Getting Ready to Teach Sexual Health
In this section you will find tools and information to prepare you to teach sexual health material and answer questions. Topics include: personal values, instructional methods, ground rules, diversity, sexual and gender identity, puberty, and answering frequently asked questions.
Your Values
Before you teach human sexuality, you need to understand your own values and biases. It’s important because you don’t want project your personal values upon your students. The way you teach sexual health is as important as the information itself.
Review and reflect on these key statements to help you assess your values, as they could influence your teaching style.
Diversity
Teachers play a vital role in supporting students and developing strategies that show we value diversity. Review tips on how to create a diverse classroom and school environment.
Gender Identity & Expression
Many people use words that assume everyone is heterosexual/cisgender (heteronormative language). We can’t assume someone’s gender identity and expression by looking at them. Teachers play an important role in helping students develop and show respect for sexual orientation and gender diversity. Using inclusive language that does not make assumptions is a way of showing respect and honouring diversity as strength.
Review strategies that can support and include all of your students, families and colleagues.
Instructional Methods
Students engage when instructional methods emphasize active and experiential learning. Just as in other curriculum areas, using role play, small groups, class discussion and videos in sexual health education can bring the curriculum to life.
This section includes ideas and tips on how to include these activities in the classroom.
Preparing to Teach Puberty
This is a step by step guide for any teacher who is teaching puberty. Included is background information on puberty, preparing yourself to teach puberty, how to answer student questions and examples of frequently asked questions.
Ground Rules
Sexual Health Education works best in classrooms where there’s a mutual feeling of trust, safety and comfort. Ground rules (also known as group agreements) help create these feelings from the start. In order to facilitate this use the ground rules outlined in this section.
Answering Questions
Making time for and responding to student questions is an important part of sexual health education. Asking questions helps students clarify and confirm the information being presented. Learn how to implement opportunity for students to ask their questions as well as how to answer their questions.
Student FAQ
Included is a list of common questions from students to help you prepare responses to questions you may receive during class or from the question box.