Ann Arbor Public Schools to review new sexual education materials
New sexual education materials could soon be in the classrooms of young students enrolled in Ann Arbor Public Schools.
The district’s Board of Education will be reviewing two programs at its 6 p.m. meeting Wednesday, one for students in preschool to second grade, and another for students in fifth to eighth grades.
Both programs have been reviewed and recommended for adoption by the district’s Sexual Health Education Advisory Committee, as well as by Lisa Cope, the district’s departmental chairwoman for Health and Physical Education.
For the youngest age group, the school board is considering adopting a body safety training program.
The training would be presented to children in 15-minute lessons once a day for two weeks. The program is designed to prevent child sexual abuse by reinforcing right and wrong situations when it comes to who is allowed to see their private parts, and includes explanation of the terms penis, vagina, breasts and buttocks.
The lesson plan teaches children that they are the boss of their own body, and that it’s only OK for “big people” - defined as doctors, nurses and parents - to look at their private parts if they get hurt or sick, or need help.
The plan also includes sample situations for children to decide if the actions are acceptable or not, and encouragement is given for the correct answers.
For the middle-school age group, a new educational video explaining the puberty process is under consideration.
The 15-minute-long video updated in 2011, named “We’re Just Around the Corner,” would be shown to students in fifth to eighth grades. The current board-approved materials for that age range are older productions.
The video covers physical and emotional changes that come with puberty, reproductive systems, conception, pregnancy, fetal development, decision-making, hygiene and healthy habits. Teen subjects are included in the video, which the committee found to make it relatable to students.
“Information is clear. It’s presented well even if it is a little stilted at times. It’s much better than most I’ve seen. It is a more updated puberty video with very straightforward, accurate information presented in an age appropriate and non-judgmental manner,” according to the committee’s review of the video.
Public comment will be accepted during the Wednesday meeting and at an Oct. 10 meeting on the adoption of the video and body safety program.
- View a preview of the video from the production company, Marsh Media.
Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.
Comments
BhavanaJagat
Thu, Sep 20, 2012 : 4:03 p.m.
AAPS MISSION STATEMENT AND SEX EDUCATION : AAPS in its Mission Statement quotes Rev. Martin Luther King and emphasizes the importance of knowing children by the strength of their character and not by the color of their skin. The essence of the human person is not in his anatomical organs or morphological appearance. What is AAPS is doing to accomplish its stated Mission? I would like to hear that the proposed Sex Education would be a tool for Character building and not for fighting crime and as a tool to prosecute people. AAPS must include education that speaks about human body in terms of understanding human values, the principles of morals and ethics, and as the foundation of human character.
LA
Thu, Sep 20, 2012 : 2:10 a.m.
give children some credit! they love learning and are capable of thinking. I always showed my daughter pics of her birth, esp on her birthday and talked about what fun it was to have her. I always used the correct words, but it was done in a friendly, on-your-lap fun kind of way. I answered her questions and kept everything at an easy level. Her grandmother took her into the restroom on a family trip to Frankenmuth one day when she was 4 (almost 5). They were gone a long time from the dinner table. Finally Grandma came back and wonderingly said that our little girl corrected a pregnant woman who - also visiting the bathroom and seeing my little daughter - told her that she had a baby girl in her tummy! My sweet girl politely told her that babies don't grow in tummies, they grown in a uterus!!! Grandma was a bit overwhelmed but proud of her grand baby. As my girl giggled later, "the food would land on her head" if the baby was in her tummy! C'mon people. Talk too your kids! And let the kids talk to them too. The kids are already thinking of things they see everyday! Respect their brains. They are capable of learning earlier than you'd think!
joe.blow
Thu, Sep 20, 2012 : 2:43 a.m.
LA, I didn't choose to watch my children come out of my wife's vagina because I think it's gross. Too bad your daughter didn't get the chance to make up her own mind before being forced to see that! It should be my choice if my kid gets sex ed from school. Not saying which way I'll go, but it should be my choice, not the government!
LA
Thu, Sep 20, 2012 : 2:12 a.m.
