Family life education - 5th grade

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hope you've already discussed the facts of life at this point, and the classroom just reinforces what you've discussed regarding the biology.

If you're in Virginia, there's also a very strong abstinence-only basis to the curriculum, where they tell you about the "morality" of having sex.

What's wrong with that? If they're going to teach it in the schools, I think this is the way to do it! Why would anyone be against that?????? And btw this is the "va public schools" forum.

The head in the sand approach? Plenty of parents are against it and realize that that approach is counterproductive. Schools should teach the facts about sex ed (if they are going to do it at all) and let the moralizing be done at home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hope you've already discussed the facts of life at this point, and the classroom just reinforces what you've discussed regarding the biology.

If you're in Virginia, there's also a very strong abstinence-only basis to the curriculum, where they tell you about the "morality" of having sex.

What's wrong with that? If they're going to teach it in the schools, I think this is the way to do it! Why would anyone be against that?????? And btw this is the "va public schools" forum.

What's wrong with that is:

1) I don't want the state telling my kids what is moral.
2) I don't want the state telling my kids to avoid sex until marriage. That's an impractical message.

[Anonymous]

It is not moralizing.

They are stating a fact that the best aay to avoid STDs and pregnancy is through abstinence.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I hope you've already discussed the facts of life at this point, and the classroom just reinforces what you've discussed regarding the biology.

If you're in Virginia, there's also a very strong abstinence-only basis to the curriculum, where they tell you about the "morality" of having sex.

They don't actually use a "morality" argument, FYI. They just stress abstinence is the best and most effective way to avoid pregnancy, stds, etc.

The letter sent home used the word morality.

[Anonymous]

For me it's this: do you need the school to teach your children anything about their own body, development, sex, family? If you do, FCPS will do it for you. Otherwise, opt out.

I've opted out some lessons in the past. I'm opting out of all now. Mine know the biology of sex ed and I taught them the rest myself.

Please. These children don't need anymore on their plates. They are children. Why show them slides of STD infected skin and talk about the impact of AIDS on the body when they're so young? Gross! A 60 minute movie on sex trafficking? No. My children are hardly out of my sight unless they're at school. (And I'm on texting/emailing terms with the teachers.)

You can opt out whatever lesson you choose and you can do something totally different the next year. It's 6th and 7th grade that ...well, look for yourself and make your own decision. The students do not discuss it outside FLE at our school and my children like the group they join as opted out students. Just be aware.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For me it's this: do you need the school to teach your children anything about their own body, development, sex, family? If you do, FCPS will do it for you. Otherwise, opt out.

I've opted out some lessons in the past. I'm opting out of all now. Mine know the biology of sex ed and I taught them the rest myself.

Please. These children don't need anymore on their plates. They are children. Why show them slides of STD infected skin and talk about the impact of AIDS on the body when they're so young? Gross! A 60 minute movie on sex trafficking? No. My children are hardly out of my sight unless they're at school. (And I'm on texting/emailing terms with the teachers.)

You can opt out whatever lesson you choose and you can do something totally different the next year. It's 6th and 7th grade that ...well, look for yourself and make your own decision. The students do not discuss it outside FLE at our school and my children like the group they join as opted out students. Just be aware.

Thank you for this. You sound very reasonable and informed.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:FYI - some kids aren't ready to hear about it. I am pro-sex-ed, but my 5th grader was traumatized (like crying) by the sex ed talks. She even tried to opt herself out. After seeing her reaction for a couple of days, I opted her out on the STD day. She said they wouldn't let the kids cover their ears or eyes or put their heads down if there were parts that were too much.

So, just consider whether your child is really ready or how he/she reacts. It might be more than your child is ready to see. FWIW, I had verbally talked about the concepts before this... but the graphic nature of sex ed sent her over the edge.

Most of my friends were already having sex by 5th grade. 3 girls even got pregnant that year in my school. They all had their babies in 6th grade however. Times they are changing I guess.

[Anonymous]

Is the curriculum available to review now? I understand there have been changes since last year related to instruction regarding gender identity, etc. but I have not reviewed the curriculum for this year.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FYI - some kids aren't ready to hear about it. I am pro-sex-ed, but my 5th grader was traumatized (like crying) by the sex ed talks. She even tried to opt herself out. After seeing her reaction for a couple of days, I opted her out on the STD day. She said they wouldn't let the kids cover their ears or eyes or put their heads down if there were parts that were too much.

So, just consider whether your child is really ready or how he/she reacts. It might be more than your child is ready to see. FWIW, I had verbally talked about the concepts before this... but the graphic nature of sex ed sent her over the edge.

Most of my friends were already having sex by 5th grade. 3 girls even got pregnant that year in my school. They all had their babies in 6th grade however. Times they are changing I guess.

Wow. Where do you grow up?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FYI - some kids aren't ready to hear about it. I am pro-sex-ed, but my 5th grader was traumatized (like crying) by the sex ed talks. She even tried to opt herself out. After seeing her reaction for a couple of days, I opted her out on the STD day. She said they wouldn't let the kids cover their ears or eyes or put their heads down if there were parts that were too much.

So, just consider whether your child is really ready or how he/she reacts. It might be more than your child is ready to see. FWIW, I had verbally talked about the concepts before this... but the graphic nature of sex ed sent her over the edge.

Most of my friends were already having sex by 5th grade. 3 girls even got pregnant that year in my school. They all had their babies in 6th grade however. Times they are changing I guess.

Wow. Where do you grow up?

on the west coast

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I learned a lot on the playground. My mother shoved a book at me a couple of times, but was uncomfortable answering any questions.

Send your kid. Get some books. Answer his questions.

What else was she supposed to do?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:FYI - some kids aren't ready to hear about it. I am pro-sex-ed, but my 5th grader was traumatized (like crying) by the sex ed talks. She even tried to opt herself out. After seeing her reaction for a couple of days, I opted her out on the STD day. She said they wouldn't let the kids cover their ears or eyes or put their heads down if there were parts that were too much.

So, just consider whether your child is really ready or how he/she reacts. It might be more than your child is ready to see. FWIW, I had verbally talked about the concepts before this... but the graphic nature of sex ed sent her over the edge.

Most of my friends were already having sex by 5th grade. 3 girls even got pregnant that year in my school. They all had their babies in 6th grade however. Times they are changing I guess.

Wow. Where do you grow up?

on the west coast

I just can't imagine this. This isn't typical of 5th graders.

[Anonymous]

Then run to FLE! You recognize that as wrong and horrible on all levels, right? 5th grade is rape and parents should be arrested for negligence. Please don't retell that story because it is past upsetting to think that girls that young had time, space, opportunity, and thoughts like that. Scarring for young girls. The brain isn't even developed enough to make that kind of decision.

My children are not going. I'm in charge of them.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: My children are hardly out of my sight unless they're at school. (And I'm on texting/emailing terms with the teachers.)

You are texting your children's teachers? For real? Did you already know them/have a friendship with them prior to them becoming your children's teachers? If not, texting seems inappropriate.

[Anonymous]

Fwiw you can't opt your kid our of whatever information they hear on the bus and playground unless you homeschool.