Is your little girl not so little anymore? It can be difficult to know where to start when it’s time to teach pre-teens about the changes taking place in their bodies. In this class, we will discuss all sorts of things that your daughter may be worried about, wondering about or may not have considered yet.

This class will cover the physical changes of puberty, hormone driven emotions, online safety, friendship and more. There is no prerequisite to this class. It is appropriate for young girls who are beginning to experience puberty related physical changes, including hormone driven mood swings. 

This will be a fun and relaxed class. Students will be validated that they are not alone in their experiences and encouraged to discuss the changes ahead with a trusted adult who cares for them. A special focus of this course to build confidence and bolster a positive self-image. 

Week One: 
Introductions
What is puberty, anyway?
The role of hormones 

Week Two:
Ears, eyes, and mouth
Hair and skin care

Week Three:
Personal hygiene 
Shaving
Breasts and bras

Week Four:
Exercise  (importance for overall well-being)
Nutrition (macro and micronutrients)
*This class will be taught from the perspective that bodies come in many different (normal) shapes and sizes and that all bodies need to be cared for with exercise and nutritious food.

Week Five:
Pubic area (anatomy and function)
Periods 

Week Six: 
Being a good friend
Online safety
Self-care

As this is a flex class, there are no live meetings. Students may complete class work at , but will be expected to move forward at the weekly pace of the class to allow for discussion and ensure understanding. Each week, students will be asked to work through a lesson that will be posted in the Oustchool classroom. Lessons will include a lecture video and assignments that correspond with the teaching. Students will be expected to answer interactive questions and encouraged to engage in on-topic conversation in the Outschool classroom. 

Families choose flexible format (non-live) classes for many reasons. The most common, being the opportunity to access course materials at their convenience and not have to schedule around the class. Flex courses can be taken anytime, anywhere! Additionally, sensitive subject areas are difficult for some students to discuss in person (such as behavioral health or puberty). Flex classes give students a measure of anonymity that can be comforting. 

Students enrolled in this class will have ample opportunity to interact through discussion questions. I respond to student answers on a near-daily basis. I enjoy the opportunity to take time answering each student's questions that the flex format affords me!