LIFE SKILLS EDUCATION TOOLKIT FOR ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN IN INDIA 9•
Experience from the field
Activity is easy for age group 12 and above. For children of 11 and below, it is easier to focus on external
bodily changes than on emotional changes. (Positive Living Project, Namakkal).Tips for the facilitator
Facilitator must prepare well as sensitive issues will be tackled. It is a good idea to have a counselor present
for the session.Adaptation
For Younger Children:
Divide the children so that there are three to five children in a group. Each group gets a set of three
prepared body outlines.
Present the three body outlines. They represent the body at birth, as they are now and when they grow
up. If it is a girl’s group, the three body outlines should be that of a female. If it is a boy’s group, the
body outlines should be that of a male. One body outline should be drawn on one chart paper. Tell
them not to put clothes on the outlines. They are first to draw in eyes, nose, etc. Next ask them to draw
changes in the body that will take place beginning with the baby. Children should feel comfortable
drawing the sexual organs of the baby and then progress to what they are now and when they grow up.
Discuss any misconceptions that children may exhibit in the drawings. What are the feelings at
their age and when they grow up?
Next ask the children in the group to prepare three body outlines, at birth, at their age and when
grown up, of the opposite sex. Repeat the process. Discuss any misconceptions that are revealed.
What are the feelings of the opposite sex at their age and when they grow up?
Depending on the age of the children, menstruation, masturbation and wet dreams may be
discussed. See the activity for older children above for guidelines on how to conduct the activity.Review
Discuss the following in the larger group:- What were the sources of information for girls, and boys?
- What different messages were given to girls and boys as they grew up?
- What do you think about them?
Have a general review of the session. - What did you learn? About yourself? About the boys/girls?
- Did you find this session useful? In what way?