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May 16, 2009

Sex Ed question: Would it upset your 5th-grade daughter (or you) to have her learn about male reproductive organs, or your son to learn about girls'?

Is it necessary, at this age, for one gender to learn about puberty-related changes in the other?

I ask because I attended a presentation for parents of fifth graders in the Walnut Creek School District on the sex education curriculum the kids will be receiving in the next couple weeks.

Overall, I was pleased with the program. It seems designed to present information in a straightforward way. The information is basic biology, and geared towards kids who, we hope, are not yet sexually active. It focuses mostly on changes they may have started to notice that are taking place in their bodies. Also, the curriculum approaches the topic with sensitivity, recognizing that kids at this age are actually pretty modest, as well as confused, scared, or embarassed about these changes.

The school divides the fifth-graders according to gender, and the girls are taught by a female teacher and the boys by a male teacher. They take a pre-test to gauge their knowledge, then watch a film, which is tailored to each gender and shows different kids dealing with a range of issues. One girl, at a friends’ sleepover, gets panicked because she realizes that her period is starting and she doesn’t know what to do. She gets some help from her friends' mom. A boy wonders hears about how is voice will change, and another worries about his penis size.

Then the film explains, with the use of visuals, the physical changes and gives the basic explanation for why they are happening: to prepare your body for reproduction.

The boys’ version shows how a penis gets erect during sexual excitement and ejaculates sperm. It mentions “wet dreams.” The girls’ version shows an egg getting produced in the ovaries, then beginning its journey to the fallopian tube. If it doesn’t get fertilized by a sperm, it continues onto the uterus. If Mr. Sperm hasn’t fertilized that egg, the blood and tissue that have built up in the lining of the uterus begin to slough off into the vagina. Drip, drip, drip—or gush, gush, gush, as sometimes seems to be the case, right ladies?

After watching to film, the kids get to ask questions, either by raising their hands or by writing out questions anonymously on cards that they are too embarrassed to let other kids know they are asking.

A big emphasis on the program is to teach kids overall health, wellness, and hygiene. It's time for them to bathe or shower regularly and to start using deodorant—because they are going to start to smell when they sweat.

Oh, and one message for girls? Exercise is good for alleviating the discomfort of menstrual cramps. That’s right, P.E. teachers these days are more enlightened than when I was in high school and won’t let you out of volleyball, soccer, or running the mile, just because you’re “riding the crimson wave.”

I did wonder why the program doesn’t teach boys what’s going on with girls’ physical changes and vice versa. As it happens, my son is not at all interested in girls, barely talks about any of the girls in his class, either as friends or even as annoyances. I’m sure, though, he and his buddies are noticing that certain girls are growing breasts. And would it hurt for them to learn why this is happening as part of this curriculum? I asked the district nurse, who was presenting this session to parents.

She said something about it not being necessary or age-appropriate.One mother, sitting in front of me, nodded emphatically and stated she didn’t want her daughter seeing those diagrams of male penises, especially the one with an erection.

Meanwhile, another mother asked whether kids get any lessons in STDs. We were told that STD and HIV education is introduced in 7th grade.

After the presentation, that mother said she wished the fifth graders were getting the STD lessons now because she’s heard that some students at Walnut Creek Intermediate, as with middle school students elsewhere, are already sexually active and, specifically, engaging in oral sex.

As for my question about boys learning about girl stuff and vice versa, one mom said maybe that’s because it would make some kids even more uncomfortable and embarrassed. But another mother said she agreed with me. And we both shared stories of our sons coming up our supply of tampons and sanitary pads and asking, “Mom, what’s that?” I remember started to explain it to my son, but he rolled his eyes and looked bored.

We’ve already introduced the subject of body changes and sex with my son, in bits and pieces, as the subject comes up. Last summer, we gave him a book geared toward boys that talks about puberty, sex, STDs and so on, and told him to come to us with questions. I've also talked to him about birth control, after he asked how his father and I managed to not having any more kids.

With our son, my husband and I also came up with a good deterrent to prevent him from causing an unwanted pregnancy.

$$$

Not too long ago, he asked us, “Are having babies expensive?” “Oh, yes!,” we said, explaining all the stuff you have to buy for babies—and how it really cuts into your disposable income for the cool games and electronic gadgets you want to buy for yourself.

I’m hoping that message will mean he’ll put off sex until he’s responsible enough to always use a condom or to have an honest talk with his partner about the necessity of birth control. As you can tell, I’m not a fan of Sarah and Bristol Palin-style abstinence-only birth control messages.

