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Boys and Girls Growing Up! (For 10 - 13 year olds)

At this stage of development both boys and girls are not always aware of their changes. They just happen! It can be confusing.

By raising awareness in a variety of different ways young people can feel at ease and integrate what is happening to them.

This program aims to:

* bring awareness to the differences that boys and girls experience at this stage of development.
* assist them in understanding that their changes are unique,
* encourage self-awareness,
* answer questions the boys and girls may have about growing-up,
* open up awkward conversations between the girls and boys about their changing bodies,
* support gentleness and respect for each other in the classroom.

In this program Amrita uses the story Shining Sun and Running Water. This story emphasises the differences in gender while growing up - the physical, emotional and spiritual changes. Set in another culture it also speaks aboutIinitiation.

This program can be offered in separated gender groups.

Girls Growing Up!

If the girls in your class have attended the Girls Growing Up! program with mums it has been useful to the boys to have the following session.

Boys Growing Up!

This time together covers issues about the changing body, how increased testosterone can affect the growing boy, communication, feelings, sensuality and sexuality.

Programs are age appropriate. The boys have some time to discuss issues and ask their own questions.

Gender, Teenage Relationships and Sexuality
For 13 years and upwards

This program aims to offer deeper understanding about gender.

It explores the importance of friendship, safety, self-respect, intimacy and sensuality in early relationships. We open up the conversation around relationship and communication.

It also acknowledges the awakening sexuality of the young person. 

Through process, questions and answers we explore personal issues at a deeper level. The depth of the day is to some extent determined by the teenagers' level of maturity, participation, enthusiasm and willingness to be open and honest with each other.

This can also be a on day or half-day program.

This workshop can provide a safe place for sensitive issues to be aired and discussed.

Exploring the issues:

* Understanding gender differences and being compassionate with each other.
* Raises the question - What are teenage relationships for?
* Finding out what safe boundaries are and how to create them.
* Taking responsibility in relating.

Also to:
- offer an opportunity for young people to respectfully discuss fears and feelings,
- make conscious their values,
-focus on body image, self-love and appreciation of the other,
- explore stereotypes of masculine and feminine as presented in the media,
- discusses sexual preference,
-provide understanding about intimacy, sensuality, sexuality and sexual energy,
- offer an opportunity for a supportive and caring relationship between the girls and boys,
- talk about the place of heart felt love in teenage relationships,
- bring awareness and addresses issues and concerns raised by the group

... and much more.

In some situations I work with males and females separately if appropriate.

PICKING UP THE THREADS AND FOLLOW-UP

Teachers are encouraged to remind students of the sentiments expressed towards each other during the group and positively reinforce changed behaviour.

I leave the story I use with the class teacher/guardian and offer personalised follow up material and suggestions if required.

The processes I use during the session can also be repeated with the class.

FUTURE PROGRAMS

Amrita offers annual or bi-annual visits to your school.

A different program is offered each year as students mature. Developmental themes can be expanded and issues that arise deepened.

There are many important conversations to have during the Journey from child to adult.

 go to News.

To order GETTING REAL... about growing up! go to that section of the site and find the order form.