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• Communication
• Limit setting
• Refusal
• Getting help
• Friendship
• Analyzing media messages
• Distinguishing between reliable and unreliable sources of information

Media Selection Checklist

Meeting Michigan Legal Requirements for Sex Education Curriculum
Recent changes in the Michigan laws related to sex education in public schools have required schools to re-examine their sex education programs to make sure they are in compliance. Click here to view a document designed to help schools use Puberty: The Wonder Years to meet the legal requirements for sex education curriculum as stated in section 380.1507b of the Michigan Compiled Laws.

Puberty: The Wonder Years Now Available!   Order today!

The EMC is pleased to announce the publication of Puberty: The Wonder Years, a puberty education curriculum for upper elementary and early middle school students.  It was developed in response to requests from schools looking to equip young people with the knowledge and skills to postpone sex and to respect themselves and others as they mature.

Puberty: The Wonder Years was written by Wendy Sellers of Health4Hire, a registered nurse, Certified Prevention Consultant, published author and editor, health education consultant, national trainer and sexuality educator.  The curriculum has been reviewed by a panel of highly qualified reviewers from across the country representing local, state and national points of view.

Three Tier Structure

There are 20 lessons in this curriculum, organized into three clusters of lessons, called tiers. Each tier is designed to be a unit for students in one grade; thus, there are lessons for three consecutive years. However, because each community is unique, the lessons can be reorganized and taught as each school district chooses. Presentation in a three-ring binder format further enhances this flexibility.  The learning goals of the tiers are as follows:

Tier One: I Wonder How Things Work (6 lessons)

• Students will communicate with parents and other trusted adults about growing up.

• Students will explain how animal and human life begins.

• Students will describe the natural changes that occur during puberty.

• Students will identify the role of families in nurturing children.

• Students will advocate for respectful treatment of peers.

Tier Two: I Wonder What Is Happening to Me (6 lessons)

• Students will communicate with parents and other trusted adults about puberty and postponing parenthood.

• Students will review the natural changes that occur during puberty.

• Students will explain the anatomy and functions of the male and female reproductive systems.

• Students will recognize the importance of safeguarding the health of their reproductive system.

• Students will develop their media literacy skills for analyzing sexual messages.

Tier Three: I Wonder What Happens Next (6 lessons)

• Students will communicate with parents and other trusted adults about puberty, relationships, and their expectations.

• Students will describe the development of the human fetus from conception through birth.

• Students will examine the influence of genetics, environment, and lifestyle on health.

• Students will choose positive lifestyles to ensure their future reproductive health.

• Students will review the physical, social, and emotional changes of puberty.

• Students will argue the benefits of delaying sexual intercourse and parenthood until adulthood and marriage.

• Students will improve communication and refusal skills to form respectful peer relationships.

Optional Lessons: More Wonders (2 lessons)

• Students will care for their skin, hair, and nails during puberty

• Students will understand more about heredity and commit to a healthy lifestyle.