Maturation Mentor Guide Lesson Plan Maturation Mentor Guide
Teacher Facilitation Resource
Duration
90 - 120 Minutes
(Can be split into two sessions)
Audience
5th Grade Girls
Maturation Group
Key Topics
Physical Growth
Menstruation
Hygiene & Self-Care
Personal Boundaries
Learning Objectives
Identify primary physical changes during female puberty, including breast development and menstruation.
Explain proper hygiene practices for managing body odor, skin changes, and menstrual cycles.
Recognize common emotional shifts and develop healthy coping strategies for self-care.
Demonstrate an understanding of personal space and how to set/respect physical boundaries.
Materials Checklist
Glow Up Slides Presentation
Glimmer Guide Workbook (one per student)
Circle Talk Cards (printed and cut)
Question Box (for anonymous questions)
Sample Hygiene Items (pads, deodorant)
Pens, pencils, and colored markers
Instructional Sequence
1. Safe Space Setup (10 mins)
Establish "Circle Norms": Use medical terms, respect privacy (what is said here stays here), and "no such thing as a silly question." Introduce the **Question Box** where students can submit anonymous worries throughout the session.
Facilitator Tip: Acknowledge that this topic can feel "awkward" or "embarrassing." Using humor and a calm, clinical but warm tone helps normalize the conversation.
2. The Glimmer Presentation (30 mins)
Use the Glow Up Slides to walk through the physical roadmap of puberty.
Physical Changes: Discuss growth spurts, breast development (stages and bras), and body hair.The Period Path: Explain menstruation as a sign of a healthy body. Demystify the timeline and symptoms.Hygiene: Demonstrate how to use a pad. Talk about daily showering, deodorant, and face washing.
3. Glimmer Guide Workbook (30 mins)
Students work through the Glimmer Guide Workbook . This allows for quiet, individual processing and reflection. Circulate the room to offer support and answer whispered questions.
Highlight: "The Emotional Weather Report" section. Discuss how hormones can feel like a "mood storm" and how to weather it.
Highlight: "Boundary Bubbles." Practice identifying what "too close" feels like physically and socially.
4. Circle Talk Scenarios (20 mins)
Divide students into small groups (3-4). Distribute the Circle Talk Cards . Groups read a scenario and discuss the best way to handle it.
Discussion Questions to circulate:
How would that person feel in this situation?
What is one kind thing you could say to yourself or a friend?
Who is a trusted adult you could talk to about this?
5. Question Box Wrap-Up (10-20 mins)
Gather the group and answer questions from the Question Box . Keep answers factual and brief. If a question is too complex or sensitive for a group setting, state: "That is a great question. I'll make sure to chat with that student privately or provide a resource for home."
Closure & Follow-Up
Home Connection
Encourage students to take their workbook home to share with a parent or trusted adult. Provide a "Conversation Starter" flyer for parents if possible.
Check-In
Plan a 5-minute individual follow-up check-in with any student who seemed particularly anxious or overwhelmed during the session.
Glow Up Slides Glow Up
A Guide to Growing Together
A Maturation Unit for 5th Grade Girls
Our Safe Space
Use Real Terms
It’s okay to say medical names for body parts. It helps us learn accurately!
Privacy Matters
What we share here stays in this circle. Respect your friends' stories.
No Judgement
Everyone grows at their own pace. Be kind and supportive of each other.
Ask Anything
No question is silly. Use the anonymous box if you’re feeling shy.
The Puberty Spark
Puberty is the time when your body changes from a child to a young adult.
The Hormones
Think of hormones as "chemical messengers." They tell your body it's time to start growing in new ways!
Growth Spurts
Skin Changes
Inner Changes
Social Shifts
Growing Pains & Gains
Breast Growth
It often starts with small "buds." One might grow faster than the other—this is normal!
Bras Camis
Hair Everywhere
New hair will grow under your arms and in your pubic area. It might be curly or dark.
Tidbit: It protects your skin!
Curves & Height
Hips might get wider, and you’ll likely grow taller quickly. Your body is making room for adulthood.
Growth Spurt!
The Menstrual Cycle
What is a period?
Every month, your uterus builds a "soft lining" to be ready for a baby. If there’s no baby, the lining leaves the body as blood.
How long does it last?
Usually 3 to 7 days. It happens roughly once a month (every 28-32 days), but it can be irregular at first.
Cycle
It’s your body’s natural rhythm.
Hygiene Heroes
Daily Shower
Keeps bacteria and sweat away. Use mild soap!
