Need. Red. Bull.
Nov. 15th, 2004 02:39 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
azuriteI'm so exhausted. So why am I here and not at home?
1) My sleep schedule has been whack the past several days, as is my appetite (there was nothing to eat this morning, so I ended up having a Krispy Kreme and a hot cocoa, followed by an apple for lunch). Going home and sleeping won't help matters any.
2) Grandpa's at work, and then he has to go to the doctor or some such. I'm so tired (and my backpack is loaded down with 2 textbooks, 1 workbook, my binder, my planner, and 4 books for my persuasive speech on the 22nd to use as foundational evidence) that I think I'd pass out if I tried to walk home. It's supposed to be 80-something degrees out. WTF?
3) Scott gets out of his critique at 3:30, so if he can give me a ride home, all the better. Plus, I want to know what everyone in his class thought of me as a photographic subject. He invited me to come with him, but I was too shy. X_X
I went to bed at 2am this morning (my, how time flies), and woke up around 7:45am to complete my speech lab... of course the database had to be down! But at least Sharky gave us an extra day to do it, so now I can go home, loaded with my research, and get real evidence. I'd also like to ask everyone to do me a quick and simple favor.
So I'm doing a persuasive speech on sexual education in elementary schools. I'd like to have some testimony from people so I can develop my argument further. Please try and answer as many of these quesrtions as you want/feel comfortable with, with as much detail as desired.
* Did you have a sexual education course in your elementary/primary school (Grades K-5 or 6)?
* If not, did you wish you did (later on?)
* If you did have a course, did you find it informative? Interesting? Useful?
* If you had a course, how did it compare to later courses, either in junior high, high school, or college/university?
* What are your opinions on the necessity (or lack thereof) of sexual education in elementary schools, typically at the 4th or 5th grade level (ages 10-11)?
* What about your parents? Did they ever talk to you about sex, or did they rely soley on your school instructors to inform you? Was it a combination of both?
* If you didn't receive instruction from schools or your parents, when and where did you first learn about sex? Was this form of instruction useful/effective? Why or why not?
* If you were placed in a position where you had to decide whether a child would get sexual education (either as a parent or a teacher), what would influence what you would say, how you would present information, and at what age (of the children) you would feel comfortable addressing specific topics?
Thank you!!
I'm also hoping to get feedback from my father and Baba (educators), Grandpa and other medical practicioners, and my mom (a concerned parent). ^_^
Oh yeah, I think I might do this one later on... and perhaps tweak it for Anzu... *grin* (I frankly think my death is one of the best ways to go. w00t!)
This week I have to get around to writing Media Notebook 2-2, revising 2-1 before the 22nd, wrapping Scott's presents, etc. etc... I feel like there's something else I'm forgetting, but maybe I'll remember it later on? Yeah.
zzzzzz....
1) My sleep schedule has been whack the past several days, as is my appetite (there was nothing to eat this morning, so I ended up having a Krispy Kreme and a hot cocoa, followed by an apple for lunch). Going home and sleeping won't help matters any.
2) Grandpa's at work, and then he has to go to the doctor or some such. I'm so tired (and my backpack is loaded down with 2 textbooks, 1 workbook, my binder, my planner, and 4 books for my persuasive speech on the 22nd to use as foundational evidence) that I think I'd pass out if I tried to walk home. It's supposed to be 80-something degrees out. WTF?
3) Scott gets out of his critique at 3:30, so if he can give me a ride home, all the better. Plus, I want to know what everyone in his class thought of me as a photographic subject. He invited me to come with him, but I was too shy. X_X
I went to bed at 2am this morning (my, how time flies), and woke up around 7:45am to complete my speech lab... of course the database had to be down! But at least Sharky gave us an extra day to do it, so now I can go home, loaded with my research, and get real evidence. I'd also like to ask everyone to do me a quick and simple favor.
So I'm doing a persuasive speech on sexual education in elementary schools. I'd like to have some testimony from people so I can develop my argument further. Please try and answer as many of these quesrtions as you want/feel comfortable with, with as much detail as desired.
* Did you have a sexual education course in your elementary/primary school (Grades K-5 or 6)?
* If not, did you wish you did (later on?)
* If you did have a course, did you find it informative? Interesting? Useful?
* If you had a course, how did it compare to later courses, either in junior high, high school, or college/university?
* What are your opinions on the necessity (or lack thereof) of sexual education in elementary schools, typically at the 4th or 5th grade level (ages 10-11)?
* What about your parents? Did they ever talk to you about sex, or did they rely soley on your school instructors to inform you? Was it a combination of both?
