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Coping with change

TOPIC OVERVIEW

How we change as we grow older and set goals for ourselves.

This topic explores how people grow and change from babies, through puberty to adulthood. At Key Stage 1, it examines ways in which children have grown and how they will continue to change, and how to develop resilience. At Key Stage 2, it identifies changes that will take place in children’s bodies during puberty, and explores ways to manage the emotional effects of life changes, including the transition to secondary school.

Each year group has a starter video, followed by three lessons. A lesson contains a lesson plan, presentation and worksheet(s) for classroom activities. Download the progression grid »
Year 1: Growing and changing
  • Animal babies
  • How have we changed?
  • A future me
Year 2: Growing up and setting goals
  • When I am older
  • Looking at the changes ahead
  • Goals
Year 3: Coping with feelings when things change
  • New changes
  • Feeling sad and showing empathy
  • Happiness
Year 4: Puberty and hygiene
  • What is puberty?
  • Understanding periods
  • Keeping clean as we grow and change
Year 5: Puberty and emotions
  • Puberty
  • Puberty and emotions
  • Emotional changes: managing well
Year 6: Coping with emotional effects of life changes
  • Body image
  • Puberty and changing relationships
  • Moving on
Lessons are designed to take approximately 30 minutes to one hour of teaching time, but teachers can extend or develop learning across more lessons if this is appropriate. It is recommended that schools timetable at least one lesson a week for each year group.

Puberty and hygiene, Year 4 video sample.
Sweat, soap and showers.

View sample lesson plan »

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