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Lesson 1 of 3
  • Year 6

Physical changes during puberty

I can describe the physical changes that happen during puberty.

Lesson 1 of 3
New
New
  • Year 6

Physical changes during puberty

I can describe the physical changes that happen during puberty.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Puberty usually begins between ages 8 and 14 and there is no 'normal' way to experience it.
  2. Key areas of physical change include size, genitals, breasts and body hair.
  3. It is important to know the scientific names for genitals.
  4. People can feel insecure about the way their body changes during puberty.

Keywords

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

  • Insecure - feeling unsure about yourself or worried about what others think

Common misconception

Everyone starts puberty by aged 12.

Many people do not start puberty until they are older than 12. Puberty can start anytime from ages 8 to 14. Some people go through puberty quickly and some people develop more slowly. Both fast and slow developments are healthy and normal.


To help you plan your year 6 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Physical changes during puberty, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Emphasise that there is no single, normal way to experience puberty. Changes can happen in a number of different orders and speeds. Repeat that there is huge variation in the way that puberty occurs.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Content guidance

  • 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

5 Questions

Q1.
When does puberty usually begin?

before 8 years old
after 18 years old
Correct answer: between 8 and 14 years old

Q2.
How could you manage your emotions during puberty?

Correct answer: write your feelings down
ignore your feelings
Correct answer: talk about how you feel
avoid spending time with others

Q3.
Teenagers tend to sleep and wake up than children and adults.

Correct Answer: later, longer

Q4.
Match the word to the correct definition.

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 thoughts and feelings

relating to your thoughts and feelings

Correct Answer:physical,relating to your body

relating to your body

Q5.
Everyone experiences puberty ...

at the same time
Correct answer: at different times
at the same speed
Correct answer: at different speeds

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

5 Questions

Q1.
Match the word to the correct definition.

Correct Answer:genitals,private parts that help with reproduction and other bodily functions

private parts that help with reproduction and other bodily functions

Correct Answer:insecure,feeling unsure about yourself or worried about what others think

feeling unsure about yourself or worried about what others think

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

Q2.
Everyone starts puberty at the same time. True or false?

Correct Answer: false, no, incorrect, F

Q3.
Match the word to the correct definition.

Correct Answer:vulva,all of the female genitals on the outside of the body

all of the female genitals on the outside of the body

Correct Answer:labia,the lips at the side of the vulva

the lips at the side of the vulva

Correct Answer:scrotum,soft sack of skin that protects the testicles

soft sack of skin that protects the testicles

Correct Answer:foreskin,a ring of skin that covers the end of a penis

a ring of skin that covers the end of a penis

Q4.
What do both females and males experience during puberty?

Correct answer: body hair growing on their genitals
Correct answer: greasy hair and skin which can lead to acne
widening of the hips
significantly deeper voice

Q5.
Some people might feel during puberty.

Correct Answer: insecure, unconfident, upset