Save the Children

True or False Game

1 Introduction. Ask the participants to form a circle. Then read this aloud: Today we are going to talk about fertility facts for girls and for boys and clear up common misconceptions.

Select two locations about ten meters apart. Tell the participants that one location is called “TRUE” 2 and the other is called “FALSE.” In between those locations, is “NOT SURE”

Read these instructions: I am going to read a statement. Then for each statement I read, you will 'vote 3 with your feet.' This means that if you think it is true, move to the true location. If you think it is false, move to the false location. Then I will ask for a few volunteers to explain why they think it is true or false.

Statement 1: If a girl misses her period, this could mean she is pregnant. Answer: TRUE. It is called the menstrual cycle because it repeats continuously, except during , until menopause. Periods do stop during pregnancy. This is the most common reason for a missed period. However, it is common, especially for girls, not to have a regular cycle because it is not yet settled. Periods may also stop for some time due to hormonal reasons or environmental reasons. Talk to a health worker to find out more information on this.

Statement 2: Most boys have wet during . Answer: TRUE. A wet (or nocturnal emission) is when a 's penis becomes erect, and he ejaculates while sleeping. This causes the boy's underwear or the to be a little wet when he wakes up. If a boy does not know about wet dreams, he could be worried or confused. Wet dreams are completely natural and normal. A boy cannot stop himself from having wet dreams.

Statement 3: When a girl is menstruating, she should not put salt on food. Answer: FALSE. It is very safe for a girl to put salt on relish or other food while she is menstruating. It is also safe for her to cook food, and for her to wash herself. She should wash herself with soap and water, outside of the body. Good hygiene, including washing daily with soap and water, is very important for both girls and boys.

Statement 4: A girl should not go to school when she is menstruating. Answer: FALSE. A girl should go to school when she is menstruating. She should use a clean cloth or sanitary pad to manage her . Many schools may have special toilets for girls to use when menstruating so they can change the cloth or pad when it is needed. If she is nervous, she should talk to a teacher she trusts or a mother group member.

Statement 5: A girl can get pregnant once her menstruation starts. Answer: TRUE. When a girl starts having menstrual periods it means that her reproductive organs have begun working and that she can become pregnant if she has . It does NOT mean that her body is ready to carry a baby or that she is mentally ready to be a mother. It does NOT mean that she is ready for sex.

Statement 6: Feelings of attraction do not need to be acted upon. Answer: TRUE. During puberty, it is normal to become mentally and physically more attracted to the opposite sex, to get strong feelings toward someone and to feel more sexual. Having these feelings is normal. However, these feelings do not need to be acted upon. Boys and girls can Save the Children

learn to control their feelings. It's helpful for young people to play sports, focus on studies or do other activities to keep them busy and realize their own goals.

Statement 7: Physically showing that you like someone can be done in many different ways. Answer: TRUE. It is normal during puberty to become mentally and physically attracted to those of the opposite sex. Boys and girls may want to show their affections towards someone. This can be expressed by talking together, helping each other with schoolwork, writing letters or poems, offering to help out, and/or through hugs. Just make sure you do not do anything that you are not ready for.

Statement 8: Having unprotected sex in the water means that you will not get pregnant. Answer: FALSE. You can become pregnant if you have sex in the water. You can also become pregnant if you wash immediately after having sex.

Discussion. Ask the participants to come together and form a circle. Then ask them these 4 questions. Allow time for group members to think about and discuss their responses. Make sure that both males and females respond.

•Are some of the TRUE statements I just read things that people in your village believe are FALSE? Which ones? Which of the true statements above are believed to be false by people in your village? ? •Are some of the FALSE statements I just read things that people in your village believe are TRUE? Which ones? Which of the FALSE statements above are believed to be TRUE by people in your village? •What advice would you give to someone who believed something was true, that you know is not true?

5 Closing. Read this out loud to the group: Being aware of your bodies and the changes happening is nothing shameful. In fact it helps girls and boys become more in control and make healthy decisions. Feeling attracted to a person of the opposite sex is normal. It only means your body is getting ready for the future. You should wait to have sex until you are mature and responsible for the consequences of having sex. 6 Commitment. Read this out loud: I would like to ask each one of you to make a commitment. Describe one way you will use to correct misinformation that you hear about fertility, menstruation, and growing up.