Correction: I meant to say let the teachers talk to them too.
Shi Schultz
Thu, Sep 20, 2012 : 1:56 a.m.
What ever happened to the PARENTS teaching sexual education (sex talk)and teaching small children what is right and wrong when it comes to this topic?
joe.blow
Thu, Sep 20, 2012 : 2:44 a.m.
The same comment above got a -20 score. Good luck! People here would rather have uncle sam give the talk and are offended that a parent do it instead.
joe.blow
Thu, Sep 20, 2012 : 12:20 a.m.
I don't think so. As a parent, I do not want an "educator" talking about sex to my 4 year old. That is my wife and I's job and maybe our doctors. AND, not in Pre-School!
Jake C
Fri, Sep 21, 2012 : 1:08 a.m.
If you want your 4-year old to learn about this subject from you, then just go ahead and do it already! What are you waiting for? Then you can opt out of the program if you feel the need. But even if you don't, my guess is your child would just listen to the teacher's 10-minute presentation and say "oh,I already know that", and they'll go back to playing with their blocks. Parents always make a much bigger deal out of these kinds of things compared to the kids, who view it as just another part of school.
joe.blow
Thu, Sep 20, 2012 : 2:51 a.m.
aamom, from the article, "one for students in preschool to second grade" - talking about those who they'll be teaching. Preschool can be as young as 3! I no longer see the blurb about prosecution. What gives the school the right to tell me what's "age appropriate"? I'm upset because I'd rather have my child hear about it from me or my wife and not in a class with 30 other students from someone they don't know. Did you read the lesson plan? It's crazy! I feel if I'm involved in my children's life, than I'll catch any situation that could be dangerous and respond appropriately. I'm starting to think that home schooling isn't all that bad.
aamom
Thu, Sep 20, 2012 : 1:51 a.m.
I disagree Joe. I think they want to teach about body safety because they actually want kids to be safe and free from abuse. I'm honestly not even sure what you're talking about with "helping with prosecution". Do you mean after they are molested the children can be better witnesses if they have taken the class? I guess I just don't understand your line of thinking. I still don't understand why you keep worrying about people talking to your 4 year old about sex. That isn't part of the plan so far as I read.
joe.blow
Thu, Sep 20, 2012 : 12:56 a.m.
aamom. Incorrect. They want to teach "body safety" to help with prosecution. I'm not opposed to the concept, but I don't want a random educator I've never met talking to my children in that manner. My wife is more than capable of talking to our daughter, and I'm more than capable of talking to my son at an age we feel is appropriate, which isn't THREE!
joe.blow
Thu, Sep 20, 2012 : 12:53 a.m.
Now I have typo, let me fix that before you whine about that. "read"
joe.blow
Thu, Sep 20, 2012 : 12:51 a.m.
I don't think so. As a parent, I do not want an "educator" talking about sex to my four year-old. That is my wife's and my responsibility, and possibly our physician's. However, these discussions do not need to be occurring in pre-school! Better? Maybe you should ready up a little yourself. You need a question mark on the last sentence. Why are there so many people out there like you, who try to be smart, but think that an educator is better than parents? The education system should be a tool to help our youth out, but parents need to be in the driver seat.
aamom
Thu, Sep 20, 2012 : 12:49 a.m.
I missed the part in the article where it said they are talking to preschoolers about sex. I only saw something about body safety training to prevent molestation.
Anonymous
Thu, Sep 20, 2012 : 12:45 a.m.
Funny, apparently education isn't your strong suit. Maybe an English class will help. Why not let the educators who know what they're doing help you and your wife to educate your child in the best way possible.
Macabre Sunset
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 10:40 p.m.
I'm worried they're going to find a copulation gap.
aamom
Thu, Sep 20, 2012 : 12:47 a.m.
J.A. Pieper - They already teach this so it shouldn't add anything new. I think it is akin to adopting a new textbook for social studies.
J. A. Pieper
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 11:42 p.m.
I could tell you there is already one alive and well in AAPS. I have been at a school that had a "hump club"... AND is anyone thinking about another aspect of this - the curriculum is already jam packed, and yet they are adding more stuff to teach?
