PARENT RESOURCE GUIDE Human Growth and Development Program GRADE 4 & 5 2019-2020 If a student or parent/guardian would prefer to have this information translated into Spanish, please contact us at 834-6620. Si un estudiante, padre ó guardian prefiere tener esta información traducida en Español, por favor contactenos en el 834-6620. If a student or parent/guardian would prefer to have this information translated into Hmong, please contact us at 834-6630. Yog tus me nyuam lub xiv los yog niam thiab txiv/tus neeg muaj cai saib xyuas tus me nyuam xav tau qhov ntawv ntawm no ua lus Hmoob, thov hais rau peb paub rau ntawm 834-6630
SUN PRAIRIE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT PHILOSOPHY It is important to acknowledge the role of parents as the primary educators of their children’s human growth and development. Therefore, the curriculum and materials presented and used in the classroom are designed to supplement and further the goals of the parents in providing children with a balanced and thoughtful program. Growth and development are natural and integral parts of being human from birth until death. All individuals experience changes in their bodies, their emotions, their relationships, and their sexual feelings. Society, however, often gives people mixed messages along with misinformation, and very little specific information about how to deal with their sexuality. All children need an opportunity to learn about human growth in a factual manner so they can further develop a personal standard of behavior based on their family, religious, social, and educational experiences.
STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION No student may be discriminated against in any school programs, activities or in facilities usage because of the student's sex, color, religion, profession or demonstration of belief or non-belief, race, national origin, ancestry, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, homelessness status, sexual orientation or physical, mental, emotional or learning disability. Harassment is a form of discrimination and shall not be tolerated in the district. It is the responsibility of administrators, staff members and all students to ensure that student discrimination or harassment does not occur. (SPASD District Policy JB)
SUN PRAIRIE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT GOALS GRADES 4-5 The instructional program will include topics related to human growth and development, promote accurate knowledge and responsible decision-making, and support the efforts of parents in dealing with human growth and development issues. Goals: 1. Increase self-awareness and build self-esteem and assertiveness. 2. Develop skills to help understand and develop interpersonal relationships. 3. Promote healthy choices in regard to human growth and development. 4. Recognize that all individuals have choices in regard to human growth and development. 5. Provide accurate information about human sexuality, including reproductive systems, conception, and childbirth, and human development, birth through adulthood. 6. Promote the understanding of sexuality as a normal and natural part of being human from birth until death. 7. Provide accurate facts about communicable diseases. 8. Promote appropriate self-care and hygiene skills. 9. Encourage parent awareness and involvement in human growth and development instruction.
SUN PRAIRIE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES By the end of fourth grade, students will explain the changes of puberty and the process of human reproduction. Students will: ●
Use accurate terminology to explain the structure and function of the human reproductive system.
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Understand physical and emotional changes in both males and females as related to puberty.
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Realize that learning to get along with others is a unique process for each individual and that they are affected by and affect those with whom they associate.
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Recognize the importance of personal and family values to decision making.
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Be able to describe appropriate methods of handling the changes of puberty.
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Be allowed to ask confidential questions within the guidelines of the anonymous question box.
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HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OBJECTIVES By the end of fifth grade, students will explain the changes of puberty and the process of human reproduction. Students will: ●
Explain the structure and function of the human reproductive system.
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Demonstrate knowledge of puberty and understand the physical and emotional changes in males and females.
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Explain the process of conception.
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Appreciate the impact of the family on, and importance of the family to, individual development.
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Be able to explain how varying rates of physical development can affect relationships.
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Understand the difference between passive, assertive, and aggressive tones.
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Practice communicating with friends of the opposite gender.
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Demonstrate knowledge of health-related resources and identification of skills involved in seeking assistance for concerns regarding puberty.
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Be allowed to ask confidential questions within the guidelines of the anonymous question box.
