Body Basics - Grade 5
Classes begin Fall 2023 - enroll your youth today!
Class Description:
Body Basics Grade 5 provides the information and support youth need to understand the physical and emotional changes associated with puberty. Students connect with one another while sharing their thoughts, feelings, and experiences together, all while in a fun, supportive, and open environment. This type of honest sharing normalizes puberty so youth know that they are not alone as they are growing and changing.
Topics Discussed:
Changes in body shape & size (weight, height, breast development)
Looks labels & how they can affect how we see our bodies
Hormones & brain changes
Ovulation & menstruation
Activites Include:
Learning about the reproductive system
Familiarization with menstrual products
Time Together Journal: Parenting adults and youth talk about the changes associated with puberty using a series of questions and conversation prompts. These activities bring the youth and their parent closer together and supports the youth in feeling comfortable going to their parent for questions and conversations about their body.
Details:
WHO: 5th grade girls and gender diverse youth* in New York City, New York or virtually
WHERE: New York City, New York (exact location shared after enrollment) or via Zoom
CLASS SIZE: 6-8 students per class
CLASS STRUCTURE: 6 classes, 1.5 hours each, once or twice a week on rotating days
COST: $200/youth - Scholarships & payment plans are available on a case-by-case basis. Please email Bella if you’d like to discuss payment options at bella@bodybasicswithbella.com.
INCLUDES: 1.5 hour mandatory parent meeting, six 1.5 hour classes, a class booklet, a Time Together journal, and one free 30-minute parent consultation with Bella!
*Although this classes are based on female-typical anatomy, Body Basics with Bella is an open space for youth of any gender, where they can learn more about their bodies while feeling safe to explore who they are. Gender diverse youth are encouraged to enroll in the classes that feel right for them. Learn more here.
-
Class 01 / Getting Settled
Class One is full of warm welcomes and breaking the ice. Youth create Group Agreements and are introduced to check-ins and Time Together assignments. Class ends with a room full of welcomed giggles as we start learning about the genitals!
-
Class 02 / Beautiful You
In Class Two, youth learn about how bodies often change in size and shape, along with beauty standards. We have a fun history lesson on how the definition of “beauty” has changed over time, and youth are encouraged to create their own definitions! We end the class with a lesson on pubic hair.
-
Class 03 / The Breast
Class Three is all about the anatomy of the breast, breast function and development, and a fun lesson on bras! Youth are always fascinated to see how bra designs are continuously changing throughout history, both due to functionality and fashion.
-
Class 04 / The Reproductive System
In Class Four, youth learn about the anatomy and function of the reproductive organs as an introduction to the menstrual cycle. They discover how periods happen for the first time! They will also learn about hormones, menopause, and the four phases of the menstrual cycle.
-
Class 05 / The Menstrual Cycle
Class Five is a deep dive into the menstrual cycle. Youth are given a better understanding of why and how menstruation happens, along with the tools to loosely track their cycle so they can be in tune with their bodies. They learn about menstrual cramps and how to manage them in a healthy way.
-
Class 06 / Caring for Your Body & Mind
In the final class, youth explore varying attitudes about menstruation and begin thinking about what attitudes they want to hold about their own bodies and cycles. They complete one final check in, read a sweet letter to their self, and hope to enroll again next year!
WHAT’S INCLUDED
-
What is Time Together?
Time Together takes place in a journal separate from the class booklet. The Little Red Home Journal contains a series of prompts that follow the Body Basics curriculum, designed to bring the youth and their Time Together partner - preferably a parent - closer together by exploring what their trusted adult’s developmental experience was like. Youth come to the next class and share how their Time Together partner answered the prompt at hand. This experience helps youth know what to expect in their own experience and gives them information about puberty outside of the classroom.