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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe how emotions might change linked to cycles and how to support a menstruating person.

      Key learning points

      1. Emotions and bodily sensations change during the menstrual cycle.
      2. Menstrual cycles change with time.
      3. Menstruation is not dirty or shameful and anyone can talk about it.

      Keywords

      • Menarche - pronounced men-ar-kee, the time when a female has her first period

      • Irregular cycles - when the gap between menstruation (periods) is less than 21 days or more than 35 days

      • Shame - a strong feeling when someone thinks that they are bad or wrong, and worries that others will judge them

      Common misconception

      Menstruation is dirty and shameful.

      Anyone of any background can talk about menstruation. Make sure people who are most affected have the space to speak for themselves.

      Teacher tip

      Check where pupils might be able to access free period products in your school.

      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 (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.
      Menstrual products are either or reusable.

      Correct Answer: disposable, single use

      Q2.
      Internal menstrual products include ...

      Correct answer: tampons
      sanitary towels
      Correct answer: menstrual cups
      period underwear

      Q3.
      External menstrual products are worn the body.

      Correct Answer: outside, out of

      Q4.
      Reusable menstrual products can ...

      increase plastic waste
      Correct answer: reduce plastic waste
      keep plastic waste levels the same

      Q5.
      If disposable menstrual products are flushed away in toilets, they could ...

      Correct answer: block sewer pipes
      Correct answer: end up in the sea
      rot away in soil
      Correct answer: wash up on beaches

      Q6.
      The menstrual product a female chooses to wear should be determined by ...

      the menstrual products their friends wear
      Correct answer: their menstrual flow
      Correct answer: their lifestyle and activities
      Correct answer: how comfortable the product feels

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Some females experience a change in their and moods a few days before their period.

      Correct Answer: emotions

      Q2.
      Which of the following might help someone to cope with mood changes before a period?

      not doing any exercise
      Correct answer: mindfulness or relaxation activities
      Correct answer: getting plenty of sleep
      eating lots of junk food

      Q3.
      Match the following words to the definition.

      Correct Answer:menarche,the time when a female has her first period

      the time when a female has her first period

      Correct Answer:premenstrual syndrome (PMS),changes in emotions, mood and physical sensations before a period

      changes in emotions, mood and physical sensations before a period

      Correct Answer:irregular cycle,when the gap between periods is less than 21 days or more than 35 days

      when the gap between periods is less than 21 days or more than 35 days

      Q4.
      Menstruation or having periods is dirty and shameful.

      True - it's embarrassing to talk about.
      Correct answer: False - periods are a natural part of growing up.
      True - people shouldn't discuss periods openly.

      Q5.
      Which of these are period positive behaviours or attitudes?

      Correct answer: asking questions and wanting to learn the facts about periods
      pulling faces to show disgust when a person mentions periods
      hiding menstrual products at the bottom of a bag

      Q6.
      Menstrual health is a right.

      Correct Answer: human

      To help you plan your 7 RSHE (PSHE) lesson on: Menstruation and my emotions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...