Workbook

A workbook about
puberty and growing up
For Parents, Guardians,
Carers and Teachers

This booklet has been designed by the PDST To further support the instruction of the RSE
Health and Wellbeing Team to support your child's primary school curriculum, the Busy Bodies
learning in Relationships and Sexuality Education resource was developed for fifth and sixth class
(RSE) using the HSE Busy Bodies resource. pupils by the Health Promotion Department,
HSE South and funded by the HSE Sexual Health
Relationships & Sexuality education (RSE) is a & Crisis Pregnancy Programme. This content is
key component of the Social Personal & Health also explored in the RSE manuals for 5th and
Education (S.P.H.E.) curriculum in primary school. 6th Class (Department of Education and Skills).
RSE provides children with opportunities to Further information about teaching and learning
develop knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practical in Relationships and Sexuality Education, in the
skills necessary to establish and sustain healthy context of Social, Personal and Health Education,
personal relationships with self and others. In can be found at https://www.pdst.ie/primary/
addition to learning about relationships, RSE invites healthwellbeing/RSE
children to explore concepts such as physical and
emotional development and human sexuality. RSE
is taught in a developmentally appropriate, spiral
nature throughout primary education.

For Yo u n g Pe o p l e

Welcome to your very own Busy Bodies Workbook!

This workbook is for you and it is a safe place for you to write about your feelings, thoughts and
questions about growing up into an adult.

In this workbook you will find a range of fun activities and games which will help you to
understand some of the changes you will go through during puberty and adolescence. Each
activity is linked to the Busy Bodies videos which you may use as part of your relationships and
sexuality education (RSE) at home or at school. You can find the Busy Bodies Videos series on the
following link; https://www.healthpromotion.ie/health/inner/busy_bodies

We really hope that you enjoy using this workbook as part of your Busy Bodies experience and
most importantly, we really hope you enjoy your journey of growing up!

2 Busy Bodies Workbook

Contents

Introduction Page 2

Introducing Puberty Page 5

Why Does Puberty Happen? Page 9

What Happens to Girls? Page 14

What Happens to Boys? Page 20

Making Babies Page 24

Enjoying Growing Up Page 28

Questions/Notes Page 32

Each topic is linked to a corresponding online Busy Bodies Video.

It is intended that you watch the video first before completing the
activities. You can access the videos by clicking on the following link:
www.healthpromotion.ie/health/inner/busy_bodies
or by scanning the QR code using your mobile device

3 Busy Bodies Workbook

Introducing Puberty

Learning Intention
In this topic, I will
→ Learn about puberty
→ Revise what I already know about puberty

Activity 1
Watch the Busy Bodies video ‘Introducing Puberty?’
https://www.healthpromotion.ie/health/inner/busy_bodies

In the stars below, write three things you learned.

5 Busy Bodies Workbook

 Activity 2
Puberty KWL Chart
Write what you already know about puberty in ‘K’.
Write what you would like to know about puberty in ‘W’.
Write what you have learned about puberty in ‘L’.

6 Busy Bodies Workbook

 Activity 3
Cut out the following a c o n ce p t map, cut
To make
words and make a concept map. ards.
out all the c
ndomly on
What information do I already know? Glue them ra
chart paper. ore
ct two or m
Try to conne a sentence,
Trees words to m
ake
are used
nd arrows.
using lines a
provide to make
provide
ve
Oxygen Shade Paper r ite y o u r s entence abo
W
needed is used to the line. ees!
mple on Tr
is used to
by make
make
← S e e e x a
most living note pads books
organisms

Puberty Different Boy

times
Body Man Girl
changes

Woman Feelings Talk to

Emotional Hormones Periods

changes
Voice gets Hygiene Take Care
deeper

7 Busy Bodies Workbook

Why Does
Puberty Happen?

Learning Intention
In this topic, I will
→ Understand why puberty happens
→ State bodily changes that happen to males, females and both
→ Learn key vocabulary about puberty

Activity 1
Watch the Busy Bodies video ‘Why Does Puberty Happen?’
https://www.healthpromotion.ie/health/inner/busy_bodies

In the stars below, write

three things you learned.

In the cloud, write

any questions you
may have. It is a good
idea to discuss these
questions with an
adult that you trust.

9 Busy Bodies Workbook

 Activity 2
Complete the cloze procedure below

Puberty happens to _____________. The _______________ that happen

during puberty will eventually turn you from a boy or girl into an _______
male (man) or female (___________). What makes this happen is that your
body produces chemicals called _________________. These have been in
your body since you were ________. When you reach the age of puberty,
these _____________ start to become ______________. They give a
______________ to your body to start developing into a man or a woman.
If you are a boy, the main sex hormone is called _______________. If you
are a girl, you have two sex ______________ in your body. These are called
________________ and progesterone.

sex hormones changes signal

testosterone chemicals

oestrogen male active

woman everyone born

hormones adult

10 Busy Bodies Workbook

 Activity 3
Puberty Venn Diagram
Write the changes that happen to boys and girls in the appropriate
circles. Write the changes that happen both in the centre.

