This program was developed so that each section can initially be taught to separate sex classes. Separate sex classes lead to an increased level of comfort in students and offer them an opportunity to ask specific questions that would be inappropriate in a co-ed setting. Separate sex classes also help students develop a clearer understanding of the concept of "private" which can be difficult for students with special needs. In addition, it's important that students have the opportunity to develop confidence in their own knowledge of the body before discussing this with the other sex. However, it should be recognized that girls and boys need to learn about each other. Suggestions for providing information about the other sex are given in Girls' Lesson Plan 23 and Boys' Lesson Plan 21.
Picture Cards
Each picture card has objectives, information, and teaching questions on the back. The information can be read directly from the back of the cards to the students while the card is being held up. Teachers should determine in advance which of the discussion questions to use based on student needs and goals. The purpose of the questions is to:
- check for student understanding of the material presented;
- introduce further information for students who may be able to understand more;
- discuss feelings or real-life situations that relate to the topic covered on the picture card; and
- encourage students to think for themselves.
Objectives
For ease in programming, objectives are included at the beginning of each lesson plan and on the back of every picture card.
Lesson Plans
Lesson plans include teaching strategies to supplement the use of picture cards. These strategies vary in complexity. It's important for teachers to select activities that are developmentally and socially appropriate for their classes. The strategies suggested generally encourage increased student involvement through the use of dramatic play, activities that require students to think and make decisions, and demonstration and use of real hygiene products. There are also some activities that suggest the use of other visuals in addition to picture cards.
Tests
It is imperative that teachers determine the level of student understanding of the material presented so that they will know which topics need to be reviewed or taught again using a different strategy. There are many ways to do this. Teachers need to keep in mind that any tests developed to be used with this curriculum should focus on the information necessary for students to lead a happy and healthy life. It's helpful to think in terms of identifying which information will help students cope with the changes of puberty successfully and be as socially acceptable as possible.
Tests have been developed for this curriculum and are included in this guide in the Appendix. Tests labeled Level A are for students who are nonverbal, language impaired, or have low cognitive ability. The Level B tests are for students who are mildly handicapped, who can read or have the test read to them and are able to write the answers or answer the questions orally. It is recommended that students not be given grades because a low or even average grade could have a negative impact on a student's self-esteem. These tests were developed to serve as a means of determining whether or not a student understands and can apply the important information in this program.
Students' Books
Changes In You for Boys and Changes in You for Girls
These books contain the same illustrations and text that are included on each picture card. The student books can be used in a number of ways.
- They can be offered on a check-out basis for parents to read with their children.
- They can be available in a study carrel for students who would like further time to read the book or just look at the illustrations. Teachers can also make a tape recording of the book for students to listen to as they read along.
- A student book can be used instead of picture cards if a teacher is only working with one student.
- Also sets of books may be purchased so that each student in a group can have a book to look at and read during a lesson.
Parents' Guides
Each student book is accompanied by a parents' guide. These guides include specific thoughts and suggestions that go along with the student books and the picture card program. They should only be given to parents when they check out the student books. Please be sure to inform parents that these books and parents' guides can be purchased for home use through the James Stanfield Publishing Company. Teachers can also use the information in the parents' guides as a basis for a parent training program.