Grade School Teacher’s Lesson About Consent Is Absolutely Perfect

With all the scary reports about children being violated by predators, modern parents have discovered that consent has become a necessary topic to discuss with young ones. But let’s face it: abuse is not exactly an easy topic to discuss with children.

Fortunately, one teacher from Los Angeles’ Citizens of the World Charter School Silver Lake has shared how she has explained the subject to her young students. Liz Kleinrock eloquently taught the definition and importance of consent to her third grade students.

According to Liz Kleinrock, the controversial topic has encouraged her to discuss it among her pupils.

Kleinrock taught them about what consent “looks and sounds like” so they can get a good grasp of its importance, despite their young age. She also used several “What If” scenarios to help the children understand the point. She asked “What if the other person says “No,” but they’re smiling?” or “What if the person wanted a hug yesterday, but doesn’t today?”

Eventually, Kleinrock shared her visual notes on social media for everyone’s reference.

The teacher, who also runs the website Teach and Transform, wrote:

“Everything about Kavanaugh in the news has been making me HEATED. So whenever I get frustrated about the state of our country, it inspires me to proactively teach my kids to DO BETTER. Today was all about CONSENT. We even explored the grey areas, like if someone says “yes” but their tone and body language really says “no.” Role playing is a great way to reinforce these skills, but they MUST be taught explicitly!”

Kleinrock believes that lessons about consent should start “long before intimate relationships come into the picture,” according to an Upworthy feature.

In an article she wrote, Kleinrock pointed out:

“For a lot of adults, the idea of addressing consent with children is alarming because of the relationship between consent and intimacy. However, it’s important to break down the concept of consent regarding boundaries, comfort, physical interactions and mutual respect before even getting into the subjects of intimacy, romantic relationships or toxic masculinity.”

The classroom discussion, according to her, has been enjoyable and enlightening.

“Students giggle and contribute ideas such as giving hugs and kisses,” Kleinrock shared, “but also state that it’s important to ask for permission when it comes to sharing and borrowing items from another person. One child proclaims, ‘And telling secrets! You have to ask permission to tell someone else’s secret!’”

Aside from consent, Kleinrock and her students also talked about personal space.

Her posts has since gone viral, earning thousands of shares and numerous comments. One netizen called her “Outstanding.”

Another praised her teaching method and commented:

“Clear and defined, I know several adults who can benefit from this document as a foundation to learning consent.”

Someone also said:

“You should be teacher of the year. This is how we teach children about understanding right and wrong. Now we need it with the other ‘isms’ of life. You are Super Hero in my book.”

Watch this video feature:

To follow Liz Kleinrock on social media, you can check her out on Instagram.