Awareness Session on Puberty for Girls of Grade 6

The puberty session was conducted for the girls of Grade 6. The session lasted for an hour which entailed two presentations, videos and an activity for the girls. The session was done to increase awareness for the girls on the different challenges they would have to undergo during their puberty. The main objectives for the session were psychological, physical and emotional changes during puberty and body image concerns.

In the first half of the session, the basic points were discussed, “What is puberty?” “What are the changes you notice in your body?” “Are these changes just physical?” Most of the girls during this phase have a misconception about these changes. The weight and height gain, the fluctuation of mood swings and the hypersensitivity most of the times lead the girls to believe that they are not normal. The session conducted was mainly done to counter their beliefs and let them know that the changes they are going through are normal.  

Respecting their bodies was another aspect that was discussed; girls of this age should learn to maintain hygiene not just for themselves, but remember about maintaining decorum and sensitivities in a co-ed school.

The second half of the session mainly focused on body image issues. Girls during this phase have a lot of concern with the way their bodies shape out. To get a better understanding, a worksheet was circulated among the girls. The worksheet entailed questions about their basic beliefs on their bodies. Some of the true and false statements in the worksheet were: “I will have pimples all my life”; “The fewer meals I eat, the thinner I become.” 

The worksheet when discussed was an eye opener for the girls because most of their beliefs were countered with logic to reveal the actual facts. This session aimed at creating awareness for the girls about how they should respect their bodies and accept the changes happening within them during this critical phase of transition.