8 • MODULE SEVEN: GROWING UP
ACTIVITY TWO:
How is My Body Changing
Group Check in- It is suggested that you could have separate sessions for boys and girls depending on how
comfortable they are, especially the girls, about discussing this topic in a mixed group. If you feel
that the participants need to use the correct language while discussing sexual issues, you can
use an additional activity “The Language of Sex” before starting this activity. - Introduce the topic by saying that we are going to look at puberty, the stage in life when a boy
develops into a man and a girl into a woman. Inform them that the changes begin at 9-12 years and
continue until they are 16 –17 years old. Girls generally start earlier than boys by a year or so. Tell
them that some body changes can be seen easily and some changes take place inside the body. - If it is a boy’s group, first show the picture “Physical Changes in Boys at Puberty.” Ask the boys to
describe the changes that occur. The points that need to come out are described below for the
facilitator’s reference. This activity can be made more interesting by taping clothes on three
figures and asking the group to guess what age each is, what changes they could see and what
body changes had taken place. As each figure is discussed, remove the taped clothes. There may
be some embarrassment during the session; it is up to the facilitator to talk about it in a natural
and matter-of-fact tone.
Make speech bubbles on the body pictures and write what emotions or feelings are experienced
during this period. For example, ‘moody’, ‘attracted to girls’ and ‘like to look in the mirror’. - Now introduce the picture “Physical Changes in Girls at Puberty.” Go through the same exercise.
Ask the boys to describe some of the physical changes that occur in girls during puberty. If they do
not know any, inform them that this will be explained in the next session.
Make speech bubbles on the body pictures and write what emotions or feelings are experienced.
For example, ‘moody’, ‘experience physical attraction’ and ‘like to look in the mirror’. - Reverse the order of the pictures if it is a girl’s group. If both groups are present, the facilitator can
start by showing one of the pictures, say that of a girl, to the whole group and ask the group, either
boys or girls, to respond. Make sure any doubts or misconceptions are cleared up immediately. - This can be quite a difficult activity for some boys and girls. Be sure to adapt to your situation. At
the end of the session, ask the girl’s group and the boy’s group to discuss among themselves:- How did you feel when you first got your periods/erection/wet dreams. (or saw the other
changes in your body)? - Did you feel like masturbating?
- Who did you go for help or advice?
- What did they say?
- What were you told about girls (if the group is that of boys) or what were you told about
boys (if the group is that of girls)?
Present group discussion in the session.
- How did you feel when you first got your periods/erection/wet dreams. (or saw the other