An updated Health and Physical Education Curriculum has been released by the province of Ontario. An overview of grade one to eight shows education starting with identifying body parts in the first grade. By grade five, students will learn about personal hygiene, physical changes and identifying risks with technology. By grade eight, students will learn more about “sexting”, physical activity, the concept of consent and the factors related to sexual health. A grade six teacher in Parry Sound is excited about the changes as it will allow teachers to answer children’s questions more thoroughly without the fear of backlash from parents. The curriculum changes will also include resources for parents.
