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Teaching Fourth Graders
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children are hitting puberty at younger and younger ages these days.
Puberty normally occurs in girls between the ages of 8 and thirteen
and 9 and 14 for boys. This maturation in “children”
can be a little scary and even embarrassing. Girls who start developing
breasts early on may get teased. And girls who start their menstruation
cycles early may be very confused and frightened indeed. That is
why I am suggesting teaching fourth graders about maturation.
Teaching fourth graders about maturation and puberty is important.
Some students may have already begun puberty by the time they are
in fourth grade, but other students may not even know what puberty
is. Teaching fourth graders is better than teaching third graders
about maturation and puberty because fourth graders are just enough
more mature to handle it. Teaching fourth graders rather than fifth
graders about maturation is also important because it is important
that children are informed before it happens.
So, how do you go about teaching fourth graders about maturation?
• You should not simply start teaching fourth graders about
puberty in class. Some parents may not appreciate your efforts
• Instead, you should organize a “Maturation Night”
-- something outside of class that students can attend.
• Encourage parents to attend “Maturation Night,”
as well. This way, they are there to answer any further questions
about puberty that your fourth graders might have.
• At “Maturation Night,” you should divide your
boys from your girls. You can either have them attend at different
times, or different nights. Teaching fourth graders about maturation
and puberty can be even more embarrassing for the children if their
peers of the opposite sex are in the room.
• When you are teaching fourth graders about maturation, teach
them about the most important things. Teach girls about:
o Breast budding (the formation of small lumps under the nipples)
o Growth spurt
o Pubic hair
o Axillary hair
o Menarche (the first period, which occurs usually around age 12)
o Perspiration and body odor
o acne
• Boys should be informed about:
o The increase in the size of the testicles
o Pubic hair
o Growth spurt
o Deepening voice
o Increase in muscle mass
o Nocturnal emissions
o Chest and facial hair
o Perspiration and body odor
o Acne
Teaching fourth graders about puberty can be difficult and sometimes
embarrassing, but it is an important part of growing up. Make sure
that you are teaching fourth graders only about the basics of maturation,
and leave the rest up to their parents.
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