Always Changing Free Puberty Education Materials And Product Samples For Schools

The Always Changing program represents a comprehensive initiative developed by Procter & Gamble to support puberty education in schools. This program offers a range of free resources, including educational materials and product samples, designed to help educators teach students about the physical, emotional, and social changes associated with puberty. Available for students in grades 5 through 8, the program provides turnkey educational resources that schools can implement to enhance their health education curriculum.

Educational Materials Overview

The Always Changing program provides a variety of free educational materials that can be downloaded and used in classroom settings. These resources include a Leader Guide for educators, a Student Guide for students, a Parent/Guardian Guide to involve families in the education process, and Worksheets to reinforce learning. All materials are currently available exclusively online, requiring no physical materials to be shipped to schools.

Recent updates to the program have made the educational content more inclusive and comprehensive. The materials now feature gender-neutral language, and the program has consolidated the male and female student guides into a single all-inclusive Student Guide. This approach recognizes the diverse gender identities of students and ensures that all learners feel represented in the educational content.

Additional topics have been incorporated into the curriculum to address contemporary issues relevant to today's youth. These include discussions about Sex, Gender & Society, Cyberbullying, and for older students in grades 7-8, a specific focus on Healthy vs. Unhealthy Relationships. These additions reflect the program's commitment to providing holistic education that goes beyond basic biological changes.

The Always Changing program has been developed by Procter & Gamble Inc. and carries endorsements from reputable organizations including PHE Canada and Ophea. These endorsements lend credibility to the program's content and approach to puberty education.

Product Samples Available

In addition to educational materials, the Always Changing program offers free product samples to participating schools. These samples serve both educational and practical purposes, allowing students to become familiar with menstrual hygiene products and deodorants that they may begin using during puberty.

The feminine hygiene products included in sample packs typically consist of Always pads and Tampax tampons. These items are accompanied by educational leaflets that provide information about proper usage and menstrual health. For schools with students who have periods aged 11-14, particularly in the UK and Republic of Ireland, the program allows ordering one set of free samples for each eligible year group per academic year.

Deodorant samples are also available through the program. These appear to be included in the boys' kits, but teachers have the flexibility to request enough deodorant samples for an entire class if needed. This ensures that all students can access and learn about personal hygiene products regardless of gender.

It should be noted that tampons are only recommended for students aged 13 and older, reflecting guidance on appropriate age for tampon use. The program follows this recommendation when distributing samples, ensuring that product samples are age-appropriate for recipients.

Program Eligibility and Access Process

Schools interested in participating in the Always Changing program must follow specific registration processes to access the free materials and samples. The process varies depending on the region and the type of resources being requested.

For US-based schools, teachers are required to register at PGSchoolPrograms.com and need to provide a school PIN number during the registration process. This system helps verify that the request is coming from an educational institution and allows for proper distribution of materials. The program is specifically designed for students in grades 5 through 7, though some resources may be appropriate for grade 8 students as well.

In the UK and Republic of Ireland, schools with students aged 11-14 who have periods can register to receive free sample packs containing Always pads, Tampax tampons, and educational leaflets. These schools are limited to ordering one set of samples for each eligible year group per academic year. The distribution of these samples operates on a first-come, first-served basis, which means that schools are encouraged to submit their requests early in the academic year to ensure they receive the materials they need.

The educational component of the program, including the downloadable guides and worksheets, is more widely accessible and may be available through multiple channels depending on the region. Schools that have difficulty accessing the program through the primary registration methods are encouraged to contact the program administrators directly for assistance.

Always Product Line Information

The Always brand offers a comprehensive range of menstrual hygiene products that may be included in sample packs or available for purchase. Understanding the different product options helps educators and parents appreciate the variety of choices available to students as they begin managing their menstrual health.

Always menstrual pads come in various sizes and absorbency levels to accommodate different flow patterns and needs. The Ultra Thin line offers discreet protection, while the Infinity line provides advanced leak protection. Size 5 Extra Heavy Overnight Pads are designed for overnight use or for those with very heavy flow. Both scented and unscented options are available, allowing individuals to choose based on personal preference.

Daily liners from Always offer light protection for everyday freshness. These come in different lengths, including regular, long, and extra long options, to provide comfort and protection according to individual needs. The brand also offers period underwear as an alternative or additional protection option.

In addition to physical products, Always provides digital tools to support menstrual health management. The Always You period tracker is mentioned as a digital tool that allows users to track their menstrual cycles in less than 30 seconds. This type of technology can be particularly helpful for students who are new to menstruation and need assistance predicting and managing their cycles.

Educational Content and Approach

The Always Changing program employs a comprehensive approach to puberty education that addresses multiple aspects of adolescent development. The educational materials are designed to be age-appropriate, with content tailored to different developmental stages within the grades 5-8 range.

For younger students (typically grades 5-6), the program focuses on basic biological changes, hygiene practices, and the emotional aspects of puberty. As students progress to grades 7-8, the content becomes more sophisticated, addressing topics such as healthy versus unhealthy relationships, consent, and navigating social dynamics during adolescence.

The program's inclusion of content about Sex, Gender & Society reflects an understanding of the evolving understanding of gender identity and expression. By incorporating gender-neutral language and inclusive content, the program aims to create a learning environment where all students feel respected and represented.

Cyberbullying is another important topic addressed in the program, recognizing that much of adolescent social interaction now takes place online. The materials provide guidance on recognizing cyberbullying, responding appropriately, and seeking help when needed.

Program Implementation in Schools

Schools implementing the Always Changing program have flexibility in how they structure the delivery of the educational content. The program is designed to be a "turnkey solution," meaning that it can be implemented with minimal additional preparation by educators.

The downloadable guides provide detailed lesson plans and activities that can be integrated into existing health education classes or presented as standalone sessions. The Parent/Guardian Guide facilitates communication between home and school, ensuring that parents are equipped to discuss puberty with their children.

Many schools choose to implement the program as part of their comprehensive health education curriculum, often scheduling sessions to coincide with when students begin showing signs of puberty. Some schools may segregate students by gender for certain portions of the program, while others use the inclusive materials to facilitate mixed-gender discussions about puberty.

Conclusion

The Always Changing program offers valuable free resources for schools teaching puberty education. From comprehensive educational materials to product samples, the program provides support for both educators and students navigating puberty. While availability of samples may vary by region, the educational components are widely accessible online. Schools interested in participating should register through the appropriate channels to access these free resources.

Sources

1. Always Changing Puberty and Health Education Program
2. P&G School Programs Information
3. Always UK Secondary Schools Resources
4. Always US Products Page
5. Always Campaign Landing Page