On October 15 at 7PM, the school held a 5th Grade Developmental Meeting that discussed info on the Lorado Taft school trip and the sexual education program. In response to this discussion, some parents were left asking questions about whether or not their children were ready to learn about topics related to sex and puberty.

Nurse Anne Nelson, teacher of fifth grade sex education believes the age is appropriate.

Fifth graders can feel uncomfortable talking about sex or puberty and related topics because they may not be mature enough to handle it yet. Nelson ensures parents and teachers that fifth grade is the perfect age to begin sex education.

“What I try and do is make it as relaxed and comfortable as possible,” Nelson said. “The way we answer questions about sex that children ask should be the same way we answer any questions that children ask.”

Nelson aims to create a comfortable and welcoming environment where children feel encouraged to ask the questions they have.  “It’s normal, and kids need to talk about it. Kids all eventually go through puberty and will experience it.”  She also explained her approach with children who might not yet be ready. “For kids who aren’t mature enough to handle it, my talks usually just go over their head and hopefully by sixth grade, they can retain more information, and they are more mature.”

Nelson describes that different ways of upbringings also affect their prior knowledge on sex.  Whether it’s in movies, TV, or on the radio, children are surrounded by sex and sexual references nowadays.  “Some of the questions are very specific, but I answer them at a fifth grade level,” Nelson said. “I of course answer the question, but I won’t go into a lot of detail.”  

Nelson herself was encouraged to ask questions as a child and learned about puberty and sex at a young age. For parents who have trouble getting through to their kids, Nelson recommends a number of books that are helpful for children who would rather not ask questions and just read about the information.  “I always tell the parents, ‘You know your kid better than I do,’” Nelson said, “and if they want to talk to their kids before my talk to prepare them, they can, but if they don’t, that’s fine too.”

The sex education curriculum in fifth grade has generally stayed the same for the time that Nelson has been at Parker.  “It’s a three part system,” she said.  “I talk to them and give them a preliminary understanding of puberty, as well menstruation, wet dreams, and sexual intercourse, then they visit the Robert Crown center where the kids get a lot of really good audio-visuals explaining the birth process, and finally, I talk to them again, answering any last questions.”

Nelson places an emphasis on the question-asking portion. “I want them to know that they can come to me,” Nelson said, “they can go to their parents, and there are adults in their life who are willing to answer all their questions.”

Nelson is confident the curriculum will prepare students for sex education throughout middle school, as it lays a good foundation for what kids need to know. “I enjoy teaching sex ed,” Nelson said. “It’s one of the parts of my job that I enjoy the most, so I hope it comes across that way when I am teaching it.”