Lesson 5: Hair Growth

Objectives:

Students will:

• Know that during puberty hair on girls' arms and legs gets thicker and hair begins to grow in the underarm area.
• Realize that shaving is optional and that it is difficult.

Vocabulary: shaving, electric razor, shaving cream, razor

Materials: Picture Card 6, electric razor, shaving cream and razor

Procedure:

1. Read Picture Card 6 and go over discussion questions.
2. Have students interview their mothers (or other adult caretaker). Have each student find out her mother's opinion about whether women should or should not shave their legs and underarms. Also, ask how old she thinks a teenager that wants to shave should be before she actually starts to shave. Have students share their mothers' attitudes in class. Be supportive and accepting of all points of view.
3. Allow students to see an electric razor and a regular razor. If appropriate demonstrate careful use of an electric razor. Remind students that, as with any electrical appliance, one never gets an electric razor wet. They should be careful not to use an electric razor near the sink or bathtub. Let students know that it is safer to use an electric razor while sitting on a closed toilet or while sitting on the bed.