Comments on: Kickin’ it way too old-school http://www.thegridto.com/city/sexuality/kickin-it-way-too-old-school/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=kickin-it-way-too-old-school Toronto's new weekly city magazine Mon, 20 May 2013 01:45:02 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.1.2 By: Sarah http://www.thegridto.com/city/sexuality/kickin-it-way-too-old-school/#comment-44744 Sarah Wed, 13 Feb 2013 01:01:31 +0000 http://www.thegridto.com/?p=85507#comment-44744 Alanna, good for you!!! I know many an educator who would like to read about the results of your research. I hope the results are sent to someone in gov't who is not afraid to update the curriculum to meet the needs of our students in this century! Then again, if the government just listened to the teachers who work with these children every day and understand their needs, they wouldn't even need the damn research results - as I gaurantee it's what we have all been saying! Kids need factual age appropriate information from a caring adult, not an ill informed peer. Good luck and thanks for supporting our students through your research. :) Alanna, good for you!!! I know many an educator who would like to read about the results of your research. I hope the results are sent to someone in gov’t who is not afraid to update the curriculum to meet the needs of our students in this century! Then again, if the government just listened to the teachers who work with these children every day and understand their needs, they wouldn’t even need the damn research results – as I gaurantee it’s what we have all been saying! Kids need factual age appropriate information from a caring adult, not an ill informed peer. Good luck and thanks for supporting our students through your research. :)

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]]> By: Sarah http://www.thegridto.com/city/sexuality/kickin-it-way-too-old-school/#comment-44742 Sarah Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:50:07 +0000 http://www.thegridto.com/?p=85507#comment-44742 This is why I will not teach in the Catholic system. It actually makes me sad that our Ontario gov't provides funding for these religious schools if this is what goes on! You're not the first student I've heard this from. As a (public NOT catholic) elementary school educator this is such a disappoint to hear. This is why I support our public non-faith based education system. What a shame... This is why I will not teach in the Catholic system. It actually makes me sad that our Ontario gov’t provides funding for these religious schools if this is what goes on! You’re not the first student I’ve heard this from. As a (public NOT catholic) elementary school educator this is such a disappoint to hear. This is why I support our public non-faith based education system. What a shame…

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]]> By: Sarah http://www.thegridto.com/city/sexuality/kickin-it-way-too-old-school/#comment-44741 Sarah Wed, 13 Feb 2013 00:44:43 +0000 http://www.thegridto.com/?p=85507#comment-44741 Most elementary educators are 'comfortable and knowledge' about teaching sex ed and go out of their way to find resources and activities to support the curriculum. I think the underlying issue is a government and curriculum document that does not support what educators feel needs to be discussed with students; and educators being legally allowed to provide information that is developmentally appropriate. The nut case parents the other 2 teachers here mention are entirely real and terrifying for those of us that would preferably like to keep our jobs. If only they knew the sexual behaviours some of the student's in their kids classes were engaging in! Their mind may change very quickly about the kind of factual information students need to get from an educator, instead of a peer. For every parent like Jillian who is open and supportive about her children's sexuality, there is a parent who refuses to accept the teenager their 'baby' will one day soon become, and will do anything to (in their mind) protect them from receiving this age appropriate information. The author writes an excellent article that puts the onus the root cause of the problem (an outdated curriculum document that legally binds us; and a government that supports a very small minority of right wing extremist parents instead of the best interest of students today - thanks Dalton for again, sticking up for your liberal election interests instead of the best interests of students!). There is many an educator in this province who would like to see the document updated so that we can better support our student's with factual, age appropriate information as they grow into their sexuality. It is a pleasure to work with many parents like Jillian who understand the need to provide their children with age appropriate information and a supportive environment where children feel they can ask caring adults 'tough questions'. Thank you for writing this piece! Most elementary educators are ‘comfortable and knowledge’ about teaching sex ed and go out of their way to find resources and activities to support the curriculum. I think the underlying issue is a government and curriculum document that does not support what educators feel needs to be discussed with students; and educators being legally allowed to provide information that is developmentally appropriate. The nut case parents the other 2 teachers here mention are entirely real and terrifying for those of us that would preferably like to keep our jobs. If only they knew the sexual behaviours some of the student’s in their kids classes were engaging in! Their mind may change very quickly about the kind of factual information students need to get from an educator, instead of a peer. For every parent like Jillian who is open and supportive about her children’s sexuality, there is a parent who refuses to accept the teenager their ‘baby’ will one day soon become, and will do anything to (in their mind) protect them from receiving this age appropriate information.

The author writes an excellent article that puts the onus the root cause of the problem (an outdated curriculum document that legally binds us; and a government that supports a very small minority of right wing extremist parents instead of the best interest of students today – thanks Dalton for again, sticking up for your liberal election interests instead of the best interests of students!). There is many an educator in this province who would like to see the document updated so that we can better support our student’s with factual, age appropriate information as they grow into their sexuality. It is a pleasure to work with many parents like Jillian who understand the need to provide their children with age appropriate information and a supportive environment where children feel they can ask caring adults ‘tough questions’. Thank you for writing this piece!

