This week in our Grade 5/6 classroom, we explored the theme of change and growth — not just the kind we see on the outside, but the emotional and social journeys we all experience as we grow older.
We started with a wonderful story called Eleven by Sandra Cisneros. This story beautifully captures how every age we’ve ever been stays inside us, shaping who we are. The main character, Rachel, reflects on turning eleven and how the feelings of younger ages sometimes still bubble up inside her, reminding us that growing up is a complex, layered experience.
Building on this idea, I shared a time-lapse video of two siblings growing up, captured through almost daily photos taken by their parents. Watching the children grow before our eyes was powerful. The class eagerly pointed out the physical changes — from baby to toddler to child to adult— but also noticed emotional and social changes. To support this, we talked about how feelings, friendships, and family roles evolve as kids grow.
Inspired by the video, we created a “chalk talk” window where the children shared what changes they expect to experience during puberty. We looked at these changes through three important lenses: physical, social, and emotional. This open conversation helped the children feel prepared and connected to the natural process of growing up.
To bring it all together, we created a “puber-tree.” The tree became a symbol of growth, with each ring representing different ages the children have passed through. The students reflected on milestones—physical, social, and emotional—that mark their journey from newborns to the vibrant individuals they are today. Writing down these milestones helped them appreciate how every stage has a special role in shaping who they are.
Next, we had a lively class discussion about puberty, focusing on the glands and hormones that trigger these changes. The children were deeply engaged, asking many thoughtful questions and sharing insights. They learned about how their bodies work in a respectful, science-based way that empowered their understanding.
To support our discussion on the changes happening inside our bodies, we used virtual reality (VR) to take an interactive tour through the human body. The immersive experience allowed the children to explore different organs, glands, and systems up close, making complex concepts like hormones and puberty more tangible and real. Seeing the body in 3D sparked even more curiosity and questions, helping the students connect what they learned in class to how their own bodies function every day. This hands-on approach made learning about growth both exciting and memorable.
After our discussion, we recorded our wonderings and curiosities by writing them down on post-it notes. It was fascinating to see the variety of questions — some curious about how their bodies function, others focused on social and emotional changes, and some wondering whether they will be aware of these changes as they happen.
We wrapped up the week with a visible thinking routine called Compass Points. Using the compass as a guide, the children explored puberty from different perspectives:
N (Needs to Know): What important information do they want to learn?
E (Excited to Learn): What parts of puberty are they looking forward to understanding?
W (Worried About): What concerns or fears do they have?
S (Steps to Take): What actions can they take to prepare for these changes?
This routine helped the children organize their thoughts, express their feelings, and create a positive mindset toward the journey ahead.
It was a week full of reflection, learning, and confidence-building, as our Grade 5/6s began to understand the amazing and natural process of growing up.
Have a wonderful autumn break!
Your homeroom teacher,
Ms. Pam
