Fifth Grade Growing and Changing Parental Information Session

Why now? The Reproductive System is the last of the 5 body systems covered in 5 th grade They are coming into this unit with prior knowledge of what organs and tissues are from other body systems. This unit is taught with great regard to our Catholic world view and shared values.

Science & Health OBJECTIVES Science & Health OBJECTIVES Upon completion of the unit, students will be able to… Describe the physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty (including sexual maturation, sensitivity to peer influence, family tensions, mood swings). Discuss how puberty can affect relationships. Describe fetal development and the birth process. Apply knowledge to make responsible decisions regarding their own health.

Catholic Curriculum Sacredness of Marital Love Sexuality as a gift from God Sexual Love as an expression of committed love within marriage and a sharing in God’s power to create new life Describe appropriate ways to show affection for peers Appropriate social interactions between girls same and other gender. Discuss touching safety Discuss the effects of excluding, ignoring and manipulating others Discuss the need for God’s grace and the fruits of the Holy Spirit, especially modesty, chastity, self-control

Quick Overview The information provided is simple and direct. It is taught in a scientific way, as in anatomy or biology class. We will emphasize the process of human development. “Value” questions will be referred back to the family.

Quick Overview Contd. classroom discussions Many topics may be deferred into the “Ask your parents” category

Co-Ed Setting…why? They need an opportunity to talk with each other. They have the same questions. Important to see that the other sex has questions too.  We want to promote respect of each other and ourselves

Rationale…why now? Children from 9 to 11 have many concerns about the changes they may be experiencing. They are involved in family but are beginning to feel a need for separateness. They need to understand that changing feelings accompany the change in their bodies.

Table Talk Topics 5 cards throughout the unit 3 to 4 questions for parents to discuss with their children Review the planner each night to see when Table Talk Topics go home.

Sample Table Talk Card: Table Talk #1 OBJECTIVE A: Describe the physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty. Approximate teaching date: _________________________ TOPICS: 1.Parents, please tell about your memories of puberty. 2.Were there differences in the expectations for boys and girls? 3.What are some problems your student may face during puberty and how can they ask you for help? 4.Parents, what problems do you expect to encounter during your child’s experience with puberty? How can your son/daughter make it easier on you? Please sign that you have discussed these topics with your student: ________________________________

The Question Box Reason: many unanswered questions arise Box located in the room for questions. Answers once a week, more if time

Puberty What’s happening to me? Puberty: A broad overview  Topics: height changes and differences, weight gains, moving at your own timetable, gender differences, skin and hair changes, hygiene, voice changes.

Sexual Maturity Physiology  Male and female reproductive systems  Basic anatomy

The Beginnings Fertilization  Egg, sperm, fertilization, fallopian fertilization, twins, heredity, built-in instructions, gender

The First 9 Months Development  Stages of development, how and where a fetus lives

Childbirth The birthing process  Birth and first hours of life  Guest speakers

Responsibilities Responsibilities and being a steward of your body  How to respect others and yourself with dignity and value

Videos We will not be showing the Miracle of Life because it is controversial. If you would like your child to watch it with you at home, feel free to borrow it from me.