Abolitionist Approach to Sex Education (Sophie)

Sophie Boileau

Hello! My name is Sophie Boileau, writing to you from the spring of 2024, and this activity book is my final project for an education class at Carleton College. This represents the culmination of two academic terms of learning about abolition, both broadly and specifically as a framework for education. In my own process of constructing, deconstructing, and reconstructing a foundational understanding of abolition, this project is far from a complete structure; it is closer to a collection of bricks and load-bearing beams littered throughout the scaffolding. While this project is frozen in time, I am eager to continue exploring abolitionist approaches to education. My biggest hope for this activity book is that it emboldens you – the reader – to do the same. 

In public schools around the nation, sex education is (to be blunt) abysmal. However, omission of this curricula is a disservice to children and their safety. In particular, talking about consent, unambiguous terminology about body parts, and what adults you can talk to if you feel uncomfortable is crucial at any age. Thus, this activity book grounds itself in an abolitionist lens to offer a sampling of these topics. 

This activity book is designed for students in kindergarten through third grade, accompanied by a parent or a guardian. The only materials required for this book worth mentioning are a printed copy of the book and something to write with. I recommend working through the book in order, as certain topics build on prior activities. Also, I suggest working through one topic per day – each is designed to take an hour – for a week. Regardless, this is a resource that I hope you will use in whatever way feels most healthy and productive!

Activity book

Sample workbook pages