Children and Adolescent School Programs
Choices for Sexual Health school based sexual health education is not a one size fits all approach. I work with the parent committees and schools to determine what is needed based on previous sexual health education, gender mix, class sizes and budget.
Teaching content is in accordance with the Provincial Learning Standards for Education.
For the enhanced age appropriate sexual health education program, refer to the outline below. These sessions will be taught upon receipt of parental and faculty consent.
The enhanced education sessions always start with a parent workshop first to provide an overview of what will be taught to students in class. Parental workshops are held in the evening and last for 60 minutes for the preschool programs and 90 minutes for the elementary school programs. School programs are tailored to fit individual school timetable. Choices encourages learning in smaller groups which enhances the opportunity to increase comfort levels, build trust and provide support. For this reason, the two day elementary school sessions are suggested.
Travel fees may apply
Preschool Program
Fresh Start, Tier 1- Preschool: 2, 30 minute sessions
body science - scientific names for external genitalia and reproductive organs
appropriate and inappropriate ways of being touched
emotions/caring behaviours - establishing healthy relationships
keeping healthy – not to pick up condoms and needles
where babies grow and are born from
ownership of our bodies
talking to a trusted adult
Resources will be provided for parents and teachers
Elementary School Programs
Fresh Start, Tier 2 - Kindergarten and Grade 1: 30 minutes
body science - scientific names for external genitalia and reproductive organs
how babies are made – reproduction usually occurs when a sperm joins an ovum through sexual intercourse
where babies grow and are born from
healthy touch – appropriate and inappropriate ways of being touched
safety – not to pick up condoms and needles
sensitive parts
body appreciation/ownership of our bodies/keeping healthy
emotions/caring behaviours - establishing healthy relationships
talking with a trusted adult
reliable sources of health information
Growing bodies: Grade 2 and 3: 40 minutes
Everything learned in previous grades plus:
Menstruation – the basics
Wet Dream/Nocturnal emission
Communication skills and managing emotions
Strategies for developing and maintaining positive relationships
Developing Bodies: Grades 4 and 5: 60 minutes
Puberty – emotional and physical changes
Factors that can impact body image and self-esteem including social media
Media messaging
Sexuality and responsibilities associated with sexual decision making
The basics of sexually transmitted infections (STI’s)
Tween Bodies:
Elementary School - Grades 6 and 7: 90 minutes
Middle School - Grades 6, 7 and 8: 3, 75 minute sessions
Everything that was taught in the previous age groups, plus:
Texting, sexting and the internet – smart decision making and the law
Consent, sexually speaking
Healthy decisions making – STI’s, self-exams and regular check ups
Reliable resources of sexual health information and community support
Gender stereotypes and inclusion
Sexual peer pressure and the “norm”
Exploring and understanding personal sexual values, beliefs and boundaries
Sexual activities – the differences and responsibilities of each
Anonymous questions
*A Middle School session will be a blend of Tween Bodies and High School programs grades 8-10
High School Program
Preteen and Teen years can be tough - there are so many changes, challenges, pressures and expectations. Bombarded with mixed messages from TV, internet and social media sites – healthy decision making can be difficult!
Having a network of reliable, empowering and trustworthy mentors is key to navigating through this stage. Sexuality can seem complicated. Most often, preteens and teens will look to their parents to be there mentors for sex. Without reliable education and support systems, the risk of unwanted pregnancies, sexual exploitation and sexually transmitted infections is increased in teens.
A parent workshop will run first, followed by student sessions.
In an open, honest, and entertaining delivery, parents and students will be provided with community resources to help support them as well as gain an understanding of the sexual issues facing teens and how teens can make safe and healthy sexual decision making while honouring personal values and boundaries. A sexual, straight-talk session, topics are aimed at parents and teens with relevant, sex positive information.
Parents and Caregivers Session: 90 minutes
Grades 8-10: 75 minutes
Healthy decision making – STI’s, self-exams and regular check ups
Reliable resources of sexual health information and community support
Sexual activities and peer pressure
Understanding the differences between healthy and unhealthy relationships
Setting and maintaining personal sexual boundaries related to their values
Effectiveness and proper use of contraceptive and barrier devices
Importance of communication and effective relationship skills
Importance of taking responsibility for one's health - confidence when consulting a medical professional
Sexual consent - how to say no and be assertive
Anonymous questions
* In Middle School, the program will be a blend of Elementary Tween Bodies and High School programs grades 8-10
Grades 11 and 12 :
Tailor made – based on the needs of the students and specific requests from the school booking the workshop
Sexual Health Education Pop Ups
An on-site pop-up at schools for students to receive on-demand, accurate, sexual health education, including sexual health education for adaptive students.
On a per need basis, per school
Pop Up’s can also be tailored to train teachers to support students.
Menstrual Education – Train the Trainer For Teachers
Creating awareness, changing the dialogue and enhancing the school experience.
A companion program to the initiative of installing coin free menstrual product dispensers in schools.
Access to free tampons and pads in schools is a significant step; however, we need high quality education about periods that breaks down the stigma and taboo surrounding menstruation. When we normalize the fact that menstruation is a natural process and not something that is shameful or to be hidden, we foster an environment of safety, inclusion and understanding. Although the BC learning standards support sexual health education, learning is often delivered only once per year or through an enhanced program with a private educator every couple of years. This is an opportunity for schools to do more to continue the conversation and create positive environments for pupils to ask questions about the changes happening to their bodies.
This workshop will cover:
The importance of menstrual education – consistency in the message
Period facts – grade appropriate information
How best for teachers to support students when periods happen
The importance of the buddy system
The tour – how to use the dispensers and proper disposal of used tampons and pads
Workshop Length:
Up to 25 Teachers: 1 hour
25-50 Teachers: 1.5 hours
50-75 Teachers: 2 hours
*Plus travel time if applicable