38 comments:

Anonymous said...

Ah, at 5th grade I think its most important to learn about themselves. As you said, most don't care about the other sex , and they certainly don't usually care enough to ask. I do think its discussed in broader terms over the course of their "sex ed" instruction . 7th grade is much more detailed and they will get that then. I have a middle schooler, and I don't "think" I know of anyone sexually active, but then I could be a totally naive mom I suppose - but I dont' think so. My kids and I talk. My daughter (7th grade) has no interest in opposite sex yet. My 8th grade boy does have interest but in reading over his facebook and my space and knowing where he is at all times (yes i spy on his electronic communication), I don't believe sex is an issue - yet. We do talk about it though. He's pretty open with me.. I'm a single mom, so I'm all he's got.

momgroeb said...

I have raised 2 daughters until they graduated. I have a 10 year old and a six year old. All girls. These ARE NOT the schools responsibility too teach the children. I do NOT want to pay taxes for a teacher or the material for some on to teach my children these things. One of my children are Bipolor and these kind of discussions by others only gave her more info that she DID NOT need to know. Each child is different and learns in a different way and to place them in a class of other children (because that is what they are children) the more immature ones will not handle this in the right way or children with other mental issues. A child that has had problems (molestation etc.) May also be extremely set of by a discussion like thins in a setting with their peers. I have and still know many CHILDREN in this age range and some are not ready. Health ed at this age should be separate and girls should only be taught how to take care of themselves when their monthly comes along. One of my children went to the 5th grade and was shown a video of the teachers wife giving birth. She was not old enough.
Please apply my tax money strictly to school sports and the 3 Rs. That is truly what our children need!!!!!

Anonymous said...

momgroeb too bad that you feel that your daughters don't need sex ed. I assume that it would make little sense to discuss with you why you feel that way.

But what I don't understand is why you make your argument linked to the fact that you pay taxes. Do you think that you pay taxes only for your personal benefit? I for example do not have children but I still think I should pay taxes to educate children.

Anonymous said...

What are we in Texas or something? Split the boys and girls up for education? Are you kidding me? In the early 80's in an east coast public school we had sex ed in 5th grade together, and they brought in a female sex educator who explained things which included a model of a penis and a vagina. It was awkward at first, but we got used to it.

In today's online world I can't imagine kids don't have easy access to information and pictures of penises, vaginas etc.

Anonymous said...

I am the first anonymous poster. . . and I agree and disagree with momgroeb. First, I think its perfectly fine to teach the biology of reproduction, monthly cycles and the human body. If your child is in 5th or 7th grade, these things normally would have been talked about at home. We live in a pretty open household, so my guess is NONE of these teachings were a surprise to my kids. I think that is the way it should be. Momgroeb, I don't know what state you were in with the teacher giving birth, but I would agree that something so personal would not be appropriate. But giving birth is hardly anythign to be ashamed of at any age, and the miracle of birth should be taught in the biological perspective. Here in California we are given permission slips before both 5th and 7th grade health /sex ed - you can opt your girls out. But I can't imagine why you would. I have a sister who is bi-polar and it doesn't make her mentally deficient, so i'm not sure what you're talking about there.

Anonymous said...

two things,

1. i think they should talk about STDs in 5th grade. when i was in middle school, about 13 years ago, i knew kids who had sexual experiances by 6th grade! i certainly wasnt one of them, and it was a very small minority, but it was happening.

2. i am living in a very catholic country at the moment, where sex ed is a joke. the result? teen pregnancy is at an all time high. every once in a while i will see a news report on it on TV and the kids are always talking about how they didnt know enough about sex before hand. how they wish their parents or teachers told them what they needed to know.
some parents might talk ot their kids about sex, but a lot dont and wont.

-chad

Hayward schools said...

I went to school in Southern Alameda County. We actually did a report on Syphilis and Gonorrhea in the 6th grade, Mrs. Patricia Holder at Park Elementary in the mid-1980s.

I've never forgotten all the research and having to ask the librarians for books on that topic. This was before computer search catalogs. It may have even been 5th grade, but it was either 5th or 6th!

Martha Ross said...

Wow! Great comments everyone! I think this is a great discussion, and everyone brings so many honest, and thoughtful personal perspectives. I thank everyone who has so far participated for doing so. It's a tough subject, I know, and it's a personal one, for each of our families.

momgroeb said...

