Difficult Questions - Puberty Curriculum

This post on difficult questions is the sixth in a series of nine topics requested by puberty educators.

Educators are humans, and humans have feelings. It is common to experience a variety of feelings when teaching puberty education classes and especially when answering student questions. Sometimes strong feelings arise when answering difficult questions. This post shares some ideas and experiences that can help educators manage difficult questions and the feelings they might provoke.

Prevention Is Key

Many situations that result in awkward questions can be prevented. Make sure the classroom teacher is always in the room if you are teaching puberty education as a guest educator in a classroom that is not your own. Much misbehavior can be avoided when students know their regular teacher is present. Another important preventive measure is to review group guidelines, group norms, or group agreements as needed when teaching puberty education. Clear standards for student behavior helps students meet expectations for respectful and mature behavior during puberty class.

Philosophy Toward Questions

Another key to managing difficult questions is adopting a philosophy about student questions that supports curiosity and respect. Always communicate respect for students’ curiosity; that is how they learn. Always accept the language students bring to the classroom; that is the only language they have until they learn the dictionary terms for anatomy and behaviors. Never assume a question is not serious just because it provokes a negative emotional response. Students view the world through their unique perspective and may frame questions that are beyond an adult’s imagination. They may use slang words that adults don’t understand. When educators treat students’ questions with respect, every question deserves a serious response, not censorship. Expect developmentally appropriate maturity from students and watch them rise to expectations.

Five Types of Difficult Questions

Difficult questions often fall into these five categories:

Embarrassing questions
Personal questions
Offensive questions
Prejudiced questions
Challenging questions

When the Question Can’t Be Answered

Every educator has boundaries that are imposed by their employer. That means there will be times when you can’t answer a student’s question. When that happens, be sure to…

Affirm all questions, even those that can’t be answered in class.
Know the limits regarding what can and can’t be discussed. However, personal discomfort is not the limit.
Encourage students to talk to parents, caregivers, and other trusted adults.
Know when to make a referral.

Remember: Kids will remember the music long after the words are forgotten. In other words, the tone or feeling of your answers will remain with students long after the content of your answer is gone.