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]]> By: alexanderkeith http://www.thegridto.com/city/sexuality/kickin-it-way-too-old-school/#comment-42138 alexanderkeith Thu, 29 Nov 2012 12:49:30 +0000 http://www.thegridto.com/?p=85507#comment-42138 School boards and policies will constantly be playing catch-up with the ever-changing landscape of society and education. However, let us not forget that the teachers' realm only extends so far. Ultimately, it is the parents' responsibility to ensure that their children are nurtured and brought up with the knowledge and understanding of critical issues. Health, nutrition, sexual education, values and academics are largely influenced by the family. Don't pawn off your children to the world! School boards and policies will constantly be playing catch-up with the ever-changing landscape of society and education. However, let us not forget that the teachers’ realm only extends so far. Ultimately, it is the parents’ responsibility to ensure that their children are nurtured and brought up with the knowledge and understanding of critical issues. Health, nutrition, sexual education, values and academics are largely influenced by the family. Don’t pawn off your children to the world!

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]]> By: Foxglove http://www.thegridto.com/city/sexuality/kickin-it-way-too-old-school/#comment-42131 Foxglove Thu, 29 Nov 2012 02:13:51 +0000 http://www.thegridto.com/?p=85507#comment-42131 have school boards thought about contracting sex ed out to actual sex educators? that way the teachers could avoid the (understandably) awkward task of reticently doling out lessons and bring someone in that would be more knowledgeable and comfortable? the students would probably feel more free to ask questions to someone that isn't going to teach them about verb declensions next period. i completely agree the material needs an updating. i'm of the ravine-porn (ha) generation as well and i well remember the agony of that outdated curriculum. i also think the teaching method could do with a brush up, and i think bringing experts in is the way to go. have school boards thought about contracting sex ed out to actual sex educators? that way the teachers could avoid the (understandably) awkward task of reticently doling out lessons and bring someone in that would be more knowledgeable and comfortable? the students would probably feel more free to ask questions to someone that isn’t going to teach them about verb declensions next period.

i completely agree the material needs an updating. i’m of the ravine-porn (ha) generation as well and i well remember the agony of that outdated curriculum. i also think the teaching method could do with a brush up, and i think bringing experts in is the way to go.

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]]> By: Antisthenes http://www.thegridto.com/city/sexuality/kickin-it-way-too-old-school/#comment-42129 Antisthenes Thu, 29 Nov 2012 01:09:14 +0000 http://www.thegridto.com/?p=85507#comment-42129 Be careful, know the curriculum and do not go a mm past it. I have used the box too, but those questions I cannot answer I suggest children ask their parents, and tell them I cannot answer what is not covered in the year, or previous years. I know they might ask someone else, but at least I can tell the nutter-parents what I have said. Also, to cut down on the vulgarity on the questions, I tell the students their name must be on it or I will throw it out. However, I also tell them I will not read their name to anyone, and if their question is sincere even if graphic/difficult, there are no repercussions. Be careful, know the curriculum and do not go a mm past it. I have used the box too, but those questions I cannot answer I suggest children ask their parents, and tell them I cannot answer what is not covered in the year, or previous years. I know they might ask someone else, but at least I can tell the nutter-parents what I have said.

Also, to cut down on the vulgarity on the questions, I tell the students their name must be on it or I will throw it out. However, I also tell them I will not read their name to anyone, and if their question is sincere even if graphic/difficult, there are no repercussions.

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]]> By: Antisthenes http://www.thegridto.com/city/sexuality/kickin-it-way-too-old-school/#comment-42128 Antisthenes Thu, 29 Nov 2012 01:04:17 +0000 http://www.thegridto.com/?p=85507#comment-42128 “The majority of teachers will not put their toes over the line... They don’t want to be made to apologize, or be disciplined, or have a letter go into their file.” Exactly. I teach elementary and it becomes clear in your first year that there are religious nutters and Randroids who hate teachers as much as they hate the reality of their children becoming sexual. They'd love nothing better than to get a teacher fired and keep their children ignorant. They have a better chance at succeeding with the former. Most years I can identify these parents, but still have to teach their children, but I have to mindful that there are some I have not. Give me a curriculum like Holland has to cover my backside and I will go as detailed and graphic as necessary. Until then... no, I am not a martyr. “The majority of teachers will not put their toes over the line… They don’t want to be made to apologize, or be disciplined, or have a letter go into their file.”

Exactly. I teach elementary and it becomes clear in your first year that there are religious nutters and Randroids who hate teachers as much as they hate the reality of their children becoming sexual. They’d love nothing better than to get a teacher fired and keep their children ignorant. They have a better chance at succeeding with the former. Most years I can identify these parents, but still have to teach their children, but I have to mindful that there are some I have not.

