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Goals/Objectives

Group members will be able to list two key concepts concerning childhood knowledge of sexuality from each age category discussed.

Instructional Procedure

Focusing Event/Ice Breaker

See suggestions in Ice Breaker page

Teaching Procedure

Assess level of awareness concerning the topic

What do they know about child developmental and the appropriate age to begin discussing sexuality with children?

Facilitate discussion and participation

Encourage sharing of opinions/experiences or questions/concerns.

By age five, the child should:

use correct terms for all sexual body parts, including the reproductive organs

be able to understand and identify the concepts of "maleness" and "femaleness"

understand that their bodies belong to themselves and that they have a right to say "No" to unwanted touch

understand the concept that a women does not have to have a baby unless she wants to

know where babies come from, how they "get in" and "get out"

be able to talk about body parts without a sense of naughtiness

be able to ask trusted adults questions about sexuality

know that "sex talk" is for private times at home

Elementary school children, ages 6-9, should:

begin a study of growth and reproduction in animals and plants - be aware of their needs, and the responsibility of caring for them

be aware that all creatures reproduce themselves

have an awareness of the life cycle, including sexuality at all ages - parents and grandparents

have and use acceptable vocabulary for communication about body parts, their own and those of the opposite sex

have a grasp of different types of caring home backgrounds, so that no single one is seen as the only possible one

be able to identify family roles and responsibilities

begin to be aware of non-stereotyped gender roles, and to operate within them

become familiar with the health care system so as to view it as non frightening, and supportive of their health and wellbeing

take an active role in managing their body's health and safety

be able to list how to develop and maintain friendships

Nine to thirteen year-olds should be informed about:

1. Human reproduction, including:
   1. an understanding of human sexuality as a natural part of life
   2. the legitimacy and normalcy of sexual feelings
   3. some idea that sex is pleasurable as well as the way to make a baby - the realization that sexual acts can be separated from reproductive acts
   4. the biological components of the reproductive cycle including the probability of pregnancy with unprotected intercourse
   5. How male and female bodies grow and differ
2. Contraception, including the knowledge that:
   1. no one has to become a parent
   2. it is possible to plan parenthood
   3. having a child is a long-term responsibility, and that every child deserves mature, responsible, loving parents
   4. contraception exists (able to name and how to obtain them)
3. The changes they can expect to begin in their bodies before puberty (ages 9-11).
   1. range of times at which normal development begins - including normal differences in male and female timing of these events
   2. the general stages that bodies go through
   3. menstruation and wet dreams
   4. emotional changes are to be expected during this time
4. Protection against sexual abuse and how to react to such dangers
5. How to be a good friend and how to end a relationship without anger
6. The purpose and consideration of dating - awareness of potential for damage in exploitative relationships
7. Recognition of the ways in which behavior can be interpreted as sexual, and how to deal with such interpretation.
8. Recognition of male and female prostitution and its dangers.
9. What are or should be appropriate roles for young men and women - an awareness of the differences between biological sex and socially assigned gender roles.
10. Sexually transmitted diseases; how they are transmitted and how they are treated

FORMATIVE CHECK/PARTICIPATION

Have each group member go up to the board and write down two key points from each age group discussed

CRITICAL POINTS

Family values should be included in discussions about sexuality but sexuality should never be treated as a shameful or naughty thing - it is human nature.

Children must have sufficient knowledge to make appropriate decisions for themselves

Ensure that group members are clear about the facts they will eventually share with their children

CLOSURE

Closure should include a short question session followed by a brief uplifting statement or quote.

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