My comment on taxes is we are cutting to many more important programs because our state is in a crises we cut teacher for music, art, and physical education, Librarian's and computer classes. Yet we add sex ed. My children have learned and we are open about these things at home I do not want them setting in a room with boys were they sure humiliated. There are children that do tend to make nasty jokes and remarks about these things.
Being Bipolar my daughter lacked at times the discretion that say one of my other daughters may had and even used it as an excuse for some of her behaviors.
My daughters do NOT need some one else opinion on what is right or wrong.Or what how and where. This only opens up the doors to let other issues come in the room that I also believe are personal to families.
I think the teachers are there to teach the basics not the personals. I know for a fact and have seen it to many times that a teacher can and will bring in their own personal issues.
I have 4 daughters and they all know and have attended (except my 6 yr old) classes so they would know when the baby came etc but those were personal classes I CHOOSE not some one else.

Anonymous said...

momgroeb, in 5th and 7th grade it is part of the curriculum. Its not something that has been added in the midst of crisis. the personal issues you speak of, I have not experienced it and if you watched the curriculum movie or reviewed it , it is biology. If you however are speaking of different kinds of families that is something the kids will be exposed to WELL before they even talk about this. My kids have gone to both Concord and CLayton schools - both had kids being raised by grandma, living with aunt/uncle or grandparents and yes, even 2 moms. I would suggest if you're so opposed then take your girls out on those days and really make them humiliated. I am reading between your lines and perhaps a more christian based education is more to your liking.

Anonymous said...

Having read momgroeb's comments, I think I understand the real issue here, and that is that momgroeb is not well educated. The poor grammar of her posts implies that she is a woman of limited education and therefore is not particularly able to think for herself, apart from what she learns from the Christianist right. Not that there's anything wrong with that momgroeb. Keep going to your bible class, I'm sure it's a great experience for you.

Unknown said...

oh bite me Anon 8:16. If MomGroeb doesnt want her kids to learn Sex Ed at schools, thats her biz, her opinion, but definitely not a reaswon to call her uneducated or some religious zealot. My opinions differ from hers, but that's it. She has her reasons, I have mine, but thats no reason to go slam someone.

MomGroeb, you believe whatever.

BTW, while in school I learned about some silly punnet square, genes, chromosomes, but never about tab A fiting slot B, or trying about slot C or D. That stuff I learned where every kid will always lean about that stuff, on the school yard

Anonymous said...

My oldest child was a 5th grader in the WCSD last year, and honestly, he didn't seem too bothered by the "sex ed" thing. We let him know that he could ask us any questions.

I have a brother who is a year older than me, and who was a grade ahead of me at school, and I read the little book they sent home with him. I didn't find it too embarrassing at the time.

Anonymous said...

"If MomGroeb doesnt want her kids to learn Sex Ed at schools, thats her biz, her opinion, but definitely not a reaswon to call her uneducated"

I'm not calling her uneducated for not wanting her kids to learn sex ed as school, I'm calling her uneducated for her atrocious grammar.

"MomGroeb, you believe whatever."

Yes, MomGroeb, you believe whatever. I'm just calling you out on it, that's all. I think you're probably fairly uneducated and have gone to one too many bible classes, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't believe what you want to.

Anonymous said...

Sad to see the trolls hit Soccer Mom's great topic of discussion.

It sure is easy to ridicule others when sitting behind a keyboard.

Topic was "sex Ed", not another person's grammar.

Limeridger said...

Given that California ranks 48th in education, time may be better spent on fundamentals rather than sex education. What is interesting about the posts though is the comments re Texas, taxes, education and the "Christianist" right. Is there something wrong with Texas? Does the poster think that Texans are backwards hillbilly yosemite gun totin' yahoos? Do not our tax dollars pay for public education? Even if there are others who pay taxes that go to education, are not tax paying parents in the better position to determine what's best for their children to be taught, or have we truly regressed to the State knows best mentality? Finally, why is it that those with Christophobia tend to attack people with religious views and values as lacking in education for the mere sake of having those views or values. Take a look in the mirror to see who is really being intolerant and incapable of entertaining and debating opposing viewpoints without resort to ad hominem attack.

Anonymous said...

Limeridger, in case you didn't notice, one does not need 'christophobia' to find fault in momgroeb's grammar. Though it wasn't the topic I can see why people would comment on that. She doesn't seem to be clued in if she thought we were cutting sports, etc in favor of sex ed.

Anonymous said...

