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
Appendices
Bibliography
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