Abstracts
Abstract
There is a realistic reluctance among early childhood professionals about how to provide effective sexuality education. This article provides an overview of the Our Whole Lives curriculum cocreated by the Unitarian Universalist Association and the United Church of Christ. It explores gender and sexual diversity while addressing stereotypes regarding children’s development and interests and includes advice on how to encourage parental partnership. It is intended for professionals interested in exploring a curriculum and engaging in a pilot project. It could be used as a basis for examining this topic in college or university early childhood education programs. Suggestions for its effective use are based on the authors’ knowledge about and practical experience in implementing the curriculum. Bennett has been a certified trainer of facilitators of all seven Our Whole Lives curricula for 25 years. Dickinson volunteered for several decades with children and families in the congregation where this curriculum was implemented.
Keywords:
- sexuality education,
- curriculum,
- gender,
- parental involvement
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Appendices
Biographical notes
Pat Dickinson, BSEd, DipCS, MEd, EdD, is a certified early childhood educator and teacher in Ontario and has taught all levels from preschool through higher education, including at several colleges and universities in Ontario. Her doctorate from the University of Toronto is in curriculum studies with a focus on early childhood education. Email: leonepd@hotmail.com
Monica Bennett, BA in sociology, has a rich and diverse background in sexuality education, reproductive rights, HIV/AIDS, sexual and gender justice, health promotion, and equity, diversity, and inclusion in the not-for-profit and health care sectors. As an active certified trainer of all seven Our Whole Lives curricula since 1999, she conducts trainings for the adults who implement the K–1 curriculum in Unitarian Universalist church settings. She has also implemented the K–1 curriculum several times within her home congregation. Email: monicaebennett@yahoo.com
Bibliography
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