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"This video is an eye-opener with respect to what it reveals to adults about children’s thinking on the topic of AIDS . . . provides practical examples for early childhood classroom teachers but is also relevant to parents."
–Robin Lynn Leavitt, Teachers College, Columbia University
Although K-12 HIV/AIDS education is mandated in most states, implementation is often limited in early childhood and elementary settings. This break-through video goes into the classroom presenting children (ages 4-8) trying to make sense of this very difficult topic.
Focusing on what young children already know about HIV/AIDS and the questions they have, this practical video demonstrates:
• How to begin conversations with young children about HIV/AIDS
• What effect the developmental process has on a child’s understanding of this topic
• How children try to make sense of a difficult topic
• What sorts of information and misinformation children of various ages already have acquired about HIV/AIDS
• How it is possible for difficult but important topics (such as, but not limited to HIV/AIDS) to be handled sensitively in the classroom.
This is an invaluable resource both for teacher educators, who want to talk with their students about creating socially relevant curricula, and for classroom teachers, who want guidance on how to respond to this important issue in their own practice. A helpful users guide is included.
Jonathan G. Silin is a member of the graduate faculty at the Bank Street College of Education. Charissa M. Sgouros, is a teacher at the Bank Street School for Children and a children’s book author.