Scott Webster Wood
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 10:03 p.m.
Yet another gleaming example of why we should take the 'public' out of 'schools'.
Marcia Dykstra
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 9:46 p.m.
(continued...) In the BST program, children learn the concept of private parts. While we explain that they are the areas covered by their bathing suits, they also learn the proper terminology. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children learn this starting at birth. If a child is ever victimized, they need to be able to accurately describe what happened to them in order to have a successful prosecution. We use the terminology adults or grownups, never "big people." We never use "sexual abuse" or any references to "sex" in our dialogue with children. Education is our best line of defense when it comes to the prevention of CSA, especially educating children that they have a right to protect their bodies from the harm of sexual abuse. We also encourage all adults, not just parents, to educate themselves about child sexual abuse as it thrives on ignorance. We also offer a program for adults. For more information please visit our website: www.washtenawchildren.org Marcia Dykstra, Program Director WACC
a2citizen
Thu, Sep 20, 2012 : 1:12 a.m.
Marcia, You should have written the article. Maybe there would not be as much angst.
Marcia Dykstra
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 9:45 p.m.
Washtenaw Area Council for Children, a non-profit child abuse prevention agency and Michigan Children's Trust Fund designated council for Washtenaw County is providing the program, Body Safety Training (BST), offered free of charge to area preschools and schools for the past 3-4 years. We've provided a similar program for grades K-5 approved by AAPS. We retired it, but the need for such programming has not gone away. Child sexual abuse exists, even in Ann Arbor. A program for preschool to early elementary age children was necessary based on input from the prosecutor, law enforcement and other "frontline" responders to child abuse. Child sexual abuse is often perpetrated by someone the child is close to and knows well. The stranger child molester is rare. We, too, believe that parents should teach their children personal safety, just as they teach how to cross a street safely or not to play with fire. Unfortunately that is not the reality. We provide the parents with handouts about what is covered and encourage them to discuss and practice at home what the child has learned. All schools allow parents to opt their child out of receiving this program. (continued...)
TeedOff
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 7:44 p.m.
msuteach seems wise beyond her years! Not bad for a Sparty.
msuteach
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 6:16 p.m.
Students in elementary schools already participate in a Healthy Body and Reproductive Health class; however, the curriculum is very old and students don't relate to the characters. I applaud the committee for reviewing the documents and providing material that is more relevant to students in school now. Parents have the ability to opt out of the program if they would rather teach their children about puberty but, unfortunately, a lot of parents don't teach these concepts and children don't understand what is happening or feel embarrassed.
BhavanaJagat
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 5:35 p.m.
Education about Human Anatomy : All of us must know about ourselves and must also know the world in which we exist. All kinds of human learning for all age groups must begin with a sense of respectful attitude to know the true, or real human person. Both children, and adults have to learn this attitude called respect. The first thing to learn about human body is the simple fact that the body represents a created being, a spiritual being, a moral being, a mental being, a social being, and a physical being. The problem of sexual abuse or child abuse cannot be prevented by imparting knowledge about body parts. There is no escape from avoiding the truth about human being; the child arrives into this world as a created being and hence treated with respect and dignity.
Dog Guy
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 5:11 p.m.
Teach kids to fish and they'll go fishing. Studies show that D.A.R.E. has counterproductive results, but is still used in 80% of public school systems.
Jake C
Fri, Sep 21, 2012 : 12:48 a.m.
DARE is the equivalent of an abstinence-only sex Ed curriculum. "All drugs are bad, only bad people, don't use drugs ever." Then when kids see their friends or an adult they know using marijuana without turning into a raging burnout, they start to question the whole point of the education program. Same with abstinence-only education. Present kids with all the info, good and bad, and let them make educated, responsible decisions (as responsible as they can be, at least).
joe.blow
Thu, Sep 20, 2012 : 12:44 a.m.