Deodorant
Your sweat starts to smell different now. Use every morning!
Face Wash
Oil (sebum) increases. Wash morning and night to help skin stay clear.
Period Prep
Keep a "kit" in your locker: pads, clean underwear, and a small bag.
The Emotional Rollercoaster
Feeling super happy one minute and crying the next? That's normal.
Mood Swings
Hormones affect how you feel. Take deep breaths.
New Worries
Glimmer Guide Workbook Glimmer Guide
My Puberty Discovery Journal
Name
________________________________
Date
________________________________
"I am growing, I am changing, and I am exactly who I need to be."
My Growing Body
Puberty is like a slow "glow up." Use this chart to keep track of the changes we discussed. Note: Everyone's timeline is different!
Breast Development
Starts with small bumps (buds). They might feel tender or itchy as they grow.
I have questions about this
Body Hair
New hair grows in the pubic area (between the legs) and underarms.
I noticed this change
Skin & Body
Sweat starts to smell stronger, and skin might get oilier (hello, pimples!).
I'm ready to learn more
Personal Reflection
What is one thing you are proud of about your body as it grows?
The Period Path
How it Works:
1
Every month, the uterus builds up a soft lining of blood and tissue.
2
An egg is released from the ovary. If it's not fertilized, the body doesn't need the lining.
3
The lining leaves the body through the vagina . This is your period !
Period Prep Kit - Draw or list what you would put in your locker kit:
Draw here...
1. ______________________
2. ______________________
3. ______________________
4. ______________________
5. ______________________
Pro-Tip!
If you get your period at school and aren't prepared, don't panic! Head to the Nurse's Office or ask a teacher you trust. They are always ready to help.
My Hygiene Routine
Developing new habits helps you feel fresh and confident. Fill in your new daily routine below!
In the Morning...
Wash my face with ____________________
Apply ____________________ to my underarms
Put on fresh, clean ____________________
Before Bed...
Take a warm shower or bath
Brush my teeth and floss
Write in my journal for _____ minutes
Emotional Weather Report
When your emotions feel like a storm, what is one "umbrella" activity that helps you feel safe? (Example: drawing, listening to music, talking to a pet)
Circle Talk Cards Activity Circle Talk Cards
Small Group Discussion Scenarios
Scenario 01
The School Surprise
You are in the middle of math class and realize your period just started, but you don't have a pad in your backpack.
Discuss:
What is your first step? Who is one person at school you could ask for help?
Scenario 02
The Gym Locker
After gym class, you notice that you are sweating more than usual and you're worried about how you smell.
Discuss:
What can you keep in your "hygiene kit" for times like this? Is this a normal part of puberty?
Scenario 03
The Hug Boundary
A friend always greets you with a big hug, but today you are feeling overwhelmed and just want some personal space.
Discuss:
How can you kindly tell your friend you need space without hurting their feelings?
Scenario 04
The Mood Storm
You feel like crying for no reason at all, even though you had a great day. You feel confused about your emotions.
Discuss:
Is it okay to feel this way? What are two "self-care" things you can do to feel better?
Scenario 05
The Growth Spurt
You suddenly feel much taller than your friends, and your favorite jeans don't fit anymore. You feel a bit awkward.
Discuss:
How can you practice body positivity when your body is changing so quickly?
Scenario 06
The Whispering Circle
You hear a group of girls whispering and giggling about someone who just started their period. It makes you uncomfortable.
Discuss:
How can you be a "period positive" friend? What could you say to change the subject?
Scenario 07
The Big Question
You have a question about breast buds that you are too embarrassed to ask your teacher or your friends.
Discuss:
Who is a "Trusted Adult" outside of school you could talk to? How would you start the talk?
Scenario 08
Hair & Boundaries
A classmate reaches out and touches your hair without asking because they think it looks cool or different.
Discuss:
Is this a boundary violation? What is a respectful way to tell them "Please ask first"?
How to Use:
Cut along the borders to create 8 separate discussion cards.
Each card has a scenario to read out loud to your small group.
There are no "wrong" answers—listen to each other's ideas with kindness!
Glow Check Pre Test Glow Check
Pre-test de Maduración
¡Bienvenida! Esta prueba es solo para ver qué sabes. Rodea con un círculo Verdadero o Falso para cada afirmación.
Nombre
______________________
Fecha
______________________
1
La pubertad ocurre exactamente a la misma edad para todo el mundo.
Verdadero
Falso
2
Las hormonas son mensajeros químicos que le dicen a tu cuerpo que es hora de crecer.
