Our Whole Lives (O.W.L.) Program
Our Whole Lives (O.W.L.) Human Sexuality Program
We are proud to offer Our Whole Lives (OWL) the nationally renowned program on human sexuality developed in collaboration by the Unitarian Universalist Assn. and the United Church of Christ.
BVUUF OWL classes are:
Grade 1
First Grade Our Whole Lives
10 sessions offered 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Sunday mornings
Tuition: $50.00 for members ($75.00 for non-members) sliding scale fee available.
This component supports parents in educating their young children about birth, babies, bodies and families. It helps establish a life long family pattern of communication around sensitive topics. Following a Parent Meeting and Parent/Child Orientation, the eight class sessions engage children with stories, songs and activities and include a weekly HomeLink—a homework project for parents and children to do together. Families covenant to have their child attend all 8 sessions to promote trust and sharing. After the Orientation Session, the class is closed to drop-ins and new participants. Focusing on the “three R’s” of human sexuality—respect, relationship, and responsibility—it emphasizes that we believe every person should be treated fairly and kindly. BVUUF’s O.W.L. sessions will take place over a 4 month period, September – early December with breaks for holidays, long weekends, and school vacations. It is our intention to offer it every year after this year for first graders.
Recommended but not required books:
- It’s So Amazing by Robie Harris.
- The Parent Guide to Our Whole Lives Grades K-1 and Grades 4-6
A session-by-session guide to what children will learn through the Our Whole Lives curricula for grades K-1 and 4-6. BVUUF has several copies for loan or a family may order their own copy from the UUA bookstore.
Grade 5
Fifth Grade Our Whole Lives
10 sessions offered 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Sunday mornings
Tuition: $60.00 for members ($85.00 for non-members) sliding scale fee available.
Participants learn about and discuss the physical and emotional changes of puberty. Participants will examine topics such as values and sexuality, communication and decision making. This component helps establish a life long family pattern of communication around sensitive topics. Each session includes a HomeLink—a homework activity for parents and children to complete together. Following a Parent Meeting and Parent/Child Orientation, families covenant to have their child attend all 8 sessions to promote trust and sharing. After the Orientation Session, the class is closed to drop-ins and new participants. Focusing on the “three R’s” of human sexuality—respect, relationship, and responsibility—it emphasizes that we believe every person should be treated fairly and kindly. The required book, It’s Perfectly Normal by Robie Harris, is included.
BVUUF’s O.W.L. sessions will take place over a 4 month period, with breaks for holidays, long weekends, and school vacations. It is our intention to offer it every year.
Recommended but not required books:
- The Parent Guide to Our Whole Lives Grades K-1 and Grades 4-6
A session-by-session guide to what children will learn through the Our Whole Lives curricula for grades K-1 and 4-6. BVUUF has several copies for loan or a family may order their own copy from the UUA bookstore.
7th/8th Grade O.W.L.
7th/8th grade O.W.L. for 08/09 (7th grade only in the future)
27 sessions offered 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Sunday mornings
Tuition: $130.00 for members ($200.00 for non-members) sliding scale fee available.
This is the core offering of BVUUF’s O.W.L. program. It presents a comprehensive approach to human sexuality in an age-appropriate manner and is based firmly on the values of respect, responsibility, justice and inclusivity. It helps young people apply these values to their behavior and provides them with information and skills they can use throughout life. Jr. High O.W.L. includes a comprehensive parent orientation. It helps participants clarify their values and religious beliefs and emphasizes the worth and dignity of each participant.
Participants covenant to attend all sessions. After the orientation session, the class is closed to drop-ins and new participants. The sessions are offered approximately two or three times per month, over 10 months. Breaks are scheduled for holidays, long weekends and school vacations. Includes the book Changing Bodies, Changing Lives by Ruth Bell and members of the Teen Book Project.
For more information, visit the national OWL Web site.
For more information on the BVUUF OWL program, contact the Director of Religious Education, Katie Erslev.