Growing Up
Understanding Adolescence & Puberty
Grade 5 | IB PYP — Who We Are
Prepared by Ms. Jose Martina
Learning Objectives
Define adolescence and puberty
Identify key physical and emotional changes during puberty
Learn the basic parts and functions of the reproductive system
Understand that everyone develops at their own pace
Build respect and empathy for all bodies — no awkwardness needed
IB Transdisciplinary Theme: Who We Are — exploring identity, health, and human development
Why do children learn
languages faster than
adults?
•
In early life, millions of connections
called synapses form between brain
cells, and these are what allow a
person to learn. Over time, the brain
starts to prune the connections that
aren’t used. This gives more space
and “brain power” to those that are
needed, making them more efficient.
The teen years are a critical period for
strengthening and pruning
connections, but this process continues
throughout a person’s life.
• Synapse, the site of
transmission of electric
nerve impulses
between two nerve
cells (neurons) or
between a neuron and
a gland or muscle cell.
As children get older, their brains must
learn how to cope with life as adults,
and so transformations occur in the
anatomy and chemistry of the brain.
Areas involved in more basic functions,
such as processing sensory input,
mature first, while the areas
responsible for more complex thought,
such as planning ahead, develop later.
These changes begin during puberty.
Although the brain is fully grown by a
person’s mid-20s, it continues to
develop and change for the rest of their
life.
What Is Adolescence?
Adolescence
The stage of life between childhood and adulthood, usually between ages 10 and 19. It is a time of rapid
growth and change — in your body, your feelings, and your thinking.
Childhood
Adolescence
Adulthood
0–9 years
10–19 years
20+ years
Remember: Adolescence is completely normal and natural. Every adult you know went through it!
What Is Puberty?
Puberty
Puberty is the process through which a child’s body begins to develop and change into an adult body. It is
triggered by hormones — special chemical messengers in your body.
When?
How long?
Why?
Usually starts between ages 8–13 for
girls and 9–14 for boys
Puberty lasts about 2 to 5 years — it
is gradual, not overnight
Hormones signal the body to grow
and prepare for adulthood
Key Vocabulary: Hormones — chemical signals that tell different parts of the body what to do and when
Hormones: Your Body’s Messengers
Think of hormones like text messages sent from your brain to different parts of your
body:
"Time to grow taller!" | "Time to change shape!" | "Time to
develop!"
Oestrogen
Testosterone
(mainly in girls)
(mainly in boys)
Helps develop body curves, starts the menstrual
cycle, supports bone growth
Helps muscles grow, deepens voice, triggers facial
hair growth
Both boys and girls have BOTH hormones — just in different amounts
Some, like adrenaline and
cortisol, help us react to stress
and initiate the “fight-or-flight”
response. Others, like melatonin,
help set our biological clocks and
tell us when to sleep or wake up.
Many, such as thyroxin and
insulin, help control metabolism.
Others still, such as estrogen,
testosterone, and growth
hormone, are critical for changes
that happen to our bodies as we
develop during adolescence, like
the growth of reproductive
organs.
Adrenaline – Fight or Flight
Hormone
Insulin – Sugar Controlling Hormone
Thyroxine – Metabolic Hormone
Cortisol – Stress Hormone
Melatonin – Sleep Hormone
Oxytocin – Bonding Hormone
Dopamine – Reward Hormone
Serotonin – Happiness Hormone
Endorphins – Natural Painkiller
Estrogen – Female Sex
Testosterone – Male Sex Hormone
Physical Changes: Overview
During puberty, your body changes in many ways. These are all NORMAL.
Changes That Happen to Everyone
Getting taller — growth spurts can happen quickly
Skin may become oilier — spots or acne can appear
Body odour increases — sweat glands become more active
Hair grows in new places (underarms, legs, pubic area)
Body shape changes — hips, shoulders, muscles develop
These changes happen because hormones are signalling your body to grow into its adult form.
Physical Changes in Girls
1
2
3
4
5
Breast development
One of the first signs — happens gradually over several years
Hips widen
The body starts to develop a more curved shape
Growth spurt
Girls often grow taller earlier than boys, usually ages 10–14
Menstruation begins
The monthly cycle starts — the body preparing for adulthood
Skin & hair changes
Oilier skin, new hair growth in underarms and pubic area
Every girl develops at her own pace — there is no "right" time for these changes.
Physical Changes in Boys
1
2
3
4
5
Voice deepens
The voice box grows — the voice may "crack" before settling deeper
Muscles develop
Shoulders broaden and muscles become more defined
Growth spurt
Boys often grow taller later than girls, usually ages 12–16
Facial hair appears
Light hair starts on the upper lip and chin, gradually thickening
Skin & body changes
Oilier skin, new body hair, increased sweating
Every boy develops at his own pace — there is no "right" time for these changes.
During puberty,
testosterone makes the
cartilage in the voice box
grow. The vocal cords
become 60 percent longer
and thicker and so vibrate
at a lower frequency than
before—reducing from 200
times per second to as low
as 130 times per second.
This makes the voice
sound much deeper.
