MODULE 7
Elementary Sexuality Education
Here is an overview of sexuality education in CCQ.
A comprehensive understanding of the foundations of the program.
Module 7.1
The elements are part of a progression of learning content in sexuality education that covers the dimensions of human sexuality and respects students' level of psychosexual development. - Ministere de l'Education
Children in elementary school gradually become familiar with their body and comfortable with their identity. They become aware of reference points on ways of being and behaving (gender roles), enter into meaningful emotional relationships, make friends, and learn to interact with others, help one another, and resolve conflicts.
The experiences they encounter are sources of learning and will also encourage students to question themselves when they are exposed to different sources of information.
Teaching Sensitive Topics and Sexuality Education
Teachers have pedagogical freedom, using their best professional judgement, to choose
Pedagogical approaches
Evaluation methods
If sensitive topics arise, whether the teacher brings up the topic or it comes up through a student question, teachers can make reasonable and responsible decisions to discuss them if ...
Curricular alignment : The content and pedagogical approach that teachers adopt must be clearly justifiable in terms of teachers’ basic professional responsibility to teach the official curriculum.
Impartiality Teachers : must abstain from using their position of authority to promote their own personal opinions, viewpoints, or beliefs.
Avoidance of foreseeably inflammatory content : Teachers must avoid content and speech that risks causing a reasonably foreseeable significant disturbance in the regular functioning of the class or school.
Age appropriateness : The content, pedagogical approach, and language that teachers adopt must be adapted to their students’ age and psychological development.
When sensitive topics arise
While we can't build bridges with everyone, there are simple steps we can take to promote mutual understanding during disagreements.
The 'PLANS for Constructive Disagreement' framework helps students develop active listening and self-expression habits for constructive discussion.
It applies to both structured classroom discussions and unstructured conversations with friends or relatives.
The PLANS Framework
Intended to help students remember the fundamentals of constructive disagreement, especially when discussions become tense.
If one person models constructive disagreement skills, others are more likely to follow suit.
PLANS can be used as a general tool whenever disagreements become difficult, in combination with co-created norms and discussion protocols.
It can also provide a simple structure for in-class conversations using discussion prompts, with students taking turns as the first speaker.
Module 7.2
THE ROLE OF THE SCHOOL
"The school has a critical role to play in preparing children and adolescents for their adult roles and responsibilities.
The school is in an ideal position to provide sexuality education, especially since:
• students spend a great deal of time in school, and adults at school have a constant, ongoing contact with many of them
• its infrastructure allows for long-term planning through official or formal programs
• there are teachers and professionals who are qualified and trusted providers of information for students
Ministere de l'education et enseignment superieur
Module 7.3
THE APPROACH WITH ELEMENTARY STUDENTS
Sexuality education is based on values such as gender equality, respect for diversity respect for diversity, respect for physical and psychological integrity, a sense of responsibility and well-being.
Sexuality is a fundamental aspect of all people's lives, from the moment they are born and develops throughout life. It has many dimensions that are expressed and experienced in different ways, depending on the age and level of development.
Primary school students need sexuality education and that it presents
a positive vision of sexuality,
integrates all its dimensions,
based on reliable information
access to accurate sources of information
Sexuality education allows students to
develop critical thinking skills.
not be forced to speak of their private, family lives.
develop affective relationships that are respectful of themselves and others.
take responsibility for various issues related to sexuality.
better understand sexuality as a whole and to better understand themselves.
make informed decisions about their own sexuality with a positive view of it.
Sexuality education allows teachers to
teach universal sexuality education, not targeted intervention.
focus on educational intent, age, and level of development and student needs.
trust their expertise as needed, use resources (from school or external) to answer student questions.
establish a “safety net” for students (other school staff, principals, external resources, parents).
create a climate of trust conducive to dialogue and learning, paying attention to the non-verbal.
develop the critical thinking of students
build knowledge
develop learning skills
encourage gender equalities (do not value one gender identity over another)
work in partnership with others (staff, intervention agents, psychologists, nurses, etc.) for the safety of the students.
demonstrate rigor and reserve with respect to personal beliefs.
ERC and Sexuality Education 2018
Module 7.4
The Ethics and Religious Culture (ERC) program allows students to :
acquire or consolidate, if applicable, an understanding of how all individuals are equal in terms of right and dignity
carefully reflect on aspects of certain social realities and subjects such as justice, happiness, laws and rules
organize his/her ideas and express them with respect and conviction
explore different ways in which Québec's religious heritage is present in his/her immediate or broader environment
learn about elements of other religious traditions present in Québec
grow and develop in a society in which different values and beliefs coexist
2018
Sexuality Education (2018)
The elements for Sexuality Education, not necessarily taught in ERC, provides students with relevant, comprehensive, positive, and inclusive sexuality education through various dimensions of human experiences. Each grade level covers a variety of themes to explore based the the students' age and psychosexual development.
The themes consist of knowledge of the body, interpersonal relationships, gender stereotypes, sexual assault prevention, puberty, etc.
MEQ (2018) Sexuality education summary table: mandatory themes throughout elementary.
Sexuality Education and CCQ
Module 7.5
Sexuality education & CCQ
The main vehicle by which sexuality education is incorporated into the school curriculum is through the Culture and Citizenship in Québec program. This includes incorporating age-appropriate information about sexuality and reproductive health into an established curriculum.
This program is part of a broader approach to sexuality education, which is a shared responsibility among the entire school staff and external partners to ensure access to accurate information and support in building critical skills.
While the Culture and Citizenship in Québec program covers aspects of sexuality education, it is just one component of the comprehensive sexuality education provided in the school environment.
Starting 2024-2025 School Year
Citizenship and Culture in Quebec is rooted in the fields of sociology and ethical philosophy, which define culture, in the broad sense, as all the symbolic and material manifestations of life in society.
CCQ is intended to meet three objectives:
1- Prepare to exercise citizenship in Quebec:
It is the status of being a citizen, which entails specific legal rights, duties, and responsibilities that are not afforded to non-citizens
2- Aim for recognition of oneself and of others:
it is related to the principle by which each individual is and must be regarded as equal to others in rights and dignity, regardless of who they are and what their world views may be.
3- Pursue the common good:
Being able to recognize the interdependence of all people, groups and the environment and being able to establish a collective project structured by secular and democratic views to improve the lives of all people in Quebec.
Sexuality Education in CCQ Themes
Module 7.6
CCQ prioritizes a comprehensive, positive, and inclusive view of sexuality.
Citizenship and Culture in Quebec allows elementary students to acquire knowledge, develop respectful and equalitarian attitudes and behaviors, learn values such as equality between people of different sexes and genders, respect for diversity, respect for people's physical and psychological integrity, a sense of responsibility and well-being.
Teachers are free to address the themes, subthemes and programs content in any order, however it is recommended that the learning in sexuality education be carefully planned, especially to avoid the most sensitive and intimate issues being addressed too early in the school year or at the very end of the school year.
Module Summary
Take a moment to reflect on your learning throughout this module.
What is your main takeaway from the learning content presented in this learning module?
How has the module on Sexuality Education enhanced your understanding of sexuality education and its importance in elementary school?
How can you allow for self-reflection about attitudes and perceptions related to sexuality to aid in your teaching practice?
What barriers, such as taboo topics, cultural situations, and time restraints have you identified in teaching sexuality education?
What is an area that I would like to (or need to) learn more about?