Even the language of sexuality is not value free. One schema for understanding sexual language was described by Anna Schildroth. Language about sexuality comes from four sources, according to her: childhood, medical, everyday, and the street.
Names of body parts are not “dirty words.” The easiest way to become accustomed to this concept is to use the words often. In teaching this as a curriculum, the first piece is to teach the parts of the body using formal words. Many kids know and use nicknames or slang terms. Teachers have to be able to accept these terms without a reaction of disapproval. However, as a matter of course, the teacher provides the more adult terminology. Sources for diagrams and charts of body parts will be listed below.
Throughout all teaching and in particular when teaching sensitive material, teacher behavior is a model for student behavior. Don’t say, “yuck.” The more comfortable the teacher is, the easier it will be for students to understand the objective information and to become comfortable themselves both in talking about sexuality and in accepting themselves as sexual beings. The threshold of comfort for all rises with exposure.
The following is an exercise designed to help teachers explore their comfort level.