Puberty and Growing Up
Grade 4 · Health · Study Guide
Learn about the natural physical and emotional changes that happen during puberty.
Puberty is the time when your body begins to change from a child's body into an adult's body. These changes happen to everyone, though they may start at different ages. For most kids, puberty begins somewhere between ages 8 and 13 for girls and ages 9 and 14 for boys.
During puberty, your body grows faster than at almost any other time in your life. You may notice that you get taller quickly, and your body shape begins to change. These changes are caused by hormones, which are special chemicals made by your body.
Puberty also brings emotional changes. You might feel more moody or sensitive than usual. You may start caring more about what others think of you, or feel confused about your feelings. This is completely normal. Your brain is also changing and developing during this time.
Taking care of yourself becomes especially important during puberty. This means getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, staying physically active, and keeping your body clean. Showering or bathing regularly and using deodorant helps manage some of the body changes that come with puberty.
Remember, everyone goes through puberty, and it is a healthy and normal part of growing up. If you have questions or concerns, talking to a trusted adult like a parent, guardian, or school nurse is always a good idea.
Key terms
- Puberty
- The time when a child's body begins to develop and change into an adult body
- Hormones
- Chemical messengers made by the body that cause growth and development changes
- Growth spurt
- A period of rapid physical growth in height and weight
- Hygiene
- Practices that keep your body clean and healthy
- Emotions
- Feelings such as happiness, sadness, anger, or excitement that everyone experiences
Flashcards
- Puberty
- The natural process where a child's body develops into an adult body
- Hormones
- Chemicals in the body that trigger growth and change during puberty
- Growth spurt
- A rapid increase in height and weight that often happens during puberty
- Hygiene
- Keeping your body clean, such as bathing regularly and brushing teeth
- Deodorant
- A product used to prevent or cover up body odor caused by sweat
- Emotions
- The feelings you experience, which can become stronger or change during puberty
- Trusted adult
- A parent, guardian, teacher, or school nurse you can talk to about questions or concerns
- Brain development
- The ongoing growth and change of the brain that continues during puberty and adolescence
Questions
What causes the physical changes that happen during puberty?
- Eating more food
- Hormones
- Getting more sleep
- Exercise
Show answer
Answer: Hormones
Hormones are chemical messengers produced by the body that cause the physical changes associated with puberty.
Puberty happens at exactly the same age for everyone.
Show answer
Answer: False
Puberty starts at different ages for different people, generally between ages 8-13 for girls and 9-14 for boys.
Which of the following is a healthy habit during puberty?
- Skipping meals
- Staying up all night
- Bathing regularly and using deodorant
- Avoiding exercise
Show answer
Answer: Bathing regularly and using deodorant
Bathing regularly and using deodorant are important hygiene habits that help manage body changes during puberty.
Feeling more moody or sensitive during puberty is completely ______.
Show answer
Answer: normal
Mood changes and feeling more sensitive are a normal part of puberty caused by hormonal and brain changes.
It is a good idea to talk to a trusted adult if you have questions about puberty.
Show answer
Answer: True
Trusted adults like parents, guardians, and school nurses can answer questions and provide support during puberty.
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