Right Meg, access to contraception is the key to preventing teen pregnancy. Why don't you focus on writing as many contraception prescriptions in an hour as possible without parental involvement, I'm sure that is the best way to decrease teen pregnancy (hope you counseled them on back up methods when they take, oh say Grapefruit juice) and have lot's of prescriptions ready for antibiotics and a full HAART regimen. I know you see a lot of confused teens out there, but that's when parents have failed. I bet you're the type who preach not telling parents about pregnancy or STD's, instead of asking the teen to think about their lives and think long and hard if their parents can help them before sending them for an abortion.
E Claire
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 8:22 p.m.
I agree with you here aggatt. Kids are going to have sex regardless of what they have or have not been taught. Why are people in this country so freaked out by something so natural? We shouldn't even need to be having this discussion because sex should never have become something to be ashamed of or something to be so secretive about. Adding to my previous response to you, it's not that something is being taught, it's the nature of how it's being presented. That's what many parents want to have control over and they should have that right with their own kids.
Meg
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 8:05 p.m.
Why then do countries like the Netherlands and Denmark, with comprehensive sex ed and easy access to contraception, have much lower rates of teen pregnancy and STI than does the US? We have the highest teen pregnancy rate among peer nations -- twice that of the nearest competition, Great Britain. Clearly, the "lalalalalalalalalala" approach to sex ed isn't working.
aggatt
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 6:26 p.m.
learning the biology behind our reproductive organs and learning about reproductive health can't really be compared to D.A.R.E. Sex ed is not going to make kids go crazy and have sex all the time. Sex is going to happen with young people the same way it always has, and educating them about it is a good thing. Go check out the teen pregnancy rates in states that do abstinance only education compared to states with decent sex ed.
annarborfan
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 4:15 p.m.
Lisa Cope needs to retire or withdraw. Sex Education for preschoolers? The school district is SICK.
joe.blow
Thu, Sep 20, 2012 : 12:28 a.m.
I agree with you. Maybe these people need to learn to read! A 4 year old does not need to be able to identify a penis and vagina to help with prosecution! I think it's sick and crazy that "educators" think this is necessary! The same legal team that requires a 4 year old to testify in open court about sexual anatomy to "get the bad guy," also let repeat level 4 sexual predators out of prison with terms like "likely to repeat." Just google Drew Sjodin. How about they focus on locking people up like that instead of teaching a 4 year old sexual anatomy!
msuteach
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 6:08 p.m.
Apparently reading isn't your strong suit, or perhaps you don't understand what sexual education encompasses. Why would you suggest that it would be sick for students to learn information that could protect them from sexual predators. Perhaps in an ideal world parents would teach their children about their bodies and predators; however, that isn't always the case and sometimes their parents are the ones violating their bodies. To suggest that someone should retire based solely on the information recommended to the board to review is rather harsh. My guess is you've never worked in a school environment with children.
HeimerBoodle
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 4:23 p.m.
Generally it's considered good form to read the whole article, and understand it, before commenting. They want to give young kids good and necessary information for their own safety and protection. Unless you did read the article and take issue with that? If so, I wouldn't throw around the word "sick" so freely, lest it bounce back and bop you in the head.
E Claire
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 3:21 p.m.
These children will be taught the correct terms for genitals (which is a good thing) but then adults will be referred to as "big people"? If the child is presumed to be able to understand the terms penis and vagina, why wouldn't that same child understand "adults".
Meg
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 1:54 p.m.
Parents who want to opt out of a class that teaches their child to identify exploitation by adults? Seems like an odd parenting choice.
joe.blow
Thu, Sep 20, 2012 : 8:52 p.m.
Why can't we have an "opt in" program?
Mel
Thu, Sep 20, 2012 : 5:43 p.m.
