It may be necessary at times to change the wording of the text. If students cannot understand the information as it is stated on the card, teachers should feel free to use their own words to explain the concept. The emphasis should be on using wording that students can understand and that teachers are comfortable using. As new words are introduced in this program, slang terms sometimes follow in parenthesis. This can aid in student understanding. The use of slang terms should be omitted once students know the terms taught in the class.
Teachers should establish ground rules during the first class. Because the positive and accepting tone of the class is so important, students must understand that this class is special and has ground rules that are necessary in order to keep a respectful classroom atmosphere. See Lesson 1 for boys and girls.
The success of this program depends on parental support and cooperation. Parents should be kept well informed. An example of a letter introducing the program to parents is included on page 7. It is helpful to offer parents an opportunity to take the books "Changes in You for Girls" and “Changes in You for Boys” and the parents' guides home.
This class must be held in a private setting so that students can clearly understand the issue of privacy. This can be done by putting a DO NOT DISTURB sign on the door during this class or by holding this small group session in the counselor's office or another small and private room that is available.
Although it is important to set ground rules to establish a respectful and trusting classroom atmosphere, it should be recognized that a certain amount of student laughter is acceptable. Laughter can serve as a release when students feel nervous or uncomfortable. Teachers will have to decide which laughter is a release of tension and which laughter is meant in a mocking or derogatory way.