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HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT PARENT’S ROLE Parents should be the primary human growth and development educators of their children. However, many parents would like assistance with this area. Some parents are very uncomfortable dealing with this, while other parents ignore it, assuming if it is not discussed nothing will happen. Some parents inundate their children with too much information too early, while other parents allow their children to learn only from peers which often results in misinformation. Too often children learn from their mistakes, which parents also share, when a teenage pregnancy occurs. Today, we are bombarded with sexual messages that are often unrealistic or distorted. Our children are exposed to these messages through a variety of media and may use them as a basis for decisionmaking. Studies indicate that parents are not currently the primary source for “sex education” for their children. These sources are peers and mass media. Children lacking factual information are often confused, curious, and unprepared to make wise choices. Our children need to be able to make sound, rational decisions. However, decision-making is not inherited, it needs to be learned. Our children must learn to take responsibility for their actions through a rational thinking process which includes looking at alternatives, anticipating results, selecting the best alternative and then being accountable for that decision. Children need to make decisions based on their family, religious, social, and educational experiences. The emphasis, therefore, of the Sun Prairie School District’s Human Growth and Development curriculum is two-fold. The first main component is presenting factual information. The second is helping students learn how to use decision-making skills based on this information, including using these skills to analyze all alternatives. Abstinence, choosing not to become sexually active, must be recognized as an alternative, as well as the only 100% effective way to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Our children need to feel comfortable in saying no to the many pressures that are bombarding them. Parents and schools need to work together to help our children acquire these skills. There will be a parent information night prior to the teaching of this unit. Parents will have a chance to review materials and ask about the program. Parents who desire any additional information on the HG&D program and would like to review instructional materials in private may do so by contacting your school’s health instructor. Parents may exempt their child from all or part of this unit of instruction by filing a written request for exemption with the principal. If you decide to educate your child without our participation, please do so with straightforward and open discussion. We need to keep in mind that times change. We cannot afford to be comfortable and expect that “what was good for us is good for our children.” Working together, we can promote positive attitudes about human growth and development.
SUN PRAIRIE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 1. Why does the Sun Prairie School District offer human growth and development education when it is the parents’ responsibility and right? Because sexuality is a normal and natural part of human development from birth to death, children need to learn about their sexuality. They need to learn about it in a factual manner so they can further develop a personal standard of behavior based on their family, religious, social, and educational experiences. They need to learn about decision-making and feeling comfortable in saying no to pressures from peers, media, and adults. We also recognize that parents should be the primary human growth and development educators of their children. The Sun Prairie School District’s Human Growth and Development Program is intended to supplement and further the aim of parents in providing children with a balanced and thoughtful program.
2. Why offer a Human Growth and Development Program? Doesn’t that encourage experimentation? The Sun Prairie School District has been providing some information in the area of human growth and development, but the curriculum has been limited. The revised program stresses saying no (abstinence), accurate information, and wise decision-making. Studies have shown that accurate information has decreased, instead of increased experimentation. Adolescents already know about sexual intercourse in general, but do not understand the ramifications and consequences that go with early sexual activity. They do not understand the emotional, social, and health ramifications as well as the economic consequences if they become adolescent parents. These are included in the curriculum.
3. Aren’t elementary students too young to be taught about human growth and development? It is not a Human Growth and Development Program that introduces this topic. Elementary students are already receiving information from friends, magazines, radio, television, records, movies, and newspapers. Much of this “information” is really misinformation and myths. While parents often provide accurate information, what the Sun Prairie School provides is age appropriate. It does not go into details that students are not able to understand at the elementary level. If elementary students understand the basic information on sexuality, the consequences of early sexual activity, the value of abstinence, how to say no to pressure and how to make responsible decisions, they will be able to more easily cope with some of the pressures that they are faced with throughout life.
4. When do students receive health education in middle and high school? Health education is taught by the classroom teacher in grades Kindergarten - 3rd grade. 4th and 5th graders have health class taught by a health teacher for one semester during each grade. This is when the Human Growth and Development unit is taught in elementary school. 8th graders have health class for one semester at the middle school level. High school students take on semester of health during any of their high school years.
5. Who can I contact if I have any questions? You can contact your school’s health instructor, building principal, or the Assistant District Administrator of Instructional Programs.
SUN PRAIRIE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
GUIDELINES FOR THE USE OF THE ANONYMOUS QUESTION BOX The following guidelines have been created to assist staff members as they respond to students’ questions in regard to sexuality issues.
Students will be aware of the purpose of and guidelines for the question box. Questions will be answered simply and factually. Clinical definitions for slang terms should be provided. Not every question asked by students needs to be answered. When students ask questions reflecting personal or sexual values, they will be referred to their parents. Questions regarding the sexual experiences of any particular person, including the instructor, will not be answered.
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SUN PRAIRIE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
EXAMPLES OF ANONYMOUS QUESTIONS FROM 4TH GRADE STUDENTS “Why do girls get their periods?” “What color is semen?” “How fast does puberty go?” “If a girl’s breast is developing, does that mean she’s going to grow hair in the pubic areas?” “When you are on your period, I heard you should not take a bath because you can get a disease.” “What is a tampax or a maxipad?” “At what age do you start getting your period?” “What is a wet dream?” “Can you go swimming when you have your period?” “How come your penis gets hard sometimes?” “What is sex?” “At what age do you start developing eggs?” “Why do we grow hair on our arms, legs and private parts?” “Why do we have to go through puberty?” “How do you know when you are starting puberty?”
