Growing up
Sexual maturation.
A body that changes
In their early teens, children notice many changes in their bodies.
What do you think sexual maturation means?
What this lesson covers
The idea
Sexual maturation in adolescence means the body is becoming capable of reproduction, with sperm production in boys and menstrual cycles in girls; it happens gradually alongside the body's overall growth.
A body that changes
In their early teens, children notice many changes in their bodies.
What do you think sexual maturation means?
- The body is becoming capable of reproduction
- The person is ready for all adult responsibilities
- The body has stopped growing
Body and mind
Sort each item into the right group.
Body first, mind takes longer
The bodily changes came gradually along with the overall growth of the body. But this does not mean we are fully ready for adult responsibilities, because emotional maturity takes longer.
Sexual maturation in adolescence means the body is becoming capable of reproduction, with sperm production in boys and menstrual cycles in girls. It happens gradually, alongside the body's overall growth.
Notes
Sexual maturation is the body becoming capable of reproduction (sperm in boys, menstrual cycles in girls), gradually, with overall growth. Emotional maturity takes longer.
Check yourself
Sexual maturation means that the body is…
Which is a sign of sexual maturity in girls?
Which takes longer than sexual maturity?
Being emotionally mature means…
- finished growing. Sexual maturation happens gradually, alongside the body's overall growth.
- becoming capable of reproduction — correct. Yes!
- fully ready for adult responsibilities. Sexual maturation does not mean we are fully ready for adult responsibilities.
- Production of sperm. Sperm production is the sign in boys.
- Handling feelings well. That is a sign of emotional maturity.
- Menstrual cycles — correct. Yes!
- Emotional maturity — correct. Yes!
- Growth of the whole body. Sexual maturation takes place gradually alongside the overall growth of the body.
- Production of sperm. Sexual maturity, such as the production of sperm in boys, happens gradually.
- producing gametes. Producing gametes is part of reproductive maturity.
- handling feelings, communicating clearly and making thoughtful decisions — correct. Yes!
- being able to reproduce. Being able to reproduce is sexual maturity. Emotional maturity takes longer.