I did not mean to get off subject here. Class warfare is common in our country, but raising your children in good communities or enrolling them in tho most prestigious of schools does not protect them. Yes, there are different levels of sexual abuse, but I don't want my child being hugged, caressed or even tickled by an abuser. Children spend the majority of their time with their parents and their teachers, more waking hours with their teachers during the week. We trust our teachers to educate our children, but they also learn about behavior from them as well, especially the younger students. All I'm saying is that teaching your child body safety rules is vital to their protection and if my child's school is willing to implement a program where these rules are reiterated, then I am all for it. It is my wish that most parents agree with me, for the sake of the children. The great thing about the program AAPS is trying to bring to the class room is that parents have the choice of opting out. I know each family is unique and how each one chooses to educate and protect their own is up to them. Freedom is what makes this country great.
joe.blow
Thu, Sep 20, 2012 : 3:03 a.m.
Mel, please define your stats. What does sexual abuse mean? It's not that I can keep my children away from those who have poor homes, but at the same time, you're using that as the reason they need this class. We've moved to a society that wants increased diversity without questioning what that diversity means. Sometimes it means having multiple cultures in one melting pot, which most are for, however it more commonly means increasing minorities in higher socioeconomic situations. Sorry, but a child that goes to school in the middle of Detroit is more likely to have drugs and violence at home and shouldn't automatically be put into a middle class school under the pretense as to increase diversity. Class warfare has become common in this country, yet few understand why people end up in the classes they do. So, although I can't keep my children away from those who come from violent parentless families, I can increase the chances that they associate with those most like themselves by enrolling them in private schools or public schools in communities of people most like myself.
Mel
Thu, Sep 20, 2012 : 2:51 a.m.
One in eight people are sexually abused by the age of 18, and that statistic is based only on those who chose to tell/share their story. It's definitely higher. Why wouldn't one want all the support and help in educating their children about body safety? Predators/abusers are everywhere and they take full advantage of trust, assumption, shame, fear...I agree with you 100% aamom. Yes, I wish you luck too, joe.blow, in seeing to it that your children are never "grouped" with children who do not have a "good home environment". Thank God that there are plenty of other children who come from perfect homes.
aamom
Thu, Sep 20, 2012 : 2:20 a.m.
Joe, you're right. It's doesn't mention who teaches them. I have some experience here because I have a child who already did the 5th grade sex ed. It was done at the end of the year by the classroom teacher that he had all year. Certainly no stranger to him or me. I guess I figured it would be done the same way. I wish you the best in trying to keep your child away from all children who don't have parents who teach them "the basics of life."
joe.blow
Thu, Sep 20, 2012 : 1:04 a.m.
aamom, the article doesn't mention who "teaches them" about this. Also, just because other children do not have a good home environment, doesn't meant that my child needs to be grouped in with them. In fact, I'd rather not have my child anywhere near a kid who grew up in such a sad environment that their parents are incapable of teaching the basics of life. They're probably the same children that will tempt my child to try smoking someday. Send me the forum nice and early so I can have my child learn about particle physics during those two and half hours and I'll teach my child about the simple anatomy. (I say particle physics, only because it's a topic that I am incapable of teaching my child, thus something that would be more appropriate for the schools).
aamom
Thu, Sep 20, 2012 : 12:44 a.m.
I understand what you're saying Joe, but sadly, it's often those kids who have instability at home and no one to talk to about those things that are targeted by predators. They can sense their vulnerability. Think Penn State. Maybe if those young boys had been taught some of these lessons when they were preschoolers, they would have spoken out sooner and louder about the abuse and he might not have been able to hurt so many boys. Also, if the class is done later in the school year, then they certainly aren't taught by some stranger. They are taught by their teacher who they trust and, if they are a preschooler, they probably love.
joe.blow
Thu, Sep 20, 2012 : 12:38 a.m.
Meg, maybe if parents took more of an active role in their children's education, there wouldn't be so much teen pregnancy. As someone with a degree higher than a mid-level, I can tell you that the key to successful sexual education is parental involvement and not increased sexual education classes. How many children have you seen confused about sex when the parents are involved? Values and family involvement should be stressed over government mandated education.
joe.blow
Thu, Sep 20, 2012 : 12:29 a.m.
Maybe it's odd to you, but I'd rather not have a stranger talk to my child in that way. If I feel it's necessary, my wife and I will talk to our child about it, not a stranger.
Bertha Venation
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 1:46 p.m.