Verdadero
Falso
3
Es normal que un pecho crezca un poco más rápido que el otro.
Verdadero
Falso
4
Un periodo suele durar entre 3 y 7 días.
Verdadero
Falso
5
Solo debes usar desodorante si vas a practicar algún deporte.
Verdadero
Falso
6
Los cambios de humor son comunes durante la pubertad.
Verdadero
Falso
7
Si te baja el periodo en la escuela, debes irte a casa inmediatamente.
Verdadero
Falso
8
Lavarte la cara a diario puede ayudar a controlar la grasa y los granos.
Verdadero
Falso
9
Un límite personal es la "burbuja" alrededor de tu espacio personal.
Verdadero
Falso
10
Debes mantener tus preguntas sobre la pubertad en secreto.
Verdadero
Falso
11
No puedes bañarte, hacer ejercicio ni nadar cuando tienes el periodo.
Verdadero
Falso
12
Debes cambiarte la compresa cada 3 o 4 horas.
Verdadero
Falso
¿Qué es lo que más esperas aprender durante esta unidad?
Glow Check Answer Key Glow Check Key
Teacher Answer Key & Discussion Guide
1. False
Puberty age varies widely (usually between 8-13).
Note: Emphasize that being "early" or "late" compared to friends is completely normal.
2. True
Hormones (Estrogen) trigger these changes.
Note: Explain hormones simply as messengers from the brain to the body.
3. True
Uneven growth is very common.
Note: This is a major source of anxiety for girls; reassurance is key here.
4. True
3-7 days is the average range.
Note: Mention that cycles can be irregular for the first year or two.
5. False
Daily use is recommended as body chemistry changes.
Note: Discuss how sweat starts to smell different during puberty due to new glands.
6. True
Emotional shifts are caused by hormonal changes.
Note: Normalize "big feelings" and provide simple coping tools (breathing, journaling).
7. False
You can manage a period and stay at school.
Note: Encourage students to visit the nurse or a trusted teacher for supplies.
8. True
Oil production increases during maturation.
Note: Suggest a gentle cleanser rather than harsh scrubbing.
9. True
Boundaries are about physical and emotional space.
Note: Practice "I-statements" for setting boundaries politely.
10. False
Talking to trusted adults is the best way to get help.
Note: Help students identify their "Support Squad" (parents, teachers, doctors).
11. False
You can do almost all normal activities on your period.
Note: Clarify that exercise often helps with cramps, and swimming is fine with proper supplies (tampons or period swimwear).
12. True
Hygiene is important for comfort and health.
Note: Explain that changing pads regularly prevents odor and leaks.
How to Review the Pre-Test:
Instead of collecting and grading these, go through the answers together as a group. Ask students to share why they think an answer is True or False. This builds engagement and lowers anxiety before diving into the deeper lesson content.
Growing Together Home Flyer Growing Together
A Guide for Glimmering & Glowing at Home
Hello Parents & Guardians!
Today, our 5th-grade girls participated in a special maturation unit called "Glimmer and Glow." This lesson was designed to provide age-appropriate information about the physical and emotional changes of puberty in a supportive, safe environment.
We covered topics like growth spurts, menstruation, hygiene, emotional well-being, and personal boundaries. Our goal was to normalize these changes and ensure every girl feels confident as she begins this new chapter of life.
Better Together
The best support comes from the partnership between school and home.
The Physical Roadmap
We discussed how hormones trigger growth, breast development, and the start of menstruation (periods) as signs of a healthy body.
Glow-Up Hygiene
We shared tips for new self-care routines, including daily showering, deodorant, face washing, and preparing a "period kit" for school.
Emotional Weather
We talked about how mood swings are normal and brainstormed self-care strategies like journaling, talking to friends, and getting extra sleep.
Boundary Bubbles
We practiced identifying personal space and learned how to set and respect physical and social boundaries with others.
Continue the Conversation
It's common for girls to feel shy after this lesson. Use these gentle prompts to start a talk at home:
"What was the most surprising thing you learned today?"
"Do you have any questions you were too shy to ask in class?"
"What can we put in your school locker 'period kit' to help you feel ready?"
Helpful Resources
Book: The Care and Keeping of You (American Girl)Book: Celebrate Your Body (and Its Changes, Too!) Website: Girlshealth.gov (Puberty section)Website: KidsHealth.org (Search: Puberty)
"Every flower blooms at its own pace. Your support and open communication are the most important tools your daughter has during this journey."
Stay Glowing!
