Human Growth and Development

Grade 6 · Physical Education

Semester 1 | Period 2 | Week 9

Download the Lessonotes Mobile Liberia app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.

Get it on Google Play Get it on the Apple App Store

Subject: Physical Education

Semester: 1

Period: 2

Week: 9

School Name:
Teacher’s Name:
Subject: Physical Education
Grade Level: Grade 6
Date: Week 9
Lesson Duration: 45 minutes
Week & Period: Week 9, Period 2
Topic: Human Growth and Development
Sub-topic: Puberty

Learning Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to define growth and development, state the meaning of puberty and sexuality, describe physical changes during puberty in boys and girls, and explain emotional and social changes.

Previous Knowledge
Students have noticed differences between younger children and teenagers.

Instructional Materials
Charts of human development stages, chalkboard, markers.

Lesson Development – ABC Model
A – Anticipation (Warm-up / Starter)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Teacher asks: “Have you noticed any changes in older brothers, sisters, or classmates compared to small children?” Students share observations.

B – Building Knowledge (Main Lesson Body)

Time: 25–30 minutes

Teacher’s Explanations & Demonstrations:

  1. Definitions of Growth and Development:
    • Growth: The increase in size, height, and weight of the body. For example, when a child grows taller or their clothes and shoes become small.
    • Development: The gradual improvement in behavior, emotions, thinking, and abilities as a person becomes more mature. For example, learning to make good decisions or controlling emotions better.
  2. Definition of Puberty:
    • Puberty is the stage of life when a child’s body begins to change into an adult’s body that is capable of reproduction.
    • It usually occurs between ages 9–14 in boys and ages 8–13 in girls, but it can vary for each individual.
  3. Physical Changes During Puberty:
    • In Boys:
      • Voice becomes deeper.
      • Growth of beards and moustaches.
      • Shoulders become broader.
      • Growth of penis and testicles.
    • In Girls:
      • Development of breasts.
      • Start of menstruation (monthly period).
      • Hips become wider.
    • In Both Boys and Girls:
      • Growth of hair in armpits and pubic areas.
      • Growth spurt (rapid increase in height and size).
      • Skin changes (pimples or acne may appear).
  1. Emotional Changes:
    • Mood swings (sometimes happy, sometimes sad or angry without clear reason).
    • Becoming more self-conscious about looks and body.
    • Attraction to the opposite sex may begin.
  2. Social Changes:
    • Desire for independence (wanting to make more personal decisions).
    • Stronger influence from friends and peers.
    • Increased interest in social activities and belonging to groups.
  3. Sexuality:
    • Sexuality means understanding oneself as male or female, respecting the body, and behaving responsibly.
    • Emphasize that respecting others, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding risky behavior are very important during this stage.

Practical Activities:

  1. Group Brainstorming:
    • In groups of 4–5, students list the changes they expect during adolescence.
    • Groups present their findings on physical, emotional, and social changes.
  2. Sorting Activity:
    • Teacher writes changes (e.g., voice deepens, menstruation begins, mood swings, peer influence) on cards.
    • Students sort them into categories: Boys only, Girls only, Both sexes, Emotional, Social.
  3. Role Play:
    • Small groups act out short skits showing common situations during puberty (e.g., dealing with pimples, peer pressure, mood swings) and how to respond positively.
  4. Personal Reflection:
    • Teacher asks learners to quietly write down one change they have noticed in themselves and one way they are coping. (Not to be shared unless they volunteer).

Learners’ Activities (Expanded):

  • Students listen to explanations and observe teacher’s demonstrations (charts or drawings of physical changes).
  • Work in groups to discuss changes experienced during adolescence.
  • Present group ideas to the class.
  • Participate in role play activities to understand emotional and social challenges.
  • Reflect individually on their own growth and changes.

Assessment Checks:

  • Oral Questions:
    • “What is puberty?” (The stage when a child’s body changes into an adult body capable of reproduction).
    • “Mention two changes in boys and two in girls.”
    • “What social changes happen during puberty?”
  • Teacher checks participation in group discussions, sorting activity, and role plays.
  • Short quiz: Match each change to the correct category (Physical, Emotional, Social).

Notes (Expanded & Detailed):

  • Growth is an increase in size, height, and weight. Development is improvement in maturity, emotions, and abilities.
  • Puberty is a natural stage of life that everyone passes through, though at different ages and speeds.
  • Physical changes: Boys (deep voice, beard, broader shoulders); Girls (breast development, menstruation, wider hips); Both sexes (hair growth, growth spurt, skin changes).
  • Emotional changes: mood swings, self-consciousness, attraction to opposite sex.
  • Social changes: desire for independence, peer influence, new friendships.
  • Puberty should be respected as a normal process. Good hygiene, confidence, and respect for self and others are important during this period.

Assignment (Take-Home):

  1. Write a short note (half a page) explaining the difference between growth and development, with one example each.
  2. Draw a simple diagram showing two changes in boys and two in girls during puberty.
  3. List three ways a teenager can cope with emotional and social changes during puberty.

C – Consolidation (Conclusion & Assessment)
Time: 5–10 minutes
Students summarize key changes of puberty. Teacher emphasizes respect and personal care.

Evaluation Method (Expanded):
Exit slip: Students write two physical changes and one emotional change during puberty. Teacher reviews and gives oral feedback.

Assignment (Expanded):
Students interview parents or older siblings about their puberty experiences and write a short note.

Follow-up Activity:
Next lesson will cover the reproductive system.

Differentiation / Inclusive Strategies
Teacher uses simple language for shy learners, provides diagrams, and ensures gender-sensitive explanations.

Teacher’s Reflection (After Class)
What worked well? ___________________________________________
What needs improvement? ____________________________________
Students’ engagement level: ☑ High ☑ Medium ☑ Low