Give me a curriculum like Holland has to cover my backside and I will go as detailed and graphic as necessary. Until then… no, I am not a martyr.

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]]> By: SD http://www.thegridto.com/city/sexuality/kickin-it-way-too-old-school/#comment-42124 SD Wed, 28 Nov 2012 22:55:58 +0000 http://www.thegridto.com/?p=85507#comment-42124 June is Sex-Ed month. That is the month when reluctant teachers teach sex-ed to their students whom they won't have to teach next year. June is Sex-Ed month. That is the month when reluctant teachers teach sex-ed to their students whom they won’t have to teach next year.

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]]> By: Jillian http://www.thegridto.com/city/sexuality/kickin-it-way-too-old-school/#comment-42102 Jillian Wed, 28 Nov 2012 20:02:09 +0000 http://www.thegridto.com/?p=85507#comment-42102 I am a mother of 4 kids, aged, 13, 15, 17, & 20. My husband & I have raised our kids with the idea that knowledge is power as far as sexuality goes. We both understood the lack of "real" sex-ed that happens in schools and decided it best if our kids heard it from us, on top of what the schools teach. We have a very open policy in that no question is wrong to ask, and every answer we give them would be honest and truthful, even if we had to research the answer and get back to them. As an example, I have just recently had the discussion with my 13 yr old daughter about using condoms for oral sex. She was stunned at my suggestion, to which I replied, "any infections you can get down here (pointing to vagina) you can get up here (pointing to face), besides, why do you think condoms come flavoured? The vagina doesn't care if it's strawberry or vanilla!" Not only do we teach our kids about the mechanics, we discuss the emotions and thoughts about sex. How both partners need to be on the same page (is this sex for love or casual sex?). We discuss slang terms and what they mean. We discuss mastubation, oral sex, anal sex, gay sex, straight sex, perr pressure to have sex, the importance of staying true to themselves regardless of what anyone else says or does. No topic is taboo. My children so far, seem to have very healthy attitudes towards sex. Also noted, is that my children are in fact LESS sexually active than their less-informed peers. I hope this is due to the fact that my husband and I have given them enough information about sex, that they are choosing to have sexual encounters when that moment is right for them as individuals. My only regret is that their classmates turn to my kids for sexual information, instead of their own parents or teachers. I would love to be invited in to field a Q & A period in the schools on sex. I would answer everything honestly, in language the kids understand, and I would not sugar-coat it. Yes, the Ontario Sex-Ed curriculum is outdated, boring and usually taught by nervous phys. ed teachers. This desperately needs to change, especially since, I know I am in the minority of parents ready, willing & able to have these discussions with our children. I am a mother of 4 kids, aged, 13, 15, 17, & 20. My husband & I have raised our kids with the idea that knowledge is power as far as sexuality goes. We both understood the lack of “real” sex-ed that happens in schools and decided it best if our kids heard it from us, on top of what the schools teach. We have a very open policy in that no question is wrong to ask, and every answer we give them would be honest and truthful, even if we had to research the answer and get back to them. As an example, I have just recently had the discussion with my 13 yr old daughter about using condoms for oral sex. She was stunned at my suggestion, to which I replied, “any infections you can get down here (pointing to vagina) you can get up here (pointing to face), besides, why do you think condoms come flavoured? The vagina doesn’t care if it’s strawberry or vanilla!”

Not only do we teach our kids about the mechanics, we discuss the emotions and thoughts about sex. How both partners need to be on the same page (is this sex for love or casual sex?). We discuss slang terms and what they mean. We discuss mastubation, oral sex, anal sex, gay sex, straight sex, perr pressure to have sex, the importance of staying true to themselves regardless of what anyone else says or does. No topic is taboo. My children so far, seem to have very healthy attitudes towards sex. Also noted, is that my children are in fact LESS sexually active than their less-informed peers. I hope this is due to the fact that my husband and I have given them enough information about sex, that they are choosing to have sexual encounters when that moment is right for them as individuals. My only regret is that their classmates turn to my kids for sexual information, instead of their own parents or teachers.

I would love to be invited in to field a Q & A period in the schools on sex. I would answer everything honestly, in language the kids understand, and I would not sugar-coat it.

Yes, the Ontario Sex-Ed curriculum is outdated, boring and usually taught by nervous phys. ed teachers. This desperately needs to change, especially since, I know I am in the minority of parents ready, willing & able to have these discussions with our children.

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]]> By: Gillian http://www.thegridto.com/city/sexuality/kickin-it-way-too-old-school/#comment-42037 Gillian Tue, 27 Nov 2012 15:11:25 +0000 http://www.thegridto.com/?p=85507#comment-42037 Simple answer: outside help costs money. Money the school boards barely have enough of for their own operations. Simple answer: outside help costs money. Money the school boards barely have enough of for their own operations.

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