* If you didn't receive instruction from schools or your parents, when and where did you first learn about sex? Was this form of instruction useful/effective? Why or why not?
* If you were placed in a position where you had to decide whether a child would get sexual education (either as a parent or a teacher), what would influence what you would say, how you would present information, and at what age (of the children) you would feel comfortable addressing specific topics?
Thank you!!
I'm also hoping to get feedback from my father and Baba (educators), Grandpa and other medical practicioners, and my mom (a concerned parent). ^_^
Oh yeah, I think I might do this one later on... and perhaps tweak it for Anzu... *grin* (I frankly think my death is one of the best ways to go. w00t!)
This week I have to get around to writing Media Notebook 2-2, revising 2-1 before the 22nd, wrapping Scott's presents, etc. etc... I feel like there's something else I'm forgetting, but maybe I'll remember it later on? Yeah.
zzzzzz....
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Testimonial
Date: 2004-11-16 02:25 am (UTC)Close. My first official sex ed class was held in 7th grade. Also my 7th year in Catechism so I had two sex ed courses going at the same time XD
* If not, did you wish you did (later on?)
Ah, but I did have it later on too . . . in high school biology (senior year) where we watched The Miracle of Life video, and like a repeat in 9th year Catechism.
* If you did have a course, did you find it informative? Interesting? Useful?
I definitely found it informative, interesting, and useful. I don't mind saying it but that was where I learned that the urethra and vagina were not the same thing (yes, I know, how stupid can a gal get?) >-< in 7th grade (which is rather weird since I had surgeries done to fix my bladder problem down there). I also learned how to do self-breast exams there, learned about that mysterious process menstruation (which was a relief as I had been having my period since two years prior and my mother never explained WHY it happened), and - since we were separated from the boys - we often had personal discussions, so we weren't afraid to ask questions that we would otherwise be embarrassed to talk about. If nothing else, it was a very strange bonding experience. And - though we were discouraged from having sex too early - we were given information about resources that would make the experience safe(r) if we did decide to rush into something.
The Catechism classes were more . . . closed. We weren't separated by gender. We weren't allowed a free forum, and it was all very abstinence oriented and there was no talk of birth control at all.
* If you had a course, how did it compare to later courses, either in junior high, high school, or college/university?
Well, high school was a lot more graphic since we watched that video of a woman giving birth and the lessons went more in depth about sex organs, sexuality, and intercourse. We also watched a video on sexual attraction. We didn't get any of that in the 7th grade class. Also, in high school, the class was integrated and there were no fora to speak of. We just sat there and listened to the lectures. This wasn't necessarily a weakness, just different. I valued the 7th grade class because I got to air out concerns that I wasn't comfortable talking about to my mother, and it was nice to know that my peers were going through the same changes that I was and that we were learning about our physiology together. In high school, I think I felt I knew what I needed to know because of that prior experience. I didn't really need to talk about it further. Although, I think some girls - particularly those who were pregnant at the time, sexually active, or thinking about becoming sexually active - would have welcomed the chance to have a separate girl-group discussion in high school.
Testimonial part 2
Date: 2004-11-16 02:26 am (UTC)Considering that a lot more children are becoming sexually active at such a young age (I already know a nine year old who got pregnant), I think 1. there is a DEFINITE need to educate these kids as early as possible but it would have be knowledge based. Too much information would confuse them. A balance would have to be determined, but the information would also have to be honest. 2. if folks have a problem with a CLASS setting, then perhaps a week of free discussions could be implemented where the kids would be allowed to speak of THEIR experiences, lack thereof, or concerns regarding sex. If these kids are old enough to be thinking about it and DOING it, in some cases, then they certainly can talk about it.
I think it's ridiculous to ignore the problem and think it will go away on it's own. This ignorance is not a new phenomena. When I was 11 and I recieved my first visit from Aunt Flo (that would be thirteen years ago) my mother did not explain to me what a period was. She merely told me it was "normal." On the issue of sex in general and intercourse in particular, how can children be expected to make clear, informed decisions if adults are too embarrassed and idealistic to guide and educate them in a forthright, honest manner?
* What about your parents? Did they ever talk to you about sex, or did they rely soley on your school instructors to inform you? Was it a combination of both?
"The Talk" never really came to me. "The Talk" was never really given to my brother either (at least, not by my parents - I gave it to him). The whole sex/biology lesson was totally left in my school instructors hands, and for the sex ed/Catechism courses I would be sent home with questions for my parents - stuff like "Ask your parents about their first date," and "Did they remain virginal until marriage?" My parents never talked about sex to us. The only time there was ever discussion along those lines was when one of us had a specific problem or question, and the talk never strayed from that specific problem or question. Now that we're older, they are a lot more open about the subject.
