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| Book | Searching... Buffalo Public Library | 613.9071 VER | Adult | Searching... Unknown |
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Summary
Summary
A progressive, effective, and responsible approach to sex education for parents and teens that challenges traditional teaching models and instead embraces 21st century realities by promoting healthy sexuality, values, and body image in young people.
Sex education today generally falls into one of two categories: abstinence-only or abstinence-based education--both of which tend to withhold important, factual information and leave young adults ill-equipped to make safe decisions. Al Vernacchio, a high school sexuality educator who holds a Master's degree in Human Sexuality from the University of Pennsylvania, has created a new category: sex-positive education. In For Goodness Sex, he refutes the "disaster prevention" model of sex ed, offering a progressive and realistic approach: Sexuality is a natural part of life, and healthy sexuality can only develop from a sex-positive, affirming appreciation.
Curious yet fearful of being judged, young people turn to peers, the Internet, and the media, where they receive problematic messages about sex: boys are studs, girls are sluts; real sex should be like porn; hookups are better than relationships. Without a broader understanding to offset these damaging perceptions, teenagers are dangerously unprepared intellectually and emotionally to grow and develop as sexual beings. For Goodness Sex offers the tools and insights adults need to talk young people and help them develop healthy values and safe habits. With real-life examples from the classroom, exercises and quizzes, and a wealth of sample discussions and crucial information, Vernacchio offers a guide to sex education for the twenty-first century.
Reviews (2)
Publisher's Weekly Review
A high school sexuality educator and English teacher at Friends' Central School in Wynnewood, Pa., Vernacchio has been featured in a 2011 New York Times Magazine cover story. Based on his Psychology Today blog, this account of his frank, outspoken approach to sex education strays far from the stilted warnings of yesteryear. Vernacchio suggests trashing the old baseball model (first base, scoring) with the stereotype of boy as aggressor and girl as defender, and replacing it with a "pizza model," in which kids learn to approach sexual relationships with respect for each partner's (or "sweetheart's") decisions, boundaries, and desires. Taking parents through the topics he covers in class (such as values, love and relationships, body image, gender myths, sexual orientation, sex and technology) Vernacchio explains how to foster honest communication and explore the subject of sex as a "necessary and normal" part of teen life. Discussing sex with teens, the author points out, is not about being a sex expert but, rather, about establishing a dialogue. Vernacchio's no-blame, no-shame approach will inspire parents to drop their fears, judgments, and inhibitions in order to help their kids navigate the teen years. Agent: Scott Waxman, Waxman Leavell Literary Agency. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Review
Straightforward advice on how to talk to teens about sex.High school sexuality educator Vernacchio opens the door to his classroom and invites readers in for a closer look at the often awkward subject of teaching sex education to teens. Teens today receive many levels of information on the complex world of love, relationships and physical closeness via the Internet, all forms of media and their peers. However, that information is often incomplete or stresses abstinence only and doesn't help foster a well-rounded, healthy approach to sexuality. With frankness and earnestness, Vernacchio breaks down barriers and gives parents, educators and teens comprehensive, practical advice on all aspects of sex. He discusses the concept of using baseball as a metaphor for sexual activity, noting how this creates a skewed imagein part due to the gender assumptions it makes: "It sets up the idea that sex is a game and that there are opposing teamsit's competitive. Were not playing on the same team; were playing against each otherso someone wins, and someone loses." Instead, he tells his students to envision a new model for sexual activity based on the act of sharing a pizza, which encourages discussion, negotiation and is mutually satisfying to both parties involved. Vernacchio includes thorough analysis of gender identity, sexual orientation, body images, and the use of technology to communicate sexual ideas and desires. Included in each chapter are real questions posed by real students, with Vernacchio's direct and honest responses, which offer more advice and encourage further discussion on the topic. By the time Vernacchio's students finish his sexuality and society class, they are "confident, open, and more secure in themselves, and they know their values." Readers will feel the same way after finishing this book.An engaging, much-needed new approach to teaching children about the human sexual experience. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Table of Contents
| Introduction: Sexuality as a Force for Good | p. ix |
| Chapter 1 Teaching Healthy Sex | p. 1 |
| Chapter 2 Creating a Family Philosophy of Sex: What We Believe, What We Say, and How We Say It | p. 19 |
| Chapter 3 Baseball, You're Out! Sexual Activity Without the Bases | p. 49 |
| Chapter 4 Love and Relationships: Becoming Your Authentic Self | p. 71 |
| Chapter 5 Gender Myths: Helping Kids Step Outside New and Old Gender Stereotypes | p. 103 |
| Chapter 6 Sexual Orientation: Whom We Love | p. 129 |
| Chapter 7 OK, So I Have a Body. How Do I Like It and What Do I Do with It? | p. 161 |
| Chapter 8 #iloveyou: Teens, Sex, and Technology | p. 207 |
| Epilogue | p. 235 |
| Acknowledgments | p. 239 |
| Index | p. 241 |
