Development of a K – 3 Sexuality Education Curriculum

Loading...
Thumbnail Image

Date

2006-06

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

The Ohio State University

Research Projects

Organizational Units

Journal Issue

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the sexuality education concepts taught at the early elementary school level. It was found that very little sexuality education is taught at this level. This led to the development of a sexuality curriculum for kindergarten through third grade. Two main sources were used for the structure and content of this curriculum. The Sexuality Information and Education Council of the United States guidelines (2004) were used to help develop the content of the curriculum while Project Taking Charge (1995) was used for the organization. Fives sections were developed including anatomy, growth and development, reproduction, body image, and sexual orientation. Four teachers received a copy of the curriculum along with an assessment tool. Each reviewed the content, activities, and organization of the curriculum. Overall the teachers approved of the content and liked the activities. They all liked the organization of the curriculum saying it was easy to follow and understand. It was found that none of the teachers would feel comfortable teaching the section on sexual orientation or about sex organs in the anatomy section. Many of the teachers also said that they did not think their school system would allow the curriculum to be taught in its entirety.

Description

Keywords

sexuality, education, curriculum, K-3

Citation