Relating, Dating, and Waiting

Possible Topics - 8th Grade

• Classes will be taught in same-gender, same-grade groups unless noted.
• Educators recognize that students have varying degrees of interest and maturity in dealing with the topics. They will seek to protect students’ modesty and innocence while also being honest, gentle, and straightforward about what students need to know.
• Some topics may not be discussed, depending on students’ needs and maturity. Topics may also be taught out of sequence, depending on the school schedule.
• The specific schedule of topics and other information for the school year will be posted on RenWeb. Go to the parents’ web link on RenWeb and click on “Teacher’s Web Page” beside Life Curriculum (LFCR-8).
• Students will be encouraged to continue discussion of these topics with parents and/or other trusted adults. At times, there may be assignments to encourage communication between students and their parents.

Title	Topics
Introduction	Introduce class; outline topics; discuss expectations
Am I Normal?	Adolescent developmental tasks, including taking risks, gaining independence, influencing peers, and exploring careers; teen brain development and its impact on decision-making
Becoming a Man/Woman: Inner Character	Courage, strength, and leadership (boys); power of the tongue (girls)
Becoming a Man/Woman: Body Image	Accepting one’s body; developing physiques (boys); desiring to be beautiful (girls)
Family Matters	Communicating with parents about tough subjects; developing positive connections with parents and siblings; God’s Word on parent-child relationships
Peer Power	Influence of positive friendships; developing accountability
First Impressions	Starting conversations; social etiquette, how to treat a guy/girl
Body Basics	Physiology of male/female reproductive system; God’s perfect design for marriage and family
How Life Begins	Conception to birth; fetal development
The Body Brain Connection	How the brain processes attraction and pleasure
Communicating Attraction	What is attractive to one person may not be attractive to another person; understanding how the five senses send and receive messages of attraction; flirting
Where is Sex?	Messages about sex in the world, including media, music, and advertising
Love vs. Lust	Distinguishing between love and lust; understanding God’s Word about lust
Training the Eye and the Heart	How clothing impacts others; dressing modestly; bouncing the eyes and thoughts from inappropriate images
Thinking through Dating	Types of dating; pitfalls of dating; consequences of dating; safe dating
Progression of Intimacy	Levels of physical and emotional intimacy; God’s view of intimacy
Reputation	How one’s name communicates reputation; reputation matters; living as a Christian
Freedom and Responsibility	Showing maturity; responsibility of freedom; communication is key; seeking God’s wisdom
What’s the Goal?	Developing life goals of marriage, work, and family; self-sufficiency and independence; tasks and skills needed to achieve the goals; God’s desire for you
Class Evaluation

Page Updated 11/18/08