Girls Both Boys

breasts develop | pubic hair grows | voice deepens

hips widen | sperm produced | shoulders broaden
facial hair grows | grow taller
hair grows on legs and underarms | menstruation happens
spots appear | experience mood swings
produces sex hormones | perspiration may increase

11 Busy Bodies Workbook

 Activity 4
Personal Diary
Write your thoughts and feelings on puberty in the diary below .
What are you looking forward to? What questions or worries do you have?
Who could you talk to about puberty?

DIARY DIARY

Activity 5
Listen to Meditation on Dealing With Worry here.
https://soundcloud.com/user-547419318/dealing-with-worry-walk-tall-4th-class-amy

Ask your teacher or parent/ carer or guardian to play it and do it with you!

12 Busy Bodies Workbook

What Happens
to Girls?

Learning Intention
In this topic, I will
→ Understand the physical and other changes that occur in girls
during puberty
→ Learn key vocabulary connected to the female reproductive system

Activity 1
Watch section 3 of the Busy Bodies Video
series called ‘What Happens to Girls’
https://www.healthpromotion.ie/health/inner/busy_bodies

In the stars below, write three

things you learned.

In the cloud, write

any questions you
may have. It is a good
idea to discuss these
questions with an
adult that you trust.

14 Busy Bodies Workbook

 Activity 2
Can you label the female reproductive organ?

Ovaries
Fallopian tubes
Uterus
Cervix
Vagina

15 Busy Bodies Workbook

 Activity 3
True or False
Circle if the statements below are true or false. You may need to
rewatch section 3 of the Busy Bodies Video series called ‘What Happens
to Girls’ first!

1. For a few days every month, blood comes slowly out of the vagina

True False
2. Eggs are stored in the female’s fallopian tubes

True False
3. When an egg is ripe, it moves out of the ovary. This is called ovulation

True False
4. Throughout the month the lining of the uterus gets thick and soft

True False
5. A period is a way for the female’s body to get rid of an egg from the
uterus that hasn’t grown into a baby

True False
6. Every girl get her period at the same time

True False
7. During periods, sanitary pads can be used to prevent blood from
getting on a girl’s clothes.

True False
8. Talking with a trusted adult can help if you have questions or worries
about getting your period

True False
Answers: 1.T 2.F 3.T 4.T 5.T 6.F 7.T 8.T

16 Busy Bodies Workbook

 Activity 4
Coping with Periods
When we first start to get our periods it can be difficult to predict when
we might get it again until it becomes a regular cycle. Preparing for our
period is important. There are steps we can take to help us with this.
Make note of the ones you think are most important.

→ Having some sanitary towels in your school bag.

→ Having spare underwear in your school bag.
→ Knowing who to ask in your school if you need a
sanitary towel
→ Keeping record of when you get your period and when
it stops on a calendar.
→ Knowing how to dispose of your used sanitary towel in
school and at home.
→ Knowing who to speak to in school if you are feeling
worried or unwell.
→ Knowing who to ask at home to purchase sanitary
towels for you.
→ Knowing who to speak with at home if you are feeling
worried or unwell.

1.

2.

3.

17 Busy Bodies Workbook

 Activity 4
Coping with Periods
Using the checklist below, tick the things you can do to help yourself to
cope when you get your period.

□ Talk to a trusted adult

□ Do something active

□ Place a hot water bottle on your tummy

□ Talk to a friend

□ Listen to music

□ Have 8+ hours sleep

□ Do something you enjoy

□ Gently massage your abdomen

□ Try some breathing/relaxation techniques

□ Think positively

□ Have compassion for yourself and know you are doing great!

□ Other ________________

Reflection
Am I clear on what
happens to girls? What
other information
would I like to know
regarding girls and
puberty?

18 Busy Bodies Workbook

What Happens
to Boys?

Learning Intention
In this topic, I will
→ Understand the physical and other changes that occur in boys
during puberty
→ Learn key vocabulary connected to the male reproductive system

Activity 1
Watch section 4 of the Busy Bodies Video
series called ‘What Happens to Boys’
https://www.healthpromotion.ie/health/inner/busy_bodies

In the stars below, write three

things you learned.

In the cloud, write

any questions you
may have. It is a good
idea to discuss these
questions with an
adult that you trust.

20 Busy Bodies Workbook

 Activity 2
Can you label the male reproductive organ?

Foreskin | Penis | Urethra | Testicles | Scrotum

Answers: Page 30 Busy Bodies Booklet

_______________________ Fold of skin at the top of the penis

_______________________ Sac of skin that holds the testicles just

underneath the penis
_______________________ The tube like sex organ of males that hangs
outside of the body
_______________________The tube that at different times carries urine and
semen out of the body
_______________________Two oval shaped organs which produce the male
hormone testosterone and sperm (also called the
testes)
Answers: 1.Foreskin 2.Scrotum 3.Penis 4.Urethra 5.Testicles

21 Busy Bodies Workbook

 Activity 3
Match the word to its definition

Sperm When semen comes out of the penis

Semen The fold of skin at the top of the penis is cut away

Erection Penis becomes larger and hard for a while

Circumcision Liquid that carries sperm out of the penis

Ejaculation When a man ejaculates in his sleep

Wet dream Tiny tadpole-shaped cells

Reflection
Am I clear on what
happens to boys? What
other information
would I like to know
regarding boys and
puberty?