Limeridger your statement: "are not tax paying parents in the better position to determine what's best for their children to be taught" is plain wrong. As a parent you have the right to have an oppinion what is best for your childern, but in a democratic society how your tax dollars are spent is determined by all citizens, whether they pay taxes or not and whether they have children in the educational system or not.

Limeridger said...

Anonymous, I agree that one does not have to have "Christophobia" (a rare term used in reference to the posters use of "Christianist") to find fault in another's grammar. That observation, however, misses my point in that attacks re grammar usage on a blog do not add to the debate and take away from the substance which was sex ed in school. It appeared to me that momgroeb thinks that the school's priorities are not correct and they should focus on fundamentals and sports and music rather than sex ed which should be taught later or at home.

The second anonymous poster re tax dollars stated that my comment re tax paying parents being a better position to determine what is best for their children to be taught was plain wrong. Anon then writes "in a democratic society how your tax dollars are spent is determined by all citizens, whether they pay taxes or not and whether they have children in the educational system or not." While this is a separate discussion, it is one that we should engage. Personally, while it is true that how tax dollars are spent is determined throught the democratic process, it is my opinion that 1) those who do not pay taxes should not have a voice in how tax dollars are spent (one should have some skin in the game before being allowed to allocate how resources are spent) and 2) while a closer call, those who pay taxes but do not have children in the system, should have a lesser voice than the parents with children in the system. Ultimately, it is and should be the responsibility of parents, not the state, regarding their children's education. Remember, we are talking about sex ed and not fundmentals such as reading, writing, and arithmetic.

Anonymous said...

I have four boys, and would be amazed that a kid can even get to 5th grade without having substantial knowledge of where babies come from. My two (9 and 7) are curious about bodies in general.

How can you avoid it? It's on TV (in animal shows and baby stories).

I guess I'm not ashamed of it. How can you treat sex as dirty when that's how your child(ren) were conceived?

It's basic human biology and children should have knowledge of such basic functions. The parents should put it into context. That's what I do. I teach them in the context of being in a loving stable relationship with their partner.

Anonymous said...

Opposition to sex ed seems a little Carrie-esque to me.

Anonymous said...

I'm curious about momgroeb's statement that teachers will bring their own issues. What does that mean? I've been in one of those classes. They teach fallopian tubes, ova, uterus, vagina, vulva, cervix, penis urethra, sperm, testicles.

How can a person bring 'their own issues,' when talking about body parts? Do you think that the teacher will say sex is awesome?

Anonymous said...

I see it covers menstruation and nocturnal emissions.

Can you imagine being a boy and having a wet dream without knowing what it is?

Most girls know about periods before they ever get one.

We do a disservice to our kids when we keep them in the dark.

Anonymous said...

"Is there something wrong with Texas? Does the poster think that Texans are backwards hillbilly yosemite gun totin' yahoos?"

Considering that Texas has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates in the nation, yes, Houston, I think we have a problem with how sex education is (or not) taught there.

Masterlock said...

When I was in grade school we did this during sixth grade in a combined setting with a very strict curriculum. At first things were awkward, but eventually teachers make it scientific and boring like any other subject. And after hearing stories from my 6th grade teacher friend, 5th grade is right about on time. I say that because he caught a 6th grade girl in a WC school in the bathroom with two boys giving them Bill Clintons. Times are changing.

Limeridger said...

I'm not sure if anon comments re sex was directed to me, but I have nothing against sex. Sex is good! I also don't have a problem with teaching the biological aspects of reproduction. Science/Biology is good. Given that we have allocate resources, however, I think focus on fundamentals should take priority. I was really more focused on the taxes and "right wing Christian" bashing.

As to the great state of Texas, when you look at teenage "pregnancy" rates by state Texas is 5th and California is 7th-- not a significant change for enlightened CA.
http://www.guttmacher.org/pubs/2006/09/12/USTPstats.pdf Where Texas is much higher than California is the birth rate (2nd vs. 23rd) whereas California has a much higher abortion rate than Texas (5th vs 26th). Therein lies the difference, not pregnancies. A recent study by the CDC based largely on the Guttmacher data on shows birth rates which is similar.

Anonymous said...

Keep your stupid Texas comments to yourself...Hippie.


From About.com:
States ranked by rates of pregnancy among women age 15-19 (pregnancies per thousand):

Nevada (113)
Arizona (104)
Mississippi (103)
New Mexico (103)
Texas (101)
Florida (97)
California (96)
Georgia (95)
North Carolina (95)
Arkansas (93)

Anonymous said...

