HEALTH EDUCATION

SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH

Understanding Our Bodies:
Menstruation and Circumcision
• Start with an icebreaker to create a
comfortable atmosphere. Ask students to share one
interesting fact about themselves.
• Begin with a story that introduces the
concepts of menstruation and
circumcision in an age-appropriate
manner.
"The Blooming Blossom and the Brave Ceremony"

Once upon a time in the vibrant town of Batangas, there lived two best
friends named Alex and Lily. They were inseparable, sharing laughter,
secrets, and countless adventures. Little did they know that a new chapter
in their lives was about to unfold, bringing changes they had never
experienced before.

One sunny afternoon, as the two friends played near the riverbank, they
noticed a peculiar feeling washing over them. Alex, the curious and
energetic boy, felt a slight discomfort while Lily, the spirited and
imaginative girl, sensed something different within herself.
That evening, they decided to confide in each other about the mysterious
sensations. Lily, feeling a mixture of excitement and uncertainty, whispered to
Alex, "I think something's happening to me, Alex. It's like a secret dance inside
me, and I don't know what it is."

Alex, always supportive, shared a similar sentiment. "Lily, me too! I feel a bit
different, and I don't know why. Maybe we should talk to our families."

The next day, Lily approached her mom, who explained the beautiful journey of
becoming a young woman, marked by the onset of menstruation. She assured Lily
that this was a natural part of growing up and provided guidance on how to
manage these changes with grace and confidence.
At the same time, Alex sought advice from his father, who explained
the significance of circumcision in their cultural tradition. He
emphasized the importance of bravery and how this ceremony marked a
boy's transition into adolescence.

As the days passed, Lily and Alex supported each other through their
newfound experiences. Lily found solace in knowing that menstruation
was a shared experience among many girls, while Alex, with
encouragement from his family, faced his own ceremony with courage
and pride.
Through their shared journey, Alex and Lily deepened their
understanding of each other's experiences. Their friendship
blossomed, and they embraced the changes that marked their
transition into a new phase of life.

In Batangas, the blooming blossom of femininity and the brave

ceremony of masculinity were celebrated, fostering an
environment of understanding, respect, and support for every
child's unique journey into adulthood.
Comprehensive Questions:
1. What were the two main changes that Alex and Lily experienced?
2. How did Lily describe the sensations she was feeling?
3. How did Alex and Lily decide to approach their families about their experiences?
4. Describe Alex's personality. How did he react to the changes he was going through?
5. How would you describe Lily's character? How did she feel about the changes in her body?
6. Why did Alex's father emphasize the importance of bravery during the circumcision ceremony?
7. How did the town of Batangas celebrate the blooming blossom of femininity and the brave
ceremony of masculinity?
8. How did Alex and Lily support each other during their experiences?
9. Why is it important for friends to be understanding and supportive during times of change?
10. How did the experiences of Alex and Lily contribute to the growth of their friendship?
11. What lessons about understanding and accepting differences can we learn from this story?
12. How might Lily have felt when talking to her mom about menstruation? How about Alex
when discussing circumcision with his father?
13. How can friends help each other through challenging and unfamiliar situations?
• Facilitate an open discussion, encouraging students to share
their thoughts, questions, or concerns. Use inclusive language
and emphasize that these topics are a natural part of human
development.

• Share basic anatomical information about the male and

female reproductive systems using diagrams or visuals.

• Provide age-appropriate information on the menstrual cycle

and the purpose of circumcision, keeping cultural sensitivity in
mind.
• Summarize the key points discussed during
the session.

• Engage in a reflective discussion, asking

students how they feel about the information
shared. Encourage positive attitudes and respect
for differences.
● Distribute journals or papers and ask students to
write a brief reflection on what they've learned during the
session. Encourage them to express any questions or
thoughts they may still have.

● Collect the reflections to gauge understanding and

address any lingering concerns in future sessions or
through one-on-one discussions.