The menstrual cycle Seasons
•
Similar to the seasons of Earth, we have
inner seasons in our menstrual cycle,
which reflect the hormonal activity in
our body as well as our energy and
mood.
Why Learn About All Bodies?
Doctors, nurses, scientists, and parents all need to understand how different bodies work.
Learning about it now helps you become a knowledgeable, respectful person.
It is just science — like learning about the heart or lungs
Understanding builds EMPATHY — you can support friends going through changes
Knowledge removes awkwardness — the more you know, the less strange it feels
Everyone deserves respect — regardless of how their body looks or develops
Understanding Menstruation
What is menstruation?
About once a month, the uterus builds a soft lining. If it is not needed, the lining gently leaves the body. This is called a
period. It is healthy, natural, and nothing to be embarrassed about.
How often?
How long?
Is it painful?
Hygiene?
Every 21–35 days
Each period lasts 3–7 days
Mild cramps are common
Pads or other products help
Important: Boys should understand menstruation too — it helps build empathy and respect. If a classmate needs to visit the
nurse or carry a bag to the bathroom, now you know why. Be kind.
Everyone Grows Differently
There is NO "normal" timeline. Some students may start puberty at age 9, others at age 14.
Both are perfectly healthy. Your body knows what it is doing.
MYTH: "I should look the same as my friends"
FACT: Every body has its own unique timeline
MYTH: "Something is wrong if I develop early or late"
FACT: The range of normal is very wide
MYTH: "Talking about bodies is gross"
FACT: It is science — and knowledge is power
Emotional & Mental Changes
Puberty does not only change your body — it changes how you FEEL and THINK.
Mood Swings
Independence
Feeling happy one moment and sad the next is very common
Wanting to make your own decisions and have more freedom
Self-Consciousness
Stronger Emotions
Becoming more aware of how you look and what others
think
Feelings of anger, excitement, or sadness may feel more intense
New Feelings
Developing crushes or wanting more privacy — all normal
These emotional changes are caused by the same hormones that change your body — they affect your brain too!
During puberty, parts of the brain mature at different rates. The limbic
system, the part responsible for emotions and feelings, develops early on.
The prefrontal cortex, which regulates a person’s response to their
emotions, doesn’t develop until later, toward the end of puberty. While
the prefrontal cortex catches up with the limbic system, teens tend to
experience extreme emotions and are generally less able to control their
emotional responses, resulting in mood swings.
Your Brain During Puberty
Did You Know?
Your brain is STILL growing during puberty! The part that controls decision-making (the prefrontal cortex) is not
fully developed until your mid-20s.
You may take more risks than usual
Strong emotions can feel overwhelming
You are developing critical thinking skills
Friendships and social connections feel very
important
This is why talking to trusted adults when you feel confused or overwhelmed is so important.
Hygiene & Self-Care
As your body changes, your self-care routine needs to change too!
Daily shower or bath
1
3
Hair care routine
2
Especially after sports or physical activity
Hair may become oilier — wash regularly and find
what works for you
Wash your face
Wear clean clothes
Morning and evening to help prevent spots and
acne
4
Change underwear and socks daily
Brush teeth twice daily
5
Get enough sleep
6
Good oral hygiene becomes even more important
Growing bodies need 9–11 hours of sleep per night
Taking care of your body is an act of self-respect — you deserve to feel clean and comfortable!
Nutrition & Sleep
Fuelling Your Growth
Sleep Matters
• Calcium for bones (milk, yogurt, cheese)
• 9–11 hours per night for Grade 5
• Protein for muscles (eggs, beans, fish)
• Sleep is when your body grows most
• Iron-rich foods (spinach, lentils)
• Your brain processes emotions during sleep
• Fruits and vegetables every day
• Lack of sleep affects mood and focus
• Drink 6–8 glasses of water daily
• Avoid screens 1 hour before bedtime
A growing body needs the right fuel and enough rest — they work together!
Body Image, Self-Esteem & Respect
Body image is how you see and feel about your body. During puberty, it is normal to feel unsure —
be kind to yourself.
Your worth is NOT defined by how you look
Social media often shows unrealistic body images
Focus on what your body CAN DO, not how it looks
Never tease someone about their body — everyone is developing differently
Respect ALL bodies — different shapes, sizes, and timelines are all normal
"Your body is the only one you will ever have — treat it with kindness and respect."
Who Can I Talk To?
If you feel confused, worried, or just curious — TALK to a trusted adult!
1
Parents or guardians
They went through puberty too and can share their experience
2
Your teacher
Trained to support you and answer your questions respectfully
3
School counsellor
A safe space to talk about anything on your mind
4
Trusted family member
An older sibling, aunt, uncle, or grandparent you trust
5
Doctor or nurse
For any health questions or concerns about your body
No question is silly — if you are wondering about it, other students probably are too!
You Are Growing Into
An Amazing Person!
Be patient with yourself. Be kind to yourself. Ask questions.
Growing up is an adventure — and you do not have to go through it alone.
Prepared by Ms. Jose Martina | Grade 5 IB PYP — Who We Are