What IS appropriate in a Kindergarten sex ed program? (beliefs, homosexual)

[VanCrackin]

To teach ALOT of this material to children, you would have to make it very PC and very simple, as to avoid complications.
Of course, in some cases, I understand the simplification as a basis to build upon in years to come.

Personally, I think instead of spreading this program out over the course of 3 years and simplifying those ideas into concepts too narrow to really give the kids an idea of how important this information is, they should mash the program into 1 year starting when the kids turn 8. After that, it should be a core class until 10th grade or so.

Yes, its natural for kids to show each other private parts, as many of you have stated. But if you teach the 5 year old boys what a penis is, and then the 5 year old girls what a vagina is, and then state that "intercourse is the act of putting a penis inside a vagina..."
Well, lets say kids will be doing more than just being exhibitionists. Teaching them sex ed will not do anything but provoke their curiosity more. So I say teach them when they are 8, when that curiousity is at least mostly held in check by morality.

What does need to be fully covered at the age of five:
Positive Body Image
Sexual Abuse/Assault/Violence/Harassments
Anatomy

Some of the other topics such as homosexuality need to be touched on, but lightly as to avoid PTA complications at such a young age.

[Papersock]

Everything I know about all these subjects I pretty much had to learn on my own. No one taught me anything.
It might have been nice to be taught why I did certain things, rather than just be treated like it was shameful and an embarrassment without any explanation.

I started to pick and choose what I thought would be appropriate in Kindergarten sex ed, but then I thought if you're going to teach some of these subjects, you might as well teach all of them.

[Mercy Not Sacrifice]

Originally Posted by lunamoth

At one time children learned about sexuality by sleeping in the same room as their parents, and many other extended family members.

What disgusts me to no end is that families who do this now might be suspected of pedophilia.

Originally Posted by Nanda

My mom told me once that she remembers learning the names of colors and shapes in Kindergarten, so I believe Rick. But things have changed and advanced a LOT in the last forty years, and if a kid doesn't already have a basic understanding of such things by Kindergarten, then they're behind.

Oh they still learn colors and shapes--just different kinds of shapes!

[Aasimar]

Anything on your list is fine, but I'm fairly certain when I was a kindergarten student I would not have understood or cared about any of it, might wanna wait a few years when it would really sink in.

[Pariah]

Originally Posted by Mercy Not Sacrifice

What disgusts me to no end is that families who do this now might be suspected of pedophilia.

I heard that in Europe, once upon a time, fathers and grandfathers would take their sons and grandsons to brothels to "break them in", if you will. Does anyone if this just a rumor or another sinful aspect of European culture?

Also, I second this statement:

Originally Posted by Aasimar

Anything on your list is fine, but I'm fairly certain when I was a kindergarten student I would not have understood or cared about any of it, might wanna wait a few years when it would really sink in.

[powder21]

Originally Posted by jonny

The sex ed for kindergarteners thread had a crappy poll. Sorry about that. I take responsibility & am restarting this thread in hopes that we can have a real conversation.

The Siecus Sex Ed program, which is supported by UUs and Obama's Church of Christ through their Our Whole Lives sex ed program, gives lists the following as recommended teachings for the first level of the program (Ages 5-8). It does not really go into details on what should be taught when - only that it should be taught by the time the child turns 9 in order to prepare them for future sex ed classes.

"Concept 1" OK. I'm having a little trouble with mostly everything in "Concept 1" at such a young age. I think most of that should come into play at like 12 or so. Around the time when puberty is coming into play. Except for the topic 4: Body Image. I think that's something that should be taught at a young age.

"Concept 2" Topics 1 and 2 Families and Friends, definitely good for being taught at a young age. 5-8 should be learning about these. The other topics I don't think should come into to play until just before high school. Like 8th grade or so.

"Concept 3" Definitely!!! Every topic in that "concept" are excellent things that we need to be teaching our young'ns!

"Concept 4" This one's a little iffy at such a young age. "Most children are curious about their bodies." True. That's something that should be carefully addressed. Masturbation on the other hand. I don't even think I was able to get an erection when I was 5-8, so I don't think that's a necessity at that young of an age. "People often kiss, hug, touch, and engage in other sexual behaviors with one another to show caring and to feel good." This is something that definitely needs to be addressed at a young age, but only as far as what's appropriate and what isn't. To make sure that the child knows what to do when faced with inappropriate behavior.

"Concept 5" Topic 7: Sexual Abuse, Assault, Violence, and Harassment: Definitely needs to be addressed at a young age. Everything else in this "concept" I would say wait until later for those discussions.

"Concept 6" I'm pretty much OK with everything in this "concept" being taught at a young age. Especially "Gender Roles" and "Diversity".

Well, those are my thoughts on this one. When I have kids (which I hope will happen SOMEDAY ) , I'm going to have to make sure I stay informed as to what their teaching in school at a young age, because some of this stuff is just not appropriate/necessary in my opinion.

[powder21]

Originally Posted by jonny

The ones I have a problem with are the ones I've always had a problem with:
- Masturbation - I don't think it's an appropriate topic for kindergarteners.
- Abortion - I personally don't think that this topic should really be included in a sex ed program until middle school or high school. I realize that they are only trying to lay the foundation for the topic in these early years, but I feel that the topic is too complicated and controversial for a kindergartener to understand properly.
- Sexual orientation - Kindergarten kids are not at the point where they can really understand sexual attraction, so teaching the topic is over their heads.
- Reproduction - I'd prefer to wait until the child is a bit older to start getting into details on this.

I agree quite a bit with this post. I would like to know your thoughts on my post if that's alright with you.

Also

Children like to expiriment. If you teach them about these things before they are able to make wise decisions, some of them will try them out.

I think the fact that children like to experiment could also be seen as a reason to teach certain things, but not everything in the plan mentioned in this thread. However, if I had to choose to endorse this plan or not endorse it, I'd endorse it.

[Holly]

They should be taught basic reproductive anatomy and physiology and also should be taught about reproduction.

[Sola'lor]

I guess I should change my views a bit. Children should be taught to avoid child abuse/assault/harrasment/etc. They should also be taught about their anatomy, but using only general terms like, "private parts." Kids don't need to know the specific differences between males and females until they are older.