Resources: The handout.
Core Handout: ‘The Story of the Menstrual Cycle’ handout.
Use the previous lesson to recap on the female reproductive system. It is likely that the students will be familiar with menstrual products (e.g. pads, tampons, menstrual cups) and their uses.
Ask the students to look at the sanitary items in the image. Ask them why women need these. You can extend the discussion by asking during what stage of life women will start to need them, how often they will need to use them, and when they will stop using them. You could also bring in some sanitary products for students to look at and ask questions about.
Answer questions and take part in activities during the presentation. Research and evaluate a variety of different period products.
Be aware that some students may have had negative experiences related to menstruation or reproductive health, such as menstrual pain or period shaming. These experiences can trigger anxiety, shame or distress. Therefore, it's essential to approach the topic with sensitivity and empathy.
It is also important to use appropriate language and avoid using slang or derogatory terms when discussing the topic.
Career Film: Debbie Brown is a Senior Practitioner Nurse who works for the National Health Service.
Expert Film: The Female Reproductive Cycle - Period Cramps | Part 1
The students should create a storyboard showing each stage of the menstrual cycle, from day 1 to day 28. They should pay particular attention to how the lining of the uterus changes and what happens to the egg during each stage. Once they have completed their storyboard, they should describe and outline the advantages and disadvantages of different sanitary products that are available. They may use the internet for help with this task if necessary.
They could think about the cost, how often they need changing, how reliable they are, how comfortable they are and how safe they are.
Support: Design a TV advert to advertise a period product.
Challenge: Design an experiment you could do to determine which period product was the “best” (based on your own ideas of what “best” could be).
Ask the students to write down one thing they learned about the menstrual cycle stages during the lesson, and one thing they still have questions about. Collect the exit tickets on the way out of the classroom, or have students hand them in as they leave. This can give you a sense of what students understood well and what may need further clarification.
Hormonal regulation: The menstrual cycle is regulated by a complex interplay of hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH). Understanding how these hormones work together to regulate the cycle is important for teaching about the menstrual cycle.
Menstrual disorders: It is important for teachers to be aware of common menstrual disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and amenorrhea, and how they can affect the menstrual cycle. This knowledge can help teachers answer students' questions and provide accurate information.
Reproductive health: Teaching about the menstrual cycle provides an opportunity to discuss reproductive health, including contraception, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and fertility. Teachers should be knowledgeable about these topics and be able to provide accurate and age-appropriate information to their students.
Cultural and social influences: It is important to be aware of cultural and social influences that may impact how students view and experience menstruation. Teachers should be sensitive to these influences and strive to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students.
Gender identity: It is important to acknowledge that not all individuals who menstruate identify as female, and that individuals of all genders may experience the menstrual cycle. Teachers should be aware of gender identity issues and strive to create a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for all students.