G'day educator friends! I have a bizarre curriculum question for you. When & how do students in your school learn about crime and the law? Are they ever taught (age-appropriately of course) about harassment, sexual or physical abuse, neglect, theft, or other crimes that affect them? #sschat - ThreadSky

halseanderson.bsky.social • 1 day ago

G'day educator friends! I have a bizarre curriculum question for you.

When & how do students in your school learn about crime and the law?

Are they ever taught (age-appropriately of course) about harassment, sexual or physical abuse, neglect, theft, or other crimes that affect them? #sschat

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jessdaygeorge.bsky.social•10 hours ago

My sister @jenndaymattson.bsky.social , a HS English teacher (this is year 30!) in Utah:
Great question…it’s not an intentional part of my curriculum, but we talk about everything. We do have a required government class required for graduation, but I’m not sure they really go over those specifics.

erinsiska.bsky.social•1 day ago

I trained as a lawyer and am currently a substitute teacher for K-8, public & private schools.

erinsiska.bsky.social•1 day ago

They definitely know about punishment, but maybe not the concept of crime. I know I’ve had to tell my kids in elementary school that only bad adults go to jail; kids never go to jail because they are still learning what’s right & wrong. Kids only get a timeout/the thinking chair.

erinsiska.bsky.social•1 day ago

They were worried about the consequences for certain bad choices. 🙂

erinsiska.bsky.social•1 day ago

Kids are usually taught about “stranger danger” and that no one touches their private parts except mommy, daddy, or the doctor - in front of mommy or daddy - at home. Sex Ed. begins in 3rd grade. Bullying is often addressed starting in Kindergarten.

walkersclass.bsky.social•1 day ago

In our health curriculums they learn about the consequences of underage drinking and consuming drugs, including legal. It’s also in health where they learn about the legal implications if consent is not given.

notkarlsson.bsky.social•1 day ago

In my history classes we look at law as a tool that can either create + protect freedoms or violate them.

notkarlsson.bsky.social•1 day ago

My world history class focuses on revolutions and freedom movements. We often look at laws passed by colonizers to maintain control (eg the Code Noir in Haiti/Saint-Domingue, laws that enabled the British to steal resources & censor the press in India.)

notkarlsson.bsky.social•1 day ago

We spend a lot of time on constitutional amendments in my US history class and the context from which they arose. Students also track a current issue throughout the year + historic and present laws related to the issue.

notkarlsson.bsky.social•1 day ago

On reflection I think I focus a little more on how the law is used to oppress rather than liberate + protect. I also think middle schoolers are better at spotting injustice than justice.

notkarlsson.bsky.social•1 day ago

I think it’s important to acknowledge the truth of oppression but I’m also reflecting this morning on how often I’m inviting students to creatively envision a more just world. Or at least make more protective/helpful/liberating laws more visible!

kwknight.bsky.social•1 day ago

Your thread gave me something to smile about this morning, thank you. 😊

notkarlsson.bsky.social•1 day ago

Thanks for giving me something to think about today :)

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