* If you didn't receive instruction from schools or your parents, when and where did you first learn about sex? Was this form of instruction useful/effective? Why or why not?
Parents first, schools second, church third, and experienced friends in between.
* If you were placed in a position where you had to decide whether a child would get sexual education (either as a parent or a teacher), what would influence what you would say, how you would present information, and at what age (of the children) you would feel comfortable addressing specific topics?
Well, personal biases are a definite influence (honesty, straight facts only). The age of the child is a definite concern. Nine year olds don't understand things the way a thirteen year old does, so you have to be careful in how you define and explain things. I think instruction is much more effective with children of any age if you talk with them instead of at them. The first thing is to determine what the child already knows (or thinks he/she knows), what he/she has misunderstood, what they would like to know about, then determine how to present the information in an age-appropriate manner.
I think sex education should begin as soon as possible - with the parents. Potty training is a good place to start, but only as a way to introduce physiology - not necessarily the systems and processes - and a way to warn against molestation. For the hardcore stuff - intercourse, pregnancy, sexual health - those should be introduced gradually . . . I'm afraid the jury in my head is still out on exactly what year in school it should be introduced.
I think children often ask questions at early ages (say 5 or 6) having to do with things of a sexual (but innocent) nature, and parents don't know how to react. Someone needs to educate the parents so that parents are more comfortable being more active in their children's education (in all forms), particularly with sexual education.
no subject
Date: 2004-11-16 02:31 am (UTC)In fifth grade, boys and girls were put in diffrent classrooms. Got deoderant and pads.
* If you did have a course, did you find it informative? Interesting? Useful?
I don't really remember what I learned, so probably none of the above.
* If you had a course, how did it compare to later courses, either in junior high, high school, or college/university?
My health teacher only talked about his kids and wrestling in high school. The final exam was on a movie that was watched a day before. I had nothing in Middle School.
* What are your opinions on the necessity (or lack thereof) of sexual education in elementary schools, typically at the 4th or 5th grade level (ages 10-11)?
I really don't think there is enough. I believe that knowledge is the best key to prevent things. Kids in sixth grade have already had oral sex.
* What about your parents? Did they ever talk to you about sex, or did they rely soley on your school instructors to inform you? Was it a combination of both?
If I asked they answered.
* If you didn't receive instruction from schools or your parents, when and where did you first learn about sex? Was this form of instruction useful/effective? Why or why not?
More experinsed friends is where I got most of my information. And stories that I've read.
* If you were placed in a position where you had to decide whether a child would get sexual education (either as a parent or a teacher), what would influence what you would say, how you would present information, and at what age (of the children) you would feel comfortable addressing specific topics?
I have no children and I don't plan to, so my oponion might change if that does. I think we should start as young as possible. Talk to kids not just about the physical side, but also the emtonal side.Sex is one of the few things in life where you don't get a second chance. And girls should have the change to learn about rape and how to defend themselves against it. They should learn right away that if it happens, it is not their fault. They should be given information on how to get help. They should learn that thousands of young girls get molested every day in America. Boys should know that they have a change at getting raped and how they can defend themselves.
Presenting the information would not be easy, I think about ten is good for school, but parents should be willing to teach their kids when they felt that their kids were ready. Kids should get more then just a movie and a lecture. They should have at least an hour to talk freely about sex and what it means to them. Maybe have teenage mothers come in and talk about how their lives have changed. Kids should be encourged to talk to their parents and build a good realtionship with them.
I hope that helps some, Azurite, I'm sure I mispelled a few things, and if you want me to change that I will.
-Kara
no subject
Date: 2004-11-16 03:50 am (UTC)Yes. My first was around 6th Grade.
* If you did have a course, did you find it informative? Interesting? Useful?
I found it to be rather interesting. I also found that uttering the word "penis" would sometimes make me laugh.
Well, back then, at least.
* If you had a course, how did it compare to later courses, either in junior high, high school, or college/university?
It taught me the basics, like "you can get STDs from unprotected sex".
* What are your opinions on the necessity (or lack thereof) of sexual education in elementary schools, typically at the 4th or 5th grade level (ages 10-11)?
Hey, the earlier the better, I always say.
* What about your parents? Did they ever talk to you about sex, or did they rely soley on your school instructors to inform you? Was it a combination of both?
They did the latter. I got my education strictly from the teachers.
* If you were placed in a position where you had to decide whether a child would get sexual education (either as a parent or a teacher), what would influence what you would say, how you would present information, and at what age (of the children) you would feel comfortable addressing specific topics?
