4th Grade

FOURTH GRADE

4.1 The student will be able to identify the human reproductive organs.

Descriptive Statement: Emphasis is placed on the male reproductive organs: penis, testicles, scrotum, and urethra; and on the female reproductive organs: uterus, ovaries, vagina, and fallopian tubes.

4.2 The student will identify physical changes that begin to occur during puberty.

Descriptive Statement: The individual differences in growth patterns associated with male and female sexual changes are presented. Male characteristics presented include: increased width of shoulders, increased length of arms and legs, the pituitary gland that controls physical growth through hormones, the appearance of pubic and axillary hair, and changes in the voice. Female characteristics presented include: increased width and roundness of hips, development of breasts, the pituitary gland that controls physical growth through hormones, the appearance of pubic and axillary hair, and the onset of the menstrual cycle. Emphasis is placed on the fact that the onset of sexual changes and growth patterns varies with individuals and that this is natural and normal. Students are helped on an individual basis to avoid anxiety if their development is ahead of or behind their peers. The importance of postponing sexual activity is discussed as is the importance of delaying childbearing. In addition, the importance of personal hygiene in relation to these bodily changes is discussed. When problems arise, teachers and parents are encouraged to continue working together in a team approach to problem solving.

4.3 The student will develop an awareness of human fertilization and prenatal development.

Descriptive Statement: Instruction includes the uniting of the sperm and the egg and the development of the fetus inside the uterus.

4.4 The student will identify basic human emotions and effective ways of dealing with them.

Descriptive Statement: Emphasis is placed on understanding and dealing with strong emotions, both positive and negative. Students learn how to deal with joy and exuberance, as well as those emotions resulting from loss, rejection, divorce, death, illness, and moving. The student learns to manage appropriate responses to these feelings and to avoid self‑destructive or abusive behavior by using positive mental health practices.

4.5 The student will develop awareness and acceptance of his or her strengths and weaknesses.

Descriptive Statement: This includes accepting personal responsibility for successes and failures, taking pride in successes, and understanding that mistakes can result in positive learning toward success next time.

4.6 The student will become aware of the need to assume responsibility within the family and to function effectively as a family member.

Descriptive Statement: The focus is on sharing tasks within the family and helping, supporting, and communicating with family members. Special attention is given to appropriate assistance and support for and communication with family members who have physical or mental disabilities.

4.7 The student will describe the factors surrounding child abuse and child neglect.

Descriptive Statement: The terms child abuse and child neglect (including sexual abuse and electronic harassment) are explained, as well as how to protect oneself and the importance of confiding in a trusted adult such as a parent, teacher, minister, grandparent, or guardian.

4.8 The student will identify factors contributing to the use of drugs.

Descriptive Statement: Discussion includes examining the motivation for using alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, a need to feel "grown up," a need for peer acceptance, a "high" from the temporary effects of drugs, and/or a relief from emotional pain. Emphasis is placed on ways of dealing with one's needs and feelings without the use of drugs or other substances.

4.9 The student will recognize the dangers of substance use and abuse.

Descriptive Statement: The focus is on the misuse of tobacco, alcohol, and other drugs. Content includes the adverse effects of substance use and abuse on the individual and on the many contributing factors to family violence, sexual violence, and child abuse.