I'm almost finished with the teaching of 6th grade Health/HIV-AIDS. I felt inclined to do a "part II" on this topic only because I said I would...and I should probably follow up with my few readers out there (Apparently, I have "readers"...who knew?).
It's been a journey. A fun-embarrassing-laughing-hiding-in-the-corner-curious journey for the 6th graders. I have a few students that ask question after question about anything and everything (I really wish I could share because it's so darn hilarious)...and then I have the students who can't even look at me in the hallway anymore. I find it all quite entertaining, really.
I do really want to believe in the 6th graders and their innocence, but then the reality sets in that my sweet, innocent 6th graders...well, maybe they aren't so innocent after all. This scares me...downright terrifies me actually. They are only eleven and twelve years old. ONLY ELEVEN AND TWELVE! I'm thankful my 6th graders are in an elementary school setting because I think having them in a middle school setting would provide more opportunities for risky behavior. (Although, there are many wonderful things about having the 6th graders in a middle school setting.)
Many have asked, "How do you teach that stuff?" Well, honestly, the first 10 minutes are awkward and then it gets easier...well, relatively easier. The first read aloud of the word penis brings a giggling snicker throughout the entire class, including myself. The giggling and snickers only get louder as the descriptions, definitions, pictures and questions get more in depth. (Did I mention that the snickers get louder from me too?) I merely look at this as an opportunity to make sure my students know the difference between making a risky behavior decision versus a safe decision.
Truthfully, I hope that I have given them just the right amount of knowledge, as well as, placed just the right amount of fear in them...they are only 11 and 12 after all.
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