This handbook includes teachers’ instructions for implementation specific to grades K-1, 2-3, and 4-6. A short teacher guide with teaching steps and activities accompanies each program level. The program for the lower grades includes a Chester “cartoon” that older students might enjoy as well. We offer a Chester puppet as an optional part of the program, along with Chester stickers, coloring books, and simple worksheets for home and classroom fun. See the appendix for a “Letter to Parents,” which can serve as a template or suggested wording to inform parents before showing the videos to your classes. Having parents’ support is key to the success of this part of your curriculum. We’ve had only positive feedback from parents who have viewed this program. In general, for all levels as you present this course:
- Be non-judgmental in your choice of words as you discuss the video stories with students; for example, say, “It’s a good idea to talk about it” rather than “It’s wrong when you don’t talk about it.”
- Remember that there might be children in your classroom who are sexual abuse survivors. A good prevention program encourages those children to talk privately about what happened to them and does not increase their burden of guilt. Present your program in a way that doesn’t blame children if they cannot protect themselves.
Remember, if a disclosure is made to you, be neither detective nor counselor. Rather, respond by believing the child, by providing the reassurance that you will do your best to help, by saying that you know it’s not the child’s fault and that it is good that they told you. Continue to be reassuring and available in the classroom. Make opportunities for the child to succeed. Help the child to feel less isolated by returning her or him to regular classroom activities. Refer to the school counselor or nurse and make any required reports.