SHAPE Module 1

MODULE 1: GROWING UP

Page 1: Module Overview

• Introduction to the concept of growing up and the transition through adolescence.

Page 2: Introduction to Puberty

• Puberty: marks the start of adolescence with physiological changes leading to sexual and reproductive maturity.

• Physical growth can bring confusion and insecurities; understanding these changes is crucial.

• Focus of Module:

  • Changes in males and females during puberty.

  • Importance of sexual development and reproductive maturity.

  • How puberty prepares the body for reproduction.

  • Risks related to early/unprotected sexual intercourse (e.g., STIs, early childbearing).

Learning Objectives

• Knowledge Goals:

  • Describe physical changes and reproductive organs.

  • Explain fertility and pregnancy.

• Attitudinal Goals:

  • Foster a positive attitude towards bodily changes.

  • Respect diversity in physical development.

• Self-Efficacy Goals:

  • Develop commitments to positively nurture bodily changes.

  • Engage in knowledge sharing with peers.

Page 3: Knowledge, Attitude, and Self-Efficacy

• Knowledge:

  • Common complications of pregnancy for adolescents.

  • Different contraceptive methods and their uses.

  • Understanding STIs and preventive measures.

• Attitude:

  • Recognize the importance of abstinence and contraception as protective measures.

Page 4: Learning Sessions Overview

• Session Duration: Varied (30-90 minutes per topic).

• Materials Needed: Responses indicators (“Agree,” “Neutral,” “Disagree”), diagrams, and group activity supplies.

• Key Topics:

  • Attitudes towards bodily changes.

  • Overview of puberty and physical changes.

  • Details on female and male fertility.

Session Titles

• Pretest: Assessing initial knowledge.

• Session 1.1: Understanding Physical Changes.

• Session 1.2: Exploring Fertility.

• Session 1.3: Teen Pregnancy.

• Session 1.4: Sexually Transmitted Infections.

Page 5: Learning Session Activities

• Various interactive methods (opinion polls, body mapping, labeling activities) to engage students and elicit attitudes and understanding.

Page 6: Teen Pregnancy

• Addressing the implications of teenage pregnancy:

  • Health risks for mothers and babies.

  • Common complications in adolescent pregnancies (e.g., obstructed labor).

  • Importance of family planning education.

Page 7: STIs Understanding

• Discussion Points: How STIs are transmitted, prevention methods, and health service access.

• Advocacy for sexual abstinence and proper condom use.

Page 8: Module Overview Key Messages

• Importance of understanding puberty and physiological changes.

• Challenges faced during adolescence, including mental and emotional responses.

• Overview of potential risks associated with early sexual activity.

Page 9: Ground Rules for Discussions

• Encourage respectful discourse on sensitive topics like sexual health and physiological changes.

Page 10: Pre-test Activity Structure

• Aim to assess initial understanding and attitudes within the group setting without pressure.

• Activities designed to elicit agreement or disagreement on statements regarding puberty and sexuality.

Page 11: Session 1.1: Appreciating My Body

• Objectives: Understanding changes due to puberty, fostering respect for personal differences in development.

• Activities include body mapping and discussions around shared experiences of bodily changes.

Understanding Puberty

• Growth Indicators: Premenstrual, physical growth, and sexual maturation.

• Hormonal Triggers: Role of hormones like testosterone and estrogen in bodily changes.

Page 12: Exploration of Maturation in Both Genders

• Differences between male and female changes during puberty:

  • Girls develop breasts and start menstruation; boys develop facial hair and experience wet dreams.

Page 13: Body Image Impact

• Discussing how physical changes affect self-esteem and social interaction.

Healthy Approaches

• Emphasizing self-care during puberty:

  • Proper nutrition, exercise, and mental health support.

Page 14: Conclusion of Physical Changes

• Summary of critical messages around positive body image and health awareness during puberty.

Page 15: Communication Encouragement

• Suggestions on how to talk about bodily changes effectively with peers and adults.

Page 16: Session 1.2: Understanding My Fertility

• Objectives: Familiarity with reproductive system functions and the process of ovulation.

• Activities centered on labeling reproductive parts—important for understanding fertility.

Key Messages on Fertility

• Understanding cycles, ovulation, and timing for conception.

• Recognition of fertile periods and self-awareness methods.

Page 17: Details on Menstrual Cycle

• Breakdown of the menstrual cycle phases and symptoms experienced.

Page 18: Menstrual Cycle Tracking

• Techniques to monitor menstrual cycles and understand fertility signs.

Page 19: Male Fertilization Insights

• Discussing sperm production and the male reproductive process.

Page 20: Pregnancy and Conception

• Overview of sperm and egg union processes leading to pregnancy.

Page 21-22: Teen Pregnancy Insights

• Addressing prevention and educational programming on early pregnancies and complications.

Page 23: Complications Risk Reduction

• Strategies to mitigate risks associated with teenage pregnancies.

Page 24: Contraceptive Discussion

• Exploring different contraceptive methods and their effectiveness.

Page 25: STI Overview

• Definition and risks of STIs; importance of preventive education.

Page 26: Safe Sexual Practices

• Information on safe sexual practices to prevent STIs, with a focus on communication and consent.

Page 27: Understanding HIV and STIs

• In-depth discussion on symptoms, treatments, and prevention measures for STIs.

Page 28: HIV Awareness and Prevention

• Key information about HIV, including transmission routes and the importance of testing.

Page 29-30: Concluding Activities

• Pre-test and post-test activities, reinforcing learning objectives and encouraging engagement with the content.

• Contribution to creating a supportive learning environment regarding topics of puberty, reproductive health, and personal empowerment.

Important Terms Related to Growing Up and Puberty

1. Adolescence: The transitional phase from childhood to adulthood characterized by physical and emotional changes.

2. Puberty: The developmental stage during which individuals undergo physical growth and sexual maturation.

3. Hormones: Chemicals in the body that influence growth, development, and reproductive processes.

4. Fertility: The ability to conceive and produce offspring.

5. Menstrual Cycle: The monthly cycle in which the female body prepares for the possibility of pregnancy.

6. Contraceptive Methods: Various techniques used to prevent pregnancy during sexual intercourse.

7. STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections): Infections spread mainly through sexual contact; common examples include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV.

8. Teen Pregnancy: Pregnancy occurring in young individuals aged 13-19.

9. Body Image: How individuals perceive and feel about their own bodies.

10. Abstinence: The choice to refrain from sexual activity to avoid STIs and unintended pregnancies.