Students in Grade 4 receive approximately 90 minutes of instruction divided over two 45-minute lessons. Information is presented using a combination of class discussion, scientific diagrams, written information, interactive activities, and short video clips. If a student misses any lessons or parents/caregivers have opted to deliver the content through alternative means, please see the Parent Information Letter and the At-Home Learning Document linked below.
Grade 4 Parent Information Letter
Grade 4 At-Home Learning Document
Lesson 1:
Personal safety: Information given includes the scientific names for private parts of the body (penis, testicles, vulva, breasts, buttocks/bum, and mouth) and safe and unsafe touch. Students are informed about who is allowed to touch their body and when. Exceptions such as doctor visits, help with cleaning/injury, and safe affection with loved ones are discussed. Permission for touch is emphasized as an essential aspect of bodily autonomy.
Introduction to Puberty: Puberty is defined as the time in life when a child’s body transitions into an adult’s body. Discussions and activities in lesson 1 focus on personal hygiene information such as showering, using deodorant, washing face, washing clothes/bedsheets, brushing teeth, getting adequate sleep each night, eating healthy, and being active.
Lesson 2:
Puberty continued: The hormones testosterone and estrogen are introduced and students learn where they come from (gonads) and what effects they have on a developing body (secondary sex characteristics). Some of the changes discussed are getting taller, body hair in new places, more sweat and oil production, oily hair, body odor, deepening of the voice, increased muscle development, breast development, wider hips, wider shoulders, sperm production, and menstruation. Sperm production and menstruation are only mentioned briefly due to time constraints and are taught in more detail in grade 5.
Students are encouraged to continue these conversations at home with caregivers.