Influence would probably come from personal experiences, information presentation would be in the form of books and stuff, and I believe that around 10 to 11 years old is about the most optimal time to teach kids about the birds and the bees, and some of the repercussions of not being safe.
no subject
Date: 2004-11-16 03:53 am (UTC)Will Die In The Throes Of Passion: the_sweet
Does that mean you might die in an intense orgasm?
no subject
Date: 2004-11-16 07:13 am (UTC)Re: Testimonial part 2
Date: 2004-11-16 07:00 pm (UTC)1 - What is Catcheism?
2 - Did you ever do that Flour/Egg baby project?
Okay, so two questions. :)
=D
Date: 2004-11-16 07:03 pm (UTC)I hope you don't mind if I quote you in my speech. ^_^
*grin*
Date: 2004-11-16 07:04 pm (UTC)^^;
Date: 2004-11-16 07:06 pm (UTC)Re: *grin*
Date: 2004-11-16 08:34 pm (UTC)Throes of passion good. Fire bad.
X__X;
Date: 2004-11-16 09:41 pm (UTC)<.< Yes, I believe so... And then in like 7th/8th again... X__X; And in 10th, but very brief...
* If you did have a course, did you find it informative? Interesting? Useful?
>.> I suppose so, I mean, yeah, I guess you could say that.
* If you had a course, how did it compare to later courses, either in junior high, high school, or college/university?
^^; Honestly, I think they taught us the most when we were younger but didn't fully understand it till later...
* What are your opinions on the necessity (or lack thereof) of sexual education in elementary schools, typically at the 4th or 5th grade level (ages 10-11)?
Well.... I wouldn't hit them with that when they're too young... Past 11, I think... X__X; Or under 3 ft tall... ;P
* What about your parents? Did they ever talk to you about sex, or did they rely soley on your school instructors to inform you? Was it a combination of both?
^^;; I think the school was more informative, but the 'what you should do' but then again I learned a bit seeing as how my mom is an animal breeder... XD;
* If you didn't receive instruction from schools or your parents, when and where did you first learn about sex? Was this form of instruction useful/effective? Why or why not?
o.o Yeah... I think that's covered already.
* If you were placed in a position where you had to decide whether a child would get sexual education (either as a parent or a teacher), what would influence what you would say, how you would present information, and at what age (of the children) you would feel comfortable addressing specific topics?
^^; I think I'd just tell them about the stork and go get some lunch... XD; No...sorry, this should be helpful... X_X; I think I would try to be informative, but if they were younger leave out some of the 'scarier' things like STDs and stuff because honestly they should have to worry about that... X__X; So start by asking what they want to know I guess...
Re: Testimonial part 2
Date: 2004-11-16 10:08 pm (UTC)Nope, never did the flour/egg baby project or anything of the sort. My school was cheap ^_~
no subject
Date: 2004-11-18 10:00 pm (UTC)I didn't have any sex-ed in elementary school (which in SF is up to the 5th grade mind you!) except that bit "don't talk to strangers" and "if something doesn't feel right, tell a teacher".
I had some sex-ed in 6th grade, but it focused more on STDs, and their effects on people. But nothing along the lines of how you get them...lol.
Best sex-ed class was in high school, in Mrs. Peterson's class. It covered everything: STDs, prevention, if anything goes wrong then what to do afterwards, speakers, went over the reproductive organs...um yeah.
But as about actual sex, nobody went over that. I had to learn from this book for girls about growing up as to how everything works...
...and a porn video, that was very educational...although I never knew before that 3 people could have sex at the same time, in the same bed, or that the ass is an another place where umm...yah, i'm just gonna stop right there.
Mom didn't talk about sex...but she did instill very firm morals and values in me...to the point that I considered becoming a nun while I was in middle school...me, a nun, funny, I know...
Oh, and also a very entertaining romance novel opened my eyes to the world of sex while I was in elementary school...it precedes the stuff mentioned above. ^_~
I just think that all of the above was good, althougth I do think that schools should start sex-ed earlier in school, like 7th grade, and I don't just mean the STDs...but prevention,etc. BEcause there were a few people at Marina that became pregnant and had to leave.
Well, when I grow up and have kids, I'll wait untill they're in the middle or end of 6th grade to talk to them about sex...a serious talk...since the summer would be coming up and it's a crucial point in their lives where they start friendships and experiments. But untill they get to the age, I'd keep telling them "one day I'll tell you, just wait a few more years"
Re: =D
Date: 2004-11-20 09:01 am (UTC)