I can see both sides. I agree, it is the parent's responsibility to talk with their children at the right time. Every kid is different and they mature at different ages. But there are those parent's who don't take the time to speak to their kids. I think it's a step in the right direction, since the only sexual education materials I had at the time was the back seat of a '56 Chevy.
xmo
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 1:26 p.m.
Is there going to be National, State and City wide Testing for this? Maybe a lab class? Thank goodness the school is doing this since the teachers and the board of education are so much smarter than parents.
jns131
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 5:16 p.m.
Is Dr Ruth going to help with the curriculum?
thinker
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 12:56 p.m.
Hopefully, there will be an opt-out for sexual education as there used to be. Can anyone tell me if there is still such an opt-out, for parents to let the teacher know their son or daughter is not to be in on these sessions?
thinker
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 9:09 p.m.
@aggatt- I think the other comments and replies explained my desire for an opt out. Different kids, differing timetable for need to know, maybe not ALL of it needed to know, different values, religions. All our kids (4 in AAPS) were opted out, and not one had difficulty with STDs, unplanned pregnancy etc.
Classof2014
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 8:28 p.m.
There is still an opt-out, at least for high schoolers there is. I am pretty sure there is one for elementary and middle school kids too. I don't know why there would be an opt-out but yeah.
E Claire
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 7:59 p.m.
aggatt, my point exactly. Your parents made the choice. I never said it was a bad thing to teach children and if you look at my other post, I did say that children should be taught about their bodies. But parents should have the right to opt out of their children being taught something in school outside the realm of academics. Whether we agree with them or not, people have different views and different sets of values and it is their right as parents to teach their own children about these subjects in a manner they believe is the best for them. My husband and I taught our children these types of things when WE felt they were able to understand and in a manner WE felt was best for them. I feel for kids whose parents don't talk to them but also feel these are the types of parents who have no idea (or care) what their children are being taught. These children will benefit from these lessons. All part of being a free country, everyone has the same rights whether we agree with them or not. I still think parents trump the school system.
aggatt
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 7:29 p.m.
E Claire--when I was a kid I learned science and math at home, beyond the scope of what we learned in school, but my parents didn't choose to have me opt out of those subjects. Honestly, how is this a bad thing for anyone? It's education about their own health.
jns131
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 5:16 p.m.
thinker? Yes, there is and I plan to opt mine out for 12. Should have seen what they taught them in the 8th grade. Way too much information.
E Claire
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 3:24 p.m.
I don't see an issue with opting out. Any parent who is involved and actually knows what his/her child is being taught will most likely teach his/her child these same things but in a manner he/she, the parent, chooses. Parents know their children much better than the school district.
aggatt
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 3:20 p.m.
just curious, why would you want to opt out? Why would you not want your child to learn about their sexual and reproductive health?
Mike
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 12:29 p.m.
Pre-school to second grade? Really?
Macabre Sunset
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 10:44 p.m.
My choice, of course, but I answer my child's questions. Without euphemisms or fairy tales. As a result, I hope when the hormones kick in, he's not too freaked out about it and will behave appropriately for his age. Also, this is helpful if there is (and we hope it never happens, of course) a sexual predator somewhere in his midst.
aggatt
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 3:16 p.m.
did you read the article? They're really only teaching them how to protect themselves/let an adult know if someone touches them inappropriately. That's all. Read before you comment
Billy
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 12:12 p.m.
"The lesson plan teaches children that they are the boss of their own body, and that it's only OK for "big people" - defined as doctors, nurses and parents - to look at their private parts if they get hurt or sick, or need help." Ugh.....ok.......is this ACTUALLY a good thing? Is this the right way to teach children about their bodies? Will this cause children to be ashamed of their bodies or their nudity? Cause that's not ok if that's the result. There's far too much "child molester" moral panic going on still. The whole problem with all this is you're trying to "teach children about sex" without arising their curiosity in it.....which is neigh impossible.
Meg
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 8:03 p.m.
Adults, Billy, as noted in the article. Reading is a skill, but one that should be practiced before getting offended.
Billy
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 6:38 p.m.
