Course Overview
The fourth through sixth grade prevention program builds off of the concepts taught to younger students. Older students are taught the proper terminology for the different types of abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, trafficking, & neglect.) Special focus is given to the two types of sexual abuse: contact and non-contact.
This curriculum includes games and activities to test students’ knowledge of concepts and reinforce safety strategies. Scenarios and Tic Tac Toe test retention of prevention information.
Each presentation takes place in the individual classroom, which is best practice, so that students can learn in a comfortable, small group setting, ask questions, and have opportunities to participate. Prevent Child Abuse Utah’s curriculum should never be taught in an assembly or large group setting. The topics are sensitive and can be triggering for students who have experienced abuse. It is important for trainers to be able to see and gauge student reactions in order to provide support for each student. Teaching the content in small groups is a trauma-informed practice.
The 4th-6th grade curriculum covers the following points as outlined by the Utah State Board of Education for human trafficking prevention standards:
- Recognizing warning signs
- Grooming (particularly gift giving and secret keeping)
- Human trafficking prevention
- Trusting adults
- Reporting
It also covers the following standards from the Child Sexual Abuse Prevention standards:
- Sexual misconduct
- Appropriate adult behavior
- Practice saying no
- Secrets
- Body ownership
- Victims are not at fault
- Trusting feelings
- Create a reporting plan
- Recognizing warning signs
- Reporting