Family life education - 5th grade

[Anonymous]

I know I'm going to agree to my 5th grader's family life education, but for some reason I'm so surprised that my little boy is going to learn the facts of life. Anyone else feel the same way? (And yes, we will be following up on the lesson plan with a discussion at home).

[Anonymous]

Hasn't 5th grade always been standard? We had divided gender sex ed in 5th grade 20 years ago.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hasn't 5th grade always been standard? We had divided gender sex ed in 5th grade 20 years ago.

Yes, I learned it as well 30 years ago in 5th grade. I'm just saying that now that I'm the parent it's hard to believe that it is time. No, we haven't had the discussion yet.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I know I'm going to agree to my 5th grader's family life education, but for some reason I'm so surprised that my little boy is going to learn the facts of life. Anyone else feel the same way? (And yes, we will be following up on the lesson plan with a discussion at home).

This should be the other way around.

[Anonymous]

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.

[Anonymous]

Perhaps you should do it at home first. The It'd So Amazing books are pretty good.

[Anonymous]

*It's

[Anonymous]

Considering possible shenanigans starting in 6th, I'd say the earlier the explanations, the better.

[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.

My son had a similar reaction. It was too much for him. His exact words were that it was more than he was ready to know about right now. We also ended up opting out of STD day.

[Anonymous]

You are just getting this in 5th grade? Our school started it in 3rd grade with basic boy/girl busy development info. I think it's good they start it then. Some parents, unfortunately, won't talk about it. I'd hate to be the girl who gets her period at 10 yrs old and nobody has told her what to expect. Sadly, that happens.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Perhaps you should do it at home first. The It'd So Amazing books are pretty good.

Thank you for this recommendation!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You are just getting this in 5th grade? Our school started it in 3rd grade with basic boy/girl busy development info. I think it's good they start it then. Some parents, unfortunately, won't talk about it. I'd hate to be the girl who gets her period at 10 yrs old and nobody has told her what to expect. Sadly, that happens.

Of course we talk about those things at home. Duh. Most parents do, but in an age appropriate way that is developmentally appropriate for their kid.

In fifth grade, many kids are still playing with legos, wanting to believe in Santa Claus, or still wanting to play with their American Girl Dolls. There is nothing wrong with stepping it back on sex ed, such as discussions of STDs, if the child is not ready for it. Quite contrary to what you might want to think, not every fifth or sixth grader is engaging in "shenanigans" including the ones who are curious about things.

[Anonymous]

We had it in 5th grade too, not divided by gender, 25 years ago.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You are just getting this in 5th grade? Our school started it in 3rd grade with basic boy/girl busy development info. I think it's good they start it then. Some parents, unfortunately, won't talk about it. I'd hate to be the girl who gets her period at 10 yrs old and nobody has told her what to expect. Sadly, that happens.

There is a huge difference between the 3 & 4 grade FLE and 5 grade FLE. Just look at the lesson plan. Yes, girls are taught about their menstural cycle in 4 grade.