Growth and Development

Growth and development is a key component of overall health and well-being that affects everyone. Due to diverse family structures, cultural and religious values, sexual orientations, and gender identities, there’s no doubt it’s a topic that needs to be approached with sensitivity and adequate support. With support from your local public health unit, local sexual assault centre, provincial organizations (consult Support in Your Community), and other experts in your community, you’ll be able to help students take control and break down myths and misconceptions.

You are not expected to be or become an expert on growth and development to run any of these activities. Reach out to experts in your community who can help you plan activities!

You don’t have to come up with all of the ideas on your own (although we’re quite certain you have some amazing ones!). That’s what this site is for — to spark interest, provide ideas, and offer activities that are ready to be used in your school, at home, or in your community.

The action ideas are ones that can also be used for a variety of topics — we’ve modified them to be applicable to topics related to growth and development.

Ideas for Action: Growth and Development is part of Healthy Schools Certification.

The Growth and Development component of Healthy Schools is based on the Ontario Ministry of Education’s Foundations for a Healthy School (2014). This topic includes strategies and activities related to:

  • Body Image
  • Diversity
  • Healthy Relationships
  • Human Development and Sexual Health
  • Living Skills
  • Self-Efficacy
  • Self-Esteem