Pardon me, Texas has one of the highest birth rates in the nation. By not teaching sex ed in school, or teaching an abstinence only curriculum, you end up in such a situation, where there are lots of kids having babies, which is probably not very good by any measurement.

Limeridger said...

I know this is not an abortion post. What I was trying to point out in my earlier post, however, in describing the difference between Texas and California, is that California, with all its sex ed teaching, is not faring much better than Texas in teen "pregnancies" (Texas is 5th California is 7th). The only real difference lies in abortions where California has significantly more (California is 5th, Texas is 26th). Thus California "pregnancies" are not resulting in as many "births" as Texas. Tex is 2nd in births whereas California is 23rd. Sex ed in CA, I'm sure, is not only about the availability of abortion which is also available in Tx.

Anonymous said...

I was very open with my two boys (very open). We could talk about anything when they were young and now that they're older.

So, one asks me to buy condoms. I ask him why he doesn't check out planned parenthood for free ones. He tells me that he's fearful that they're not good quality and could break. After I snicker a little bit, I go to Costco and buy him the Trojan Megapack.

He wasn't a minor at the time, but if he was I would have bought the condoms. I might give him a short refresher lecture on casual sex, STD's, and the like, I honestly take comfort knowing that he's protecting himself. It makes me feel that he's a little safer than if he was using condoms haphazardly or not at all.

A pregnancy now would ruin his life. I'm glad that my kids can come to me and aren't embarrassed. We talk about relationships (not just sex) because relationships and sex are so intertwined.

I also reinforce that contraception is not just the woman's responsibility, and that if they don't want to get a woman pregnant, they need to take responsibility for their own reproduction. Meaning: don't pay a lick of attention to what birth control your girl may or may not be on. Use a condom, and be sure!

I am totally opposed to abstinence-only education. It's so unrealistic. When I was a kid, we were having sex well before we were 18. I think that abstinence has it's place in sex education, but should never be the only sex ed that kids learn.

This may offend people, but I would support condom availability at the high schools. Maybe not having the bathrooms stocked, but available to those who need them, and so they can be obtained without embarrassment.

Anonymous said...

momgroeb means "own issues" as in "homosexuality. " Plus she mentioned witnessing the birth of a teacher's child which I actually DO NOT believe happened, at least not here... maybe in some out back woods school?

Limeridger said...

Anon, again the picking on momgroeb. Why? Even if by "own issues" she meant "homosexuality" so what and why the reference to "backwoods school?" One does not have to be a homophobe or backwoods illiterate hillbilly to not want homosexuality taught in the school. With the passage of SB777 focused on non-discrimination against LGBT in schools, it is not out of the realm of possibility that "some" would argue that failure to teach homosexual sex would be discriminatory unless sex ed is limited to "reproductive" health. Discussion of these types of topics/issues should not be reduced to simply demonizing or mocking those with opposing views. Such attacks serve only as a distraction from the substance of the issues.

momgroeb said...

The question was brought up am I educated. Yes and it was not here in Cal the state I received my education from is ranked one of the highest in the US. I am also an educator. I have taught early learning and language and special education. I do not have the privileged of all day writing so I try to be brief on my Post.
My education is not the question now is it. The question was;
"WILL IT UPSET YOUR 5th GRADER TO BE IN A CLASS WITH THE OPPOSITE SEX DURING REPRODUCTIVE ORGAN DISCUSSION"

YES it will. I teach it to them at home. They know what it is.

As far as the teacher adding their opinion in. They will and they DO. I am a believer that birth is a beautiful thing but not for my 5th grader to watch some one do it.(My child my RIGHT).

Is it because I am a Christian may be (still not the question) but I never added that to my post so that to is PERSONAL.

I have seen teachers weather your children tell you or not instill their beliefs. During an election my daughter was in a class and the teacher told the students who they should vote for and even questioned my daughter on why she did not believe that person should be voted on. She even docked her points for it on a report. It can and will happen.
Do I think all families are the same? NO! We come from a very diverse family with many kinds of beliefs the one thing we all agree on is "YOU TEACH YOUR CHILD NOT MINE" on our beliefs.
My Grandfathers and Father all fought for that right. My 2 older daughters joined the army for that same right. We discuss what is right to us and do NOT expect other or our children to think that way. In our family we do not even tell each other who we vote for it is PERSONAL!

Sex education is the same and my children have all told me the same thing. "I will be embarrassed to be in this class with a boy".

They are modest not "Christianist" rights activist. But they do believe in God.

