3 Tips On Teaching Grade 1 Human Development and Sexual Health [Private Parts!]

If you're a Grade 1 teacher in Ontario you know that as soon as April rolls around, it's time to start thinking about teaching Human Development and Sexual Health (don't stress!)

If the title itself of this Healthy Living strand makes you a tad uncomfortable, don't worry you aren't alone. It's completely natural to feel a little anxious about teaching first graders how to identify body parts including genitalia but trust me, you've got this!  

Here are three helpful tips to boost your comfort level when it comes time to teach this important health unit.

Tip #1: To quote Destiny's Child, "Say My (private body part) Name"

Repeat after me: vagina, buttocks, vulva, penis, testicle, anus, nipples. Now look in a mirror quickly…are you blushing?  It’s OK!  Calling genitalia by their medical name (without mumbling, giggling or turning bright red) is the first step to successfully teaching this unit.  Just like you might do when rehearsing for a speech, try saying the words aloud in front of a mirror, while you are alone in your car, or under your breath while out on a walk.  You’ll soon get over the “uncomfortable” factor.  Remember, these are just body parts after all. 

Tip #2: Read All About It

To kick off the unit I recommend reading picture books that either: 1) talk about underwear 2)  show a partially naked body or 3) include a reference to a private part in them.  This allows your students to get their giggles out and also helps boost your comfort level.  Some of my favourites are No David! by David Shannon, The Paperbag Princess by Robert Munsch and Creepy Pair of Underwear! by Aaron Reynolds.

Tip #3: Remember How You Were Taught

Oh wait...we WEREN'T taught how to identify body parts using the correct terminology.  AMIRIGHT!?    It’s important students know how to identify body parts and use the correct names, too so that they can get the help they need if they get hurt.  Our role is to empower children to help keep them safe from abuse and ensure they grow up into assertive and confident teenagers.  

I hope those 3 tips were helpful!  I'd love to hear any tips you have in the comments.

If you feel like you could use an entire unit on this topic with detailed lesson plans, activities, original songs (and a BONUS mini unit on The Five Senses!) then check this out.

Hey Grade 1 Teachers...you got this!   

PS Come over to Instagram to say hi and while you're there, check out this reel I made with even more picture book recommendations!