WCSD Sex-Ed Curriculum Proposals for 4th Graders
We want to help you understand what the WCSD Sex-Ed SHARE Committee is discussing and preparing for your child. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with these issues and click on all links and videos. The SHARE Committee meeting was held, Monday, October 11th at 5:30pm.
4th Grade Proposed Puberty SHARE Curriculum
The focus for this month's SHARE committee is on the 4th grade. The topics introduced are puberty and relationships.
The first video shows how your body changes by starting to get stinky. Students are instructed to wash, use deodorant, eat healthy, drink water, and exercise.
Watch Video: Taking Care of Your Body During Puberty (2:45)
The second video is questionable regarding age appropriateness as it is noted to be for 10-14 year olds while 4th graders are around 9-10 years old. We hear remarks on thinking about sex a lot and anything causes a sexual reaction. There is also discussion for the kids to figure out what kind of person they are....i.e. jock, nerd, surfer, artist, and funny. Is it a good idea to have the students categorize themselves and others?
Watch Video: Puberty and Finding Out Who You Are (2:34)
The written portion of this lesson has a review of body parts. This lesson has cartoon illustrations of the male and female bodies with body parts drawn out and labeled. The female body parts included are the vagina, vulva, anus, clitoris, urethra and nipples. The male body parts included are the penis, urethra, scrotum, anus, nipples and testicles.
4th Grade Proposed Relationships SHARE Curriculum
The next portion of the proposed curriculum is a look at relationships with friends and adults and how they can influence you. No information is given on what this discussion entails, but it is accompanied by three videos.
In the first video we are introduced to the “digital citizen,” a cartoon superhero the students can pretend to be to “solve digital dilemmas in a responsible way.”
Watch This Video: Super Digital Citizen (1:58)
The next video we see the digital citizen dealing with the power of words. Students are shown how to treat others online with kind words. It is highlighted that a real person is on the other end of the connection. There is an example of how unkind words can hurt and what to do in such a situation; like stepping away, telling a trusted adult etc.
Watch This Video: The Power of Words (2:42)
The final link is to a youtube video with over one million views about your body and consent, in that you are the only one who can decide what to do with your body. No one else can tell you what to do with your body, not strangers, friends, or adults. It goes into great detail on consent and that kids can not give consent to sexual stuff. If this happens, tell a teacher.
Watch This Video: Consent for Kids (2:30)
Full meeting materials can be found here.