Thank you Limeridger and Apollo for recognizing my right to raise my children the way I see it and your comments.

Anonymous said...

Momgroeb: You are an educator? I am astonished! There are about thirty typos and grammatical errors in your several posts.

You should not be teaching anything to anyone, least of all sex education. The very best thing in the world is your children are being sent to school where they may be able to undo some of what they are learning at home, and achieve more.

This speaks DIRECTLY to the issue at hand: Who should we have teach this material to children. Someone who knows enough to teach it - that's who! If that is at home great, but if not, it should be supported and taught in the schools.

At age appropriate levels, different kinds of sexual education should be taught. The younger they are, the more basic, and the older they are, the more in depth.

Martha Ross said...

Momgroeb,
I've been trying to leave a comment on my own blog for the past few days, and haven't been able to, for who knows what reason. Sorry for the delay.
I won't get into the debate about whether I agree or not on your views about sex education.
I'm leaving that debate to others. I just wanted to say thanks for sharing your thoughts, and I'm also sorry to hear about your daughter having bipolar disorder. I hope she's doing okay. I wrote in an earlier story about my husband's mental illness, so I've been in family support groups, and most of those are populated by parents of kids with depression, bipolar, schizophrenia. My husband is doing okay (I'm very fortunate). I can't imagine what it must be like to have a child in that kind of pain.
One thing we've learned in dealing with this kind of issue (mental illness) in our family is that we have to work very hard--not always as successfully as we could--to communicate and be open about not just my husband's illness, but a whole range of issues. You learn that's there is nothing to be gained from sweeping anything sensitive or uncomfortable under the carpet. I imagine that might be the case in your family. And that can pertain to sex education, I suppose.
Again, thanks for contributing to this discussion.
Take care.

momgroeb said...

Soccer Mom,

Thank you, Yes it is the case in some things you learn that discretion is as good as the opportunity to apply your own points of view. There are times you should say things and times you should not.
My daughter is doing very well on her meds but she does not deal with some of the harder issues like you and your family.
I am not against children learning about their own bodies or the fact it may come from a teacher.
My point is there is a time and a place. Some kids do not except things like others. If it is taught boys should learn from a male teacher in a separate room. Girls should also have their own separate opportunity so if there are questions they feel more at ease to ask them.
I do not need to BELITTLE nit pick or degrade others to make this understood. I do have experience in this (15 yrs)and know how it works.
I myself was paddled years ago because I refused to admit to my teacher I evolved from an APE. As odd as it sounds it does happen and there are still teachers out there that do not believe that families should have the right to raise their children as they see fit.
This is why we still have debates about these issues. I raised and support my children and I feel it is MY RIGHT. They are all loving and well adjusted Young Ladies. If you knew me or them and any one that does will tell you I have not scared any of them or enforced what I believe on them.
I am not as Homophobic. I love my family members that have partners. I do not tell my children my thoughts on this because if it were ever the case I would NEVER want them to think I love them any less for their choice. They all know we love them but we also respect them and they do not want to be in a room with boys during a discussion such as this. WE RESPECT THAT and stand for their right in that.

Anonymous said...

momgroeb, i respect you and all your family has gone thru and am glad it seems katie grace is doing well. But my gosh, you can't possibly say you're educated, as an "educator?" Maybe you mean you are an educator as in, you homeschool? Seriously I think there were more than 30 errors in that comment, not that I mean to pick on you, but please don't say you're an educator because that would be scary.

momgroeb said...

Thank you.
Yes I am I have been teaching early childhood education, early learning language, and children with behavior disorders. I do not watch or check for my errors just like I do not point out those of others on this sight. I do and have seen many. I myself have dyslexia. Reading trough a lot of other peoples post only cause me a little confusion when I am writing. If you talk to the parents of the children I have worked with or read their letters you would know that my inability does not interfere in what I do best. Help children.
I do not remember saying that I am Katie Grace's mom but now that is out there I can also tell you I have helped a child here in Cal the family knows little English and had no money. In 3 months he/she is now reading and has received 3's on his/her papers. My children all read and could write before they entered kindergarten. SO as scary as it may seem to you I have also seen errors in your post as well as other I am just discreet enough to NOT choose that to be the topic or detour others from the real question.
Katie Grace is in the hospital now again and is amazing the nurses around her with her knowledge of math and reading at 6 years old.
But the question still was teaching reproduction in a class room with Boy and Girls. I do not know a 5th grade girl that will honestly say they want to be in a class with boys!