GRADE 7
Topics include:
- Effective communication in relationships
- Identifying sources of support re. sexuality
health issues
- Male & female reproductive systems and
fertilization
- Sexually transmitted diseases
Sexual abstinence & other prevention
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GRADE 8
Topics include:
- Making informed decisions
- Consequences of sex & drugs
- Identifying sources of support re. sexual
health issues
- Sexually transmitted diseases & H.I.V.
Transmission, symptoms & prevention
Sexual abstinence and other methods of contraception
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Students who receive Sexual Health Education are more likely to postpone sexual
intercourse, than those who have not had this type of education.
At the Grade 7 level, students are
assisted to review their Reproductive System vocabulary using a group label sorting
activity. Small groups attempt to be the first to correctly place reproductive
anatomy parts into three categories "Male", "Female" or
"Both.
These labels are then applied to diagrams of the Male and
Female Reproductive Systems. This is followed by discussion about the pathway of
fertilization, and any questions the students may have about this topic.
Guided video viewing, which informs about the physical and
emotional aspects of Sexually Transmitted Diseases, games which simulate germ
transmission and demonstrations and discussions about S.T.D. prevention all combine
to educate Grade 7 students about this concerning Public Health issue.
Many of the communication skills taught in the Grade 6 V.E.P.
program (negotiation, refusal, active listening) are taught or reviewed in the
context of sexual relationships.
Limit setting behaviours and strategies are explored as ways
to successfully practice abstinence.
Students are prompted to develop a list of resource people
they might approach for assistance should they have questions, or need for
prevention supplies.
Public Health Nurses can bring a variety of
teaching materials to your classroom to help meet the Sexual Health learning
objectives of your Grade 8 students.
Videos about A.I.D.S. and the immune system, writing
assignments considering " How H.I.V. would change my life", simulated
fluid exchange games and symptoms/treatment/prevention sorting activities are a few
of the ways we review the topic of Sexually Transmitted Diseases and Human
Immunodeficiency Virus.
Videos and contraceptive samples are available for classroom
demonstration or small group studying and reporting. Tours of Health Unit Clinics or
visits to Pharmacies may be arranged, with parental permission, to help students
identify and seek out sources of community support with regard to sexuality issues.
A variety of activity sheets are available to supplement 'Life
Skill" discussions regarding sexual behaviour choices. Some of these include:
- Assertiveness, Delay & Refusal
- Media Pressures
- Temptation & Self Control
- Are You Ready for Sex? (a student and family
sheet).
To adequately cover the Sexual Health materials
outlined in the Ontario Elementary Schools Health Curriculum, the Ministry of Health
mandates Public Health Units to ensure that six (6) hours of classes are offered in
Grade 7 and Grade 8 to educate the upcoming generation about these concerning,
preventable public health issues.
HEALTH CURRICULUM
Grade 7
Growth and Development
- Explain male/female reproduction systems
related to fertilization.
- Distinguish fact from myth re: menstruation,
spermatogenesis, and fertilization.
- Identify methods of transmission and symptoms
of STDs.
- Identify ways to prevent the spread of STDs.
Explain the term abstinence as applied to sexuality.
- Use effective communication skills to deal with
relationships and situations. Identify sources of support with regard to
sexuality.
Grade 8
Growth and Development
- Promote abstinence as a positive choice for
adolescents.
- Review symptoms, transmission and prevention of
common STDs and HIV. Identify high-risk behaviours related to STDs and HIV.
- Discuss methods used to prevent pregnancy.
- Apply living skills in making informed sexual
decisions.
- Analyse the consequences to engaging in sexual
activities while using drugs including alcohol.
- Identify sources of support with regard to
sexuality.
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