YEAR 4 ( AGE 8-9 )
OVERVIEW OF THE TOPIC
CHANGING ME – PSHE (JIGSAW)
In this Puzzle bodily changes at puberty are revisited with some additional vocabulary, particularly around menstruation. Sanitary health is taught, including introducing pupils to different sanitary and personal hygiene products. Conception is introduced in simple terms so the children understand that a baby is formed by the joining of an ovum and sperm. They also learn that the ovum and sperm carry genetic information that carry personal characteristics. The unit (Puzzle) ends by looking at the feelings associated with change and how to manage these. Children are introduced to Jigsaw’s Circle of change model as a strategy for managing future changes.
KNOWLEDGE
• Know that personal characteristics are inherited from birth parents and this is brought about by an ovum joining with a sperm
• Know that babies are made by a sperm joining with an ovum
• Know the names of the different internal and external body parts that are needed to make a baby
• Know how the female and male body change at puberty
• Know that personal hygiene is important during puberty and as an adult
• Know that change is a normal part of life and that some cannot be controlled and have to be accepted
• Know that change can bring about a range of different emotions
KEY VOCABULARY FOR THE WHOLE TOPIC
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL QUESTIONS FOR FAMILY LEARNING
• Can appreciate their own uniqueness and that of others
• Can express how they feel about having children when they are grown up
• Can express any concerns they have about puberty
• Can say who they can talk to about puberty if they are worried
• Can apply the circle of change model to themselves to have strategies for managing change
• Have strategies for managing the emotions relating to change
• Which of your characteristics did you get from your birth parents?
• Do you have any questions about the changes that happen to a girl when they grow up?
• Do you have any questions about how babies are made?
• How do you feel about the changes that will happen to you as you grow?
Personal, Unique, Characteristics, Parents, Sperm, Gene, Egg / ovum, Penis, Testicles, Vagina / vulva, Womb / uterus, Ovaries, Making love, Having sex, Sexual intercourse, Fertilise, Conception, Puberty, Menstruation, Tampons, Hormones, Fallopian tube, Periods, Menstrual cycle, Period pants/pads, Seasons, Control, Emotions, Acceptance.
NOTES
FOR PARENTS
• The topic of conception is briefly touched upon here. We will still not be teaching about sexual intercourse with this year group
• We will be discussing menstruation. This is important as some girls may start their periods within the next year. As much as possible, the session will be taught in a mixed-gender class so the topic is normalised rather than a taboo topic We will make time to ensure that questions afterwards can be held in single-gender groups too.