22 Busy Bodies Workbook

Making Babies

Learning Intention
In this topic, I will

→ Learn about sexual intercourse and how babies are made

Activity 1
Watch section 5 of the Busy Bodies Video
series called ‘Making Babies’
https://www.healthpromotion.ie/health/inner/busy_bodies

In the stars below, write three

things you learned.

In the cloud, write

any questions you
may have. It is a good
idea to discuss these
questions with an
adult that you trust.

24 Busy Bodies Workbook

 Activity 2
What Age Must I Be?

G. Engage in sexual intercourse

A. Register to vote
with another person

B. Drive a car H. Buy cigarettes

C. Drink alcohol I. Get a full time job

D. Give blood J. Stand for Presidency

E. Sit on a jury K. Leave school

L. Join the Army/Garda

F. Get a passport
Síochana

Answers: A.18 B.17 C.18 D.18 E.18 F.Birth G.17 H.18 I.16 J.35 K.16 L.18

25 Busy Bodies Workbook

 Activity 3
Cut out the following cards and put them in the
correct order.
When one of the millions of sperm reaches
the egg, it joins with it and fertilises it. This
The man’s penis becomes erect.
means the egg will start to develop into a
baby. We say the woman is pregnant.

If the woman has ovulated recently, there

The man puts his penis into the woman’s
will be an egg inside her body that is
vagina.
ready to be fertilised.

The man and woman kiss and get close to Both people agree to have sexual
each other. It makes them feel nice. intercourse together.

The fertilised egg settles into the womb,

After about 9 months, the baby is ready to
which has a nice, thick lining in place for
be born.
the growing baby.

The muscles of the uterus start to work After a while, ejaculation happens, which
hard to push the baby out of the uterus, means semen comes out of the penis and
down the vagina and out into the world. into the woman’s vagina.

The semen carries millions of tiny sperm,

which immediately start to swim up the
vagina, through the cervix, towards the
woman’s uterus.

Reflection
Am I clear on sexual
intercourse and how babies
are made? What other
information would I like
to know regarding sexual
intercourse? What other
information would I like to
know regarding how babies
are made?

26 Busy Bodies Workbook

Enjoy Growing Up

Learning Intention
In this topic, I will

→ Learn about other changes that may happen as I get older

Activity 1
Watch section 6 of the Busy Bodies Video series called
‘Enjoying Growing Up’
https://www.healthpromotion.ie/health/inner/busy_bodies

In the stars below, write three

things you learned.

In the cloud, write

any questions you
may have. It is a good
idea to discuss these
questions with an
adult that you trust.

28 Busy Bodies Workbook

 Activity 2
Feelings and Emotions
Your hormones are very active at this time and hormones can affect
your moods and feelings. It can be difficult to experience these
changing feelings but you are not alone. Most people going through
puberty feel like this. It is very normal and is all part of growing up.

Talking to someone; a trusted adult, sibling or friend can help.They may

not be able to cheer you up right away but you can feel better by just
expressing your feelings. Luckily there are things you can do if you feel
overwhelmed or have strong emotions. You can react to these emotions
by taking control and doing something you find helpful. Make a list of
what works for you!

When I am feeling angry I can ______________________________________

When I am feeling down I can______________________________________

When I am feeling overwhelmed I can_______________________________

When I am feeling happy I can______________________________________

When I am feeling excited I can_____________________________________

When I am lacking energy I can_____________________________________

When I am feeling lonely I can______________________________________

When I am feeling confused I can___________________________________

When I am feeling grateful I can ____________________________________

29 Busy Bodies Workbook

 Activity 3
Exercise and Balanced Diet
It only takes 60 minutes daily exercise to stay fit and healthy. Exercise can
be fun. When you find something you enjoy you’ll want to do it more
often. It is a great opportunity to meet friends and get some fresh air!

Activities I enjoy:
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

Activities I would like to try:

___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

A balanced diet:
Taking care of our bodies is another way of looking after ourselves.
Eating well is one way we can have more energy for the activities we
enjoy. It can improve muscle and bone health, improve the appearance
of skin, hair and nails and it can help you feel your best.
Remember to drink enough water, our bodies need 8 - 10 glasses per day.

Write/Draw
the foods you
regularly eat that
contribute to a
healthy diet on
your plate

30 Busy Bodies Workbook

 Activity 4
Personal Hygiene.
Keeping clean is an important part of staying healthy. During puberty
you may notice you need to make some changes your hygiene routine.
Good personal hygiene habits are important.

list the activities that that will help you using the headings below.

Daily Often

Brush teeth | Wash hands | Change socks | Change underwear

Shower | Clean and cut nails | Wear deodorant | Wash face

Change clothing/uniform | Flossing teeth

31 Busy Bodies Workbook

Growing Up

Notes

People I can talk to for support/advice

32 Busy Bodies Workbook

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