Body Basics Grade 5

Body Basics Grade 5 is open to current or rising 5th graders* (ages 9-10) in Hattiesburg, MS.

Each class is:

• Made of 6-12 students.

• Hosted in person in Hattiesburg, MS.

• 90 minutes, meeting once a week after school or on a weekend. Class schedules are created with families after signing up to ensure all can attend.

Each student enrollment includes:

• One mandatory parent meeting & ongoing family support

• Drawing, coloring, and writing materials supplied by the program

• The Class Booklet: This booklet operates as a workbook that students engage with throughout the course. These booklets are yours to keep, serving as a resource long after their program has ended.

• The Time Together Journal: This journal is designed to start conversations about puberty between youth and their parenting adults outside of class. We’ve found that Time Together bring families together, deepens connections, and builds comfort in talking about topics that may feel awkward or embarrassing together.

*Body Basics Grade 5 is only open to girls, as boys start puberty ~2 years after girls. To ensure developmental-alignment, boys are encouraged to enroll in Body Basics beginning in Grade 6.

Each Body Basics program consists of two 6-week semesters: the Body Basics CORE and Body Basics LIFE SKILLS. Parents have the option to enroll their youth in either one 6-week semester or bundle to enroll in the entire 12-week program. While we highly encourage the entire 12-week program, we trust that families will choose the offering that feels right for them!

Semester One: Body Basics CORE

Class 1: Welcoming Adolescence
Class 2: Our Changing Bodies
Class 3: Bras & Breast Development
Class 4: The Menstrual Cycle
Class 5: Managing a Period
Class 6: Caring for Changing Bodies

Semester Two: Body Basics LIFE SKILLS

Class 1: Body Confidence & Self-Esteem
Class 2: Brain Changes & Big Emotions
Class 3: Ingredients for Strong Friendships
Class 4: Healthy Communication & Conflict Resolution
Class 5: Social Media, Screen Time, & the Internet
Class 6: Becoming You

Our program’s tuition covers the cost of student materials, program tools, snacks, classroom space, and a one-of-a-kind education experience. Parents have the option of enrolling their youth in only one of the two 6-week semester options, or they can enroll them in the entire 12-week program.

One 6-week semester: $275/student

Entire 12-week program: $415/student

Scholarships & payment plans are offered on a case-by-case basis. Families interested in these options can contact Bella directly at bodybasicswithbella@gmail.com. No student will ever be turned away due to a lack of funds.

Where do classes take place?

All classes take place in or near Hattiesburg, MS. We have partnered with local community spaces to host classes after school, ensuring the space is comfortable, safe, and private. The exact location will be disclosed to parents upon enrollment.

Do parents attend Body Basics classes?

Nope! We have a mandatory parent meeting at the start of the program, ensuring all parents are fully informed on what we will be covering in each class. Parents are also sent class recaps after each class via email and are invited to participate in the Time Together activities sent home with students throughout the program.

Are classes co-ed or same-sex?

Body Basics Grade 5 is all girls, seeing as boys start puberty ~2 years after girls do. In order to ensure developmental-alignment, boys are encouraged to participate beginning in Body Basics Grade 6! We offer both co-ed and same-sex options, and defer to family preferences when putting groups together.

My child doesn't seem to be showing signs of puberty, but they are the right age to sign up for your programs. Should I sign them up anyway?

Absolutely! Being prepared is what is most important. By enrolling them now, you both will have the resources you need to be ready when the time comes.

Do you talk about sex?

We do not discuss sex directly with youth until Body Basics Grade 8. However, my experience with middle schoolers is that many of them are knowledgable before then, and I regularly support families through those conversations at-home. If I receive questions about or related to sex during class, I typically respond with, “It’s totally normal for you to feel curious about that. Your parent is prepared to answer that question for you after class.” Other times, after communicating with parents, I’lll answer that student’s question 1:1 after class.

I already feel confident about the conversations I've had with my child about puberty. Do they still need this program?

This is such a great question! Thank you for already having these important conversations with your child. Body Basics classes pair well with continued conversations at home and, rather than one cancelling one another out, they tend to enhance the other’s impact. We encourage all youth to participate, whether they have had these conversations before or not.