Your mentality is EXACTLY the mentality that's wrong. It's the mentality that genitals are somehow associated with "bad things." It's the mentality that there are only a FEW things that are ok about your genitalia....and everything else is bad. What happens when later in life when they're in gym class and NOW they're afraid to change clothes in front of their friends because of what was imprinted on them when they were young? I mean you're advocating telling children that if ANYONE looks at their genitals besides a doctor, nurse, or parent that it's bad.....you don't think that's going to carry on later into life?
Meg
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 1:53 p.m.
What possible reason could an adult have to look at a child's genitals for reasons other than the ones listed? This "moral panic" you speak of smacks of a tacit approval for the exploitation of children.
Jim Osborn
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 12:12 p.m.
I was going to post "why even the need for "one for students in preschool to second grade'". But after reading, I see their purpose. It is more protection education. They might be better off keeping it with "they're the special parts of your bodies covered up by your swimsuit or underwear" instead of all of the definations. Those might be a bit much for a 5 year old, but then again, at that age, they might accept them and quickly move on. Its the older group that will snicker.
Jake C
Fri, Sep 21, 2012 : 12:19 a.m.
My 2-year old girl learned all the proper names while she was potty training. For them it's not much different from learning what a nose does, or ears.
joe.blow
Thu, Sep 20, 2012 : 12:33 a.m.
Preschool can be 3 years old!
Anonymous
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 8:17 p.m.
Are we supposed to teach them "pee-pee", "tootsie roll", "peter weeter" or some other silly name. They have parts and they need to learn, understand, and respect them. Do we teach cute little names for ears, hearts, toes, etc. Come on!!
Terri Eagen-Torkko
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 1:56 p.m.
Why would learning the proper names for body parts be "a but much for a 5-year old"?
thinker
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 12:07 p.m.
Parents' job, parents' job, parents' job. Need I say more?
jns131
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 11:07 p.m.
Too much in your face government.
Anonymous
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 8:14 p.m.
Parents should be talking to their kids, yes. But many, many, many don't. If parents talk to their kids and they get a lesson like this, more power to them and to their kids! These are not strangers talking to their kids, it's their teachers and educators that get to know them. Please get a better understanding before making comments based on closed-minded thinking.
Meg
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 8:02 p.m.
jns, what you *think* your kids need to know, and what they actually need to know, can be worlds apart. I'm sure my patients' parents thought "They don't need to know that!"
jns131
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 5:15 p.m.
thinker? Amen Meg? I totally agree. But then maybe the parents should get the eye opener, not the child. I have taught mine and what they are teaching? Is way too much information for my liking. As for Helner? la la la la
HeimerBoodle
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 4:24 p.m.
No, please don't say any more, you've said plenty already.
Meg
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 1:52 p.m.
I'm a nurse practitioner doing primarily family planning and GYN work, largely with teens. I can tell you that if sex ed is a parent's job, many parents aren't doing their job.
GoNavy
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 1:04 p.m.
By all means, discuss this with your child. However, I'm a taxpayer and I do not have children enrolled in school - it's important to me that *all* children are taught these things, including the children whose parents are not interested in discussing this information. Simply leaving the topic to parents, and hoping against hope that it's enough, doesn't cover it anymore.
Billy
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 12:58 p.m.
All the negs on this REALLY surprise me......... As a parent I would MUCH rather I be the one to talk to my child about these things than a "stranger." YES a teacher is a stranger in that they did not grow up with my child and they do NOT know my child beyond the school environment.
DonBee
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 11:40 a.m.
This is a sensitive subject, no matter what the decision the board will make someone unhappy. Finding a good and helpful program for children to make them safe is very important in today's world. I wish them luck in the effort.
jns131
Wed, Sep 19, 2012 : 5:13 p.m.
Should see the material they teach the 8th graders. My child said it was way too much information then what she expected it to be. I told her I wanted her out but said O my friends say it is tame. No it is not. She will not do the other one in 12. Boycott this at all cost. Should not be taught in any public school except the typical 5th grade separate the boys and girls speech.