Relationships and Sex Education 3–11: Supporting Children’s Development and Well-being

Description

‘Where do babies come from?’ The prospect of this age-old question is one that causes significant apprehension for many professionals working with children, but this isn’t where the anxiety ends. This book argues that it is essential to have clear strategies to support children’s questions about relationships, growing up and sex so that they are enabled to develop positive and confident views about themselves and those around them. It examines important concerns such as the role of media in children’s lives in shaping their views on relationships and explores how issues of gender and sexuality are considered more fluidly. Whether working in an academy, free schools, faith schools, the independent sector or elsewhere, this book supports you to help children to deal with a wide range of relationships issues, meeting the requirements of the new legislation on relationships education for primary aged children as a foundation for relationships and sex education. Drawing on research with teachers about their apprehensions about teaching the subject and children’s experience of its delivery, the authors give a full picture of common concerns and difficulties and how to successfully meet them and support children from 3–11, and the transition to secondary school. Topics covered include platonic friendships, developing self-respect and respect for others, and enabling personal choice and safety. Sacha Mason and Richard Woolley explore issues surrounding notions of age and stage development. They discuss how children develop at different rates and that each child is unique in relation to learning in this area. They outline a distinct pedagogical approach to managing children’s individual needs for relationships and sex education. They also look at supporting children with SEND when considering how to implement relationships education in primary schools. This second edition includes new chapters on children’s development and needs, and developing inclusive relationships education. The book has been updated throughout with summaries of the latest research, case studies, ideas for developing practice and signposts to key websites and resources. The chapters provide all the support you need to confidently promote children’s healthy development. Cover Half Title Series Title Copyright Dedication Contents Acknowledgements Introduction The guidelines for RSE in England Defining.terms The concerns of student teachers Teachers’ concerns Strategies International perspectives on RSE The Netherlands South Africa Overview of the book Developing physical and mental well-being Conclusion and summary of key learning points Acknowledgement 1 The historical context for Relationships and Sex Education Introduction The concept of sex education The historical context 1900–50 1950–80 1980–2000 2000 onwards Being brave in developing practice Summary of key approaches to support effective practice Conclusion and summary of key learning.points 2 The wider context Introduction Relationships and cultural change Relationships and the media Relationships and virtual reality Relationships and gender Relationships and pressures on children Creating safe spaces Summary of key approaches to support effective practice Conclusion and summary of key learning points 3 The question of relationships Introduction Relationships and citizenship Self-identity and self-esteem Developing a sense of self Friendship Bullying and conflict resolution Saying no and respecting one’s body A taxonomy of relationships Relationships with the home Summary of key approaches to support effective practice Conclusion and summary of key learning points Signposts 4 Exploring children’s views: A pedagogy of listening Introduction Context for listening Right to withdraw Partnership with parents and carers What children want in RSE Childhood innocence What children know by age eleven Pedagogy of listening Summary of key approaches to support effective practice Conclusion and summary of key learning points 5 Adult concerns about Relationships and Sex Education Introduction Talking to children about relationships Accounting for the views of parents/carers and other stakeholders Approaching RSE with children with special educational needs and disabilities Children on the autistic spectrum Children with a visual impairment What about childhood innocence? Summary of key approaches to support effective practice Conclusion and summary of key learning.points 6 Children’s development and needs Introduction The context for what is developmentally appropriate The onset of puberty Media.access Safeguarding and being safe Ages and stages? Developing a comprehensive programme for RSE Navigating the labyrinth: Strategies for support Dealing with pleasure and sexuality Critical analysis of media representations Summary of key approaches to support effective practice Conclusion and summary of key.points 7 Children’s difficult questions Introduction Strategies for inviting and managing questions Feeling vulnerable Managing inappropriate direct questions Questions that may be asked by children in the primary phase of education Summary of key approaches to support effective practice Conclusion and summary of key learning points 8 Developing inclusive Relationships Education Introduction Terms and terminology Anti-bullying and promoting positive relationships Developing inclusive classrooms Supporting inclusive Relationships Education Family Identity Sexual orientation Summary of key approaches to support effective practice Conclusion and summary of key points 9 Where next? Introduction Developing a policy for RSE Getting started Key elements of a policy Developing progression through the primary phase and beyond Who should teach RSE? Ways of teaching Circle time Children’s literature and media Role play Debates and philosophy for children Visualization Assessment and recording learning in RSE Conclusion and summary of key learning points Final thoughts Index