Puberty: Changes, Myths and Misconceptions

Objectives:
At the end of the lesson the students should be
able to:
• Describe physical, emotional, and social changes during
puberty.
• Describe common misconceptions related to puberty.
• Accept changes as a normal part of growth and
development.
Are you excited to change from
a child into an adult? Why?
 These changes are both exciting and
challenging at the some time. When you
reach adolescence or the gradual change
from child into an adult, you will continue
to experience more changes.
Let us go and learn the changes that
you may already be experiencing or will
soon be experiencing.
Changes during Puberty
Puberty is a long process that
includes many physical and emotional
changes. These changes are gradual
so that means you will not wake up
and find yourself having all these
changes overnight.
 Adolescence is growing up fast and go
through puberty or the changes that
happen to your reproductive system. Aside
from height and muscle mass increase, you
will see the appearance of adult features.
Appearance of body hair increase.
• In muscle strength increase in
perspiration, skin is releasing more
oils, and deepening of the voice are
the secondary sex characteristics
that happen to both girls and boys
 Individually, boys will have broader
shoulders and the appearance of hairs on
their chest and face/while girls will
develop breasts, have increased body
fat, and wider hips. The ovulation in girls
and sperm production in boys signals
reproductive maturity or the ability to
produce children
While all these are happening, adolescents also
go through emotional and social changes. You
will begin to wonder and question things about
yourself and the people around you. You will
search for your identity, thinking of what
significant things you will do in your life, just
like your role models.
 You begin to develop your values as you search for
meaning and identity so you spend more time with
your friends. They have a strong influence about
your feelings about yourself, the way you look, how
you dress, what you do, and all other personal things
that you share with them.
 Myths and Misconceptions
Physical changes can be overwhelming, which make
adolescents embarrass and confused. Sometimes, these
changes do not happen at the same time as with our friends.
Whether the adolescent is an early bloomer, a late bloomer,
or just in between, The curiosity of these physical changes
Can lead to some health myths and misconceptions. For girls,
the confusion is usually with menstruation because they
experience y month. Adults advise girls not to take part in
physical activities, refrain from carrying heavy loads, and
avoid eating sour and salty food.
Some of these advice are funny. ike nor taking a bath
and using menarche or first menstrual period as
facial wash. Each of these have no scientific basis
and it is also unhygienic. Boys, on the other hand, go
through circumcision at the appropriate maturational
stage. They also experience nocturnal emissions
when they are sleeping. Some adults would feel them
that it is caused by preoccupation of sexual
thoughts In truth, it cannot be prevented and there
is no warning when it will happen.
Knowing these changes, myths,
and misconceptions will help
you understand what to expect
when you change from a child
into an adult. Do not be
ashamed or feel alone because
these changes are normal part
of growth and development.
 Learning about them will help
prepare you on what to expect
and what you can do to
properly address Them in
order to avoid confusion and
anxiety. Your parents and
other trusted adults con help
explain these changes to you.
References:
Apilado, Ma. Victonette O., et al, Work It All Out with MAPE 5.
Quezon City: Neo Asia Publishing House, 2010
Battad, Lina M., et. Al, Sing, Sketch, Stretch One, Quezon City: ABIVA
Publishing House, Inc.,2010 Favila, Salve A., Active MAPEH 5.
Sampaloc, Manila: Magallanes Publishing House. 2013
Larracos, ruth a., et al, Joyfu Expressions. Quezon City: EPHESIANS
Publishing House, Inc. , 2010
Nery, Merly A., et al, Enhancing Skills Through MAPE 5. Sta. Ana,
Manila: Innovative Educational Materials Inc., 2010