Puberty: Physical Changes and Self-Discovery
Religious Education - Year 7 Lesson 3: Hokakatanga - Embracing Our Identity Duration: 45 minutes
Learning Intentions (WALT) & Success Criteria
We Are Learning To: • Understand physical, emotional, social, and spiritual changes during adolescence • Explore 1 Corinthians 6:19 and Theology of the Body • Connect learning with Health and PE Curriculum • Reflect on our identity and wellbeing Success Criteria: You will be able to describe puberty changes, explain scripture meaning, and express personal reflections
Introduction to Puberty - What Do We Know?
Think-Pair-Share Activity: • Think: What changes happen during puberty? (2 minutes) • Pair: Share with a partner (3 minutes) • Share: Contribute to class discussion Consider: Physical, emotional, social changes
Scripture Reflection
"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own." - 1 Corinthians 6:19 What does it mean that our bodies are 'temples' of the Holy Spirit?
Group Activity: Exploring Changes During Puberty
Form 4 groups - each explores one aspect: Group 1: Physical Changes Group 2: Emotional Changes Group 3: Social Changes Group 4: Spiritual Changes Create a poster with key points and examples Present findings to the class (2 minutes per group)
Connecting to Health & Wellbeing
{"left":"Health and PE Curriculum Links:\nUnderstanding body and mind changes during puberty\nImpact on relationships and self-concept\nDeveloping positive body image\nBuilding emotional resilience","right":"Catholic Teaching Perspective:\nBodies are sacred temples of the Holy Spirit\nChanges are part of God's plan for growth\nImportance of self-respect and respect for others\nGrowing in understanding of our identity"}
Personal Reflection Time
Journal Writing Prompts: • What does it mean to me that my body is sacred? • How do these changes help me grow closer to God and myself? • What have I learned about my identity during puberty? • How can I show respect for myself and others during this time of change? Optional: Share one insight with the class
Lesson Closure & Success Criteria Review
Let's review our learning: ✓ Described changes during puberty (physical, emotional, social, spiritual) ✓ Explored 1 Corinthians 6:19 and Theology of the Body ✓ Connected Catholic teaching with Health and PE curriculum ✓ Reflected on identity and wellbeing Self-assessment: Thumbs up/sideways/down Next lesson: Relationships and Communication