Dear Primary 7 parents and carers,
The children are continuing their learning about relationships, sexual health and parenthood. We have already learned about how human life begins, thinking about conception, pregnancy and birth. We have also learned about what sex is. Children at this age also have questions about contraception and condoms and so we will be sharing some information with the children about what these things are.
Thereafter, we will be working together on an activity about human sexuality. Sexuality is described as being about what we feel, what we do and is something that exists within ourselves. The purpose of talking and learning about the idea of human sexuality is so that children develop an understanding that sexuality is not just about ‘having sex’ – of course this is something that adults can also do as part of their sexuality, but we would like children to think of themselves as unique individuals with feelings and relationships and opinions that matter. The more we can build a positive sense of self and of human sexuality as part of the person, the more we can build skills and resilience for personal relationships. To support this learning the children think of human sexuality as a flower with petals that represent different aspects. The petals on the flowers are described in this way, when the children have worked together to describe all the aspects of human sexuality we will have a lovely colourful display to help us continue with our learning:
There are six petals and the children think about and draw and write about petals 1 to 6.
1 .Our 5 senses: sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch. For example, you can smell your favourite food being cooked, listen to music that you love, hold hands with someone, feel the sunshine on your face.
What do you like to see, hear, taste, smell or touch?
2.Our feelings. For example, feelings that are positive like happiness, love, pleasure, trust. And also, feelings that can be upsetting or feel negative like jealousy, anger or sadness. What have you been feeling today?
3. Spirituality: Some people say that your spirituality is about the human spirit or human soul. Spirituality is about love and respect for all living things, it is how you connect with nature. For some people this means believing in a God and being part of a religion. How can we, as humans, love and respect our world and look after it?
4.Our identity: Identity is about how we describe ourselves. Imagine you were meeting a person for the first time, what things would you want to tell them about you? How would you describe yourself?
5. How we feel about how we look: This is called self-image. When we think about self-image, we think about what size we are, what shape we are, how we feel about our bodies. We should try to have a good picture of ourselves and our bodies, this is called a positive self-image. What do you love about how you look and your body?
6. Our relationships with other people You can have all sorts of human relationships. You can be part of a family, part of your class at school, part of a friendship group. Adults can live independently, with housemates, with a partner or in a marriage. Who are the important people in your life?
As always, if you would like any further information, please contact me through the office.
Kind regards,
Mrs Harrison
Royal Mile Primary School 