Girl Talk is for mothers and daughters ages 9 – 12 years. The curriculum was designed to be taught in four (4), two (2) hour sessions, preferably, once a week for four weeks.
The curriculum suggests the use of purchasable videos. These videos give a base for the program and it is highly recommended that these or similar videos be used. The curriculum is unique to many other sexuality programs because it brings together the mother and daughter in the same class, in order to foster a bonding that will hopefully last a lifetime.
The Girl Talk curriculum was developed in 1989 by Judy Cloud Berryhill; a Tennessee Extension FCS Agent, Trish Lowery; a health educator; and Joanne Brown, a registered nurse. For the past 15 years, the Girl Talk program has been ongoing in several Tennessee Counties. In 2005, the Girl Talk curriculum was updated and revised with new mini-lectures and new suggested videos. The curriculum was processed through a reading committee and has been copyrighted and printed by the University of Tennessee Extension.
- The goals of the program include:
- To provide factual information about sexuality.
- To explore sexual attitudes, feelings, values related to making responsible decisions about sexual situations.
- To encourage open communication within the family.
- To promote young girls’ positive self-esteem and acceptance of sexuality.
- Objectives:
- The participants will: Generate a healthy discussion within their families about sexuality, values, feelings and decision making.
- Generate a comparison between male and female reproductive systems.
- Discuss risks related to early sexual activity.
- Demonstrate the use of communication skills between family members.
- Generate a list of obligations and responsibilities of being a parent.
- Engage in activities which promote self-esteem.
The Girl Talk curriculum can be ordered from the Family & Consumer Sciences Department at the University of Tennessee Extension for $25 (includes shipping and handling). Fill out the interactive Order Form to request a copy of the Girl Talk curriculum. Read the printable brochure for suggestions for planning Girl Talk classes and class agendas.