SUN PRAIRIE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
EXAMPLES OF ANONYMOUS QUESTIONS FROM 5TH GRADE STUDENTS “How come sometimes, when you have your period, it really hurts?” “What is the latest you start puberty?” “Why do people have babies?” “Do you still have your period when you are pregnant?” “How do eggs get into your body?” “What if two sperm get into the egg?” “How do you know that your period is coming?” “Why does puberty take so long?” “How fast does the baby develop?” “Why does a girl get their period if they don’t want to have kids?” “How do you get erections?” “What is sex?” “I have heard of girls that get cancer in the place where their egg is. Why do they get it and how do they get it?” (Tell in class please!) “At what age do you start getting your period?” “When your penis gets hard, can someone else see it through your pants?” “How are twins made?” “What causes birth defects?”
SUN PRAIRIE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
THE MEANING BEHIND THE QUESTIONS It is helpful to categorize questions before responding to determine what is actually being asked. Most questions fit into the following categories: Information-Seeking Questions These questions may arise out of curiosity or a need for clarification. The questions may be answered with factual information. However, if there are some valid issues within the context of the questions, students will be referred to their parents. Am-I-Normal Questions These questions generally focus on adolescent concerns about their bodies and the emotional and physical changes they are experiencing. Validate their concerns and provide information about what they can expect to happen during the adolescent years. Permission-Seeking-Advice Questions These questions may seek your permission to participate in a particular behavior. Present what is known medically, legally, etc. and discuss the moral, religious, and emotional implications, making sure all points are covered. Point out that what may be right or acceptable to one person, may not be right or acceptable to another person. Shock Questions Sometimes the shock comes not from the content of the questions but the vocabulary utilized. You can reword the questions to defuse it. Keep in mind that a student may not know the medical / technical term or terms. When answering the questions, use correct terminology making sure the students understand.
SUN PRAIRIE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
VIDEO DESCRIPTION 4TH GRADE
Procter & Gamble Always Changing - Girls Video Summary:
This video offers general information that is helpful in teaching adolescent development for girls.
Procter & Gamble Always Changing - Boys Video Summary:
This video offers general information that is helpful in teaching adolescent development for boys. Procter & Gamble Always Changing - Co-ed Video Summary:
This video offers general information that is helpful in teaching adolescent development for boys and girls. All of these videos can be found on the P&G Parent site https://www.pgschoolprograms.com/Parents
SUN PRAIRIE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
VIDEO DESCRIPTION 5TH GRADE Procter & Gamble Always Changing - Girls (original) Video Summary:
This video offers general information that is helpful in teaching adolescent development for girls.
Procter & Gamble Always Changing - Boys (original) Video Summary:
This video offers general information that is helpful in teaching adolescent development for boys.
Procter & Gamble Always Changing - Co-ed (original) Video Summary:
This video offers general information that is helpful in teaching adolescent development for boys and girls.
All of these videos can be found on the P&G Parent site https://www.pgschoolprograms.com/Parents
SUN PRAIRIE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
Parent Website Resources Procter & Gamble - https://www.pgschoolprograms.com/Parents
American Academy of Pediatrics HealthyChildren.org https://www.healthychildren.org/English/Pages/default.aspx
KidsHealth.org - https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/growth/?WT.ac=p-nav-growth
SUN PRAIRIE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT Bibliography Blackstone, Margaret, Haden Guest, Elissa and Pollack, Barbara. 2002. Girl Stuff: A Survival Guide to Growing Up. Brown, Laurene and Brown, Marc. 1997. What’s the Big Secret? Talking About Sex With Girls and Boys. Cole, Joanna. 2002. When You Were Inside Mommy. Davis, Jennifer and Mackie, Clare. 2001. First Comes Love: All About The Birds And Bees – And Alligators, Possums, And People, Too. Douglas, Ann and Douglas, Julie. 2002. Body Talk: The Straight Facts on Fitness, Nutrition, and Feeling Great About Yourself! (Girl Zone Series). Gravelle, Karen and Gravelle, Jennifer. 1996. The Period Book: Everything You Don’t Want to Ask – But Need To Know. Harris, Robie H. and Emberley, Michael. 2001. It’s So Amazing!: A Book About Eggs, Sperm, Birth, Babies and Families. Harris, Robie and Emberley, Michael. 1996. It’s Perfectly Normal: Changing Bodies, Growing Up, Sex and Sexual Health. Jukes, Mavis and Tilley, Debbie. 1998. Growing Up: It’s a Girl Thing: Straight Talk About First Bras, First Periods, and Your Changing Body. Jukes, Mavis and Tilley, Debbie. 1997. It’s a Girl Thing: How to Stay Healthy, Safe and in Charge. Jukes, Mavis. 2002. The Guy Book: An Owner’s Manual. Westheimer, Ruth K and deGroat, Diane. 1993. Dr. Ruth Talks to Kids: Where You Came From, How Your Body Changes, and What Sex Is All About.
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