Basic 5 · Our World and Our People · Myself
Changes During Adolescence: Physical Changes
In this topic you will describe the physical changes that happen to boys and girls during adolescence.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Define adolescence and puberty
- Describe physical changes in boys and girls
- Explain that these changes are normal
What you already know
- Growth and development (Basic 4)
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
- Strand
- All About Us
- Sub-strand
- Myself
- Indicator
- B5.1.2.1.1 – Describe changes that occur during adolescence
Introduction
Between the ages of about 10 and 19, children's bodies change quickly. Some pupils in your class may already be taller or have deeper voices. This stage of life is called adolescence.
1. Adolescence and Puberty
Adolescence: The stage of life between childhood and adulthood, from about 10 to 19 years.
Puberty: The time during adolescence when the body changes and becomes able to reproduce.
Puberty is caused by chemicals in the body called hormones. It starts at different ages for different people, usually between 8 and 13 years for girls and between 9 and 14 for boys. Girls often start earlier than boys. There is no need to worry if you start earlier or later than your friends.
2. Physical Changes
| Boys | Girls | Both |
|---|---|---|
| voice breaks and becomes deeper | breasts develop | growth spurt (grow taller quickly) |
| shoulders and chest broaden | hips become wider | hair grows in the armpits and pubic area |
| beard and moustache begin to grow | menstruation (monthly period) begins | more sweating and body odour |
| Adam's apple becomes visible | body becomes more rounded | pimples (acne) may appear |
| muscles become bigger | skin becomes oilier |
3. Menstruation
Menstruation is the monthly flow of blood from the womb through the vagina. It shows that a girl's body is maturing. It usually lasts three to seven days and happens about once a month. Girls should use clean sanitary pads, change them regularly (every four to six hours), bathe at least twice a day and keep a record of their period dates. Menstruation is normal and natural; no one should laugh at a girl because of it.
4. These Changes Are Normal
Every adult went through these changes. People change at different speeds, so do not compare yourself with others or tease anyone about their body. If you are worried about any change, talk to a parent, guardian, school nurse or trusted teacher.
Remember: Puberty starts at different ages for different people. Early or late is normal.
New words
- adolescence
- The stage between childhood and adulthood.
- puberty
- The time when the body matures and can reproduce.
- hormones
- Chemicals that control body changes.
- menstruation
- The monthly flow of blood in girls and women.
- growth spurt
- A period of fast growth in height.
- acne
- Pimples on the face and body.
Summary
- Adolescence is from about 10 to 19 years.
- Hormones cause physical changes during puberty.
- Boys' voices deepen; girls begin menstruation; both grow taller and develop body hair.
- These changes are normal and happen at different times.
Class activity: Question Box
- Write any question about puberty on a slip of paper without your name.
- Put it in the question box.
- Your teacher or the school nurse answers the questions in class.
You need: Hand mirror, Printed photographs of Ghanaian children, Adolescents, Manila paper
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. The stage between childhood and adulthood is…
- A. adolescence
- B. infancy
- C. old age
- D. babyhood
Show answer
Answer: adolescenceAbout 10 to 19 years.2. Which change happens in boys?
- A. Voice deepens
- B. Menstruation begins
- C. Breasts develop
- D. Hips widen
Show answer
Answer: Voice deepensThe voice "breaks".3. Which chemicals cause puberty changes?
- A. Hormones
- B. Vitamins
- C. Minerals
- D. Germs
Show answer
Answer: HormonesThey control body changes.4. Puberty starts at the same age for everyone.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseIt starts at different ages.5. Both boys and girls may get pimples during puberty.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueThe skin becomes oilier.6. The monthly flow of blood in girls is called ______.
Show answer
Answer: menstruationAlso called a period.7. State two changes in girls and two in boys during puberty.
Show answer
Answer: Girls: breasts develop, menstruation. Boys: voice deepens, beard grows.Any correct pairs.8. Why should we not tease others about changes in their bodies?
Show answer
Answer: The changes are normal and happen at different times; teasing hurts feelings and lowers confidence.Respect.
Homework
- Write three questions about adolescence you would like to ask a parent or nurse.