Chapter 1: Meet Your Cycle – A Built-In Superpower
📌 LESSON GOAL
BY THE END OF THIS LESSON,
you’ll understand what the menstrual cycle is, why it’s more than just a period, and how it’s actually a powerful system your body moves through every month — like a rhythm, a flow, a secret superpower.
💬 Let’s Break It Down
When most people hear the word "period," they think of cramps, pads, and chocolate cravings. But your period is just one part of an amazing, month-long journey your body goes through called the menstrual cycle.
This cycle is your body’s natural way of preparing for possible pregnancy — even if that’s not something you're thinking about right now. Each phase brings different shifts in:
Hormones 🧬
Mood 😊
Energy ⚡
Cravings 🍫
Body temperature 🌡️
And you know what’s REALLY cool? Your body moves through four different phases, and they match up perfectly with the seasons of the year:
Menstrual (Winter) – Rest, reflect, slow down
Follicular (Spring) – Energy rises, brain wakes up
Ovulatory (Summer) – Confidence, connection, glow-up
Luteal (Fall) – Cozy vibes, inward focus, PMS if things get out of balance
Your body is not random — it’s brilliantly designed. When you understand what’s happening, you can eat, move, plan, and live in a way that supports you instead of pushing through things that don’t feel good.
Your cycle is not a problem — it’s your power. 💪
🧠 analogy: your cycle is like a playlist
Imagine your month is a playlist with 4 moods:
A chill song (Menstrual) 🎵
A dance track (Follicular) 💃
A pop anthem (Ovulatory) 🌟
A moody indie song (Luteal) 🎧
Each song has a purpose — and your body’s playlist is just as intentional. You’re not “off” or “weird” for feeling different at different times. You’re just moving to the beat of your own biology. 🎶
🤔 Critical Thinking Questions
What have you heard (good or bad) about your period or cycle before this?
Why do you think people usually only talk about the period part, not the whole cycle?
How could knowing your cycle help with things like planning your week, choosing foods, or managing your mood?
What would change if more people — even boys — understood this better?
✍️ Journal Entry: “My Cycle, My Power”
What’s one thing that surprised you about learning how your menstrual cycle actually works?
Write (or draw) how you feel knowing your body follows its own rhythm.
Then finish this sentence:
“My body is amazing because…”
👩👧 Activity with Family or Friends: Build a Cycle Wheel
What You’ll Need:
Paper plates or cardstock
Markers, scissors, tape or brad fasteners
A parent, sibling, or friend to join!
What to Do:
Create a 4-section wheel:
Winter (Menstrual)
Spring (Follicular)
Summer (Ovulatory)
Fall (Luteal)
In each section, draw or write:
What happens to hormones
How you might feel
Best foods or workouts
Decorate it! Keep it somewhere to check weekly.
🎯 What This Teaches: Visualizing your cycle builds awareness and helps you tune into your body in a fun, creative way.
🧪 Real-Life Practice: Start Cycle Noticing
Even if you haven’t started your period yet, you can begin paying attention:
How’s your energy this week?
Feeling social or needing quiet?
Are you craving certain foods?
Write down how you feel each day this week and see if you notice a pattern.
🌟 Bonus: Ask your mom, auntie, or older sister about their cycle! They might have wisdom, remedies, or stories to share.
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Add a short summary or a list of helpful resources here.