct answer: It helps if we need to talk to a doctor.
Correct answer: It helps if we are worried and need to talk to a trusted adult.

Q4.
Which statements about puberty are true?

Correct answer: Some physical changes happen gradually.
Everyone experiences puberty in the same way.
Correct answer: Female puberty usually starts between eight and 14 years old.
Male puberty finishes at around 12.

Q5.
Which are healthy ways of managing feelings during puberty?

ignore our feelings
Correct answer: talk to a trusted adult
Correct answer: draw or write about our feelings
eat sugary foods

Q6.
Which is part of the female genitals?

penis
Correct answer: vagina
testicles
breasts

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Match the words to the definition.

Correct Answer:vagina,the opening in female genitalia between the womb and the vulva

the opening in female genitalia between the womb and the vulva

Correct Answer:menstrual cycle,the monthly cycle, during which someone ovulates and menstruates

the monthly cycle, during which someone ovulates and menstruates

Correct Answer:menstruation,the time of the month when blood comes out of the vagina

the time of the month when blood comes out of the vagina

Correct Answer:ovulation,the time of the month when an egg is released from the ovaries

the time of the month when an egg is released from the ovaries

Correct Answer:period,another word for menstruation

another word for menstruation

Q2.
Most females have their first period between the ages of 10 and 15 as part of going through .

Correct Answer: puberty

Q3.
Which menstrual product should be put in the bin once it has been used?

Correct answer: disposable pad
Correct answer: tampon
menstrual cup
period underwear

Q4.
Which of these statements about menstruation are true?

All females are moody during their period.
Correct answer: Some females experience emotional changes around menstruation.
There are no physical symptoms of menstruation.
Correct answer: Exercise can help manage emotions around menstruation.