Theology of the Body for Teens (middle school ed)

[RCMom]

Has anyone used Theology of the Body for Teens (TOBT), or familiar with it?

We just moved to a more conservative parish (we live in the notorious Dio of Rochester) and Father has asked me if I would be interested in teaching 7-9th grade Religious Ed and incorporating TOBT in with it. AIKES! I work part-time in OBGYN so I have experience with sexual health, mainly from the female perspective. I am also a mother of 6 kids (all from the same father, believe it or not, who was indeed my husband first!). However, I have absolutely no teaching experience, other than preventive counselling in my practice. And my oldest child is 8, so I really don’t have any experience with the middle school age group either. I am assuming (HOPING) Father will give me at least an outline of what needs to be covered for the regular catechesis. (He’s coming over for dinner at the end of the month, if we don’t sit down before then). He just hired a new full-time coordinator, so if I do actually teach this, I will be sitting down with her at some point as well. I have the regular TOBT manual - the high school edition - and I really like how they have the entire program spelled out for you. I am hoping to attend a training session to teach this. A neighboring diocese has one, but not until mid November. Rel Ed classes are set to start mid-October…a bit late, but it looks like they are completely restructuring the program, as well as remodeling the facilities.

Anyways…I am looking for anyone with BTDT experience and advice, on both the rel ed for 7-9 grade, as well as the Theology of the Body portion.

Thanks!
RCMom

 

[JerryS]

I’m interested in people’s experience also. Is it good for 6th graders?

What other resources are good for families with early middle schoolers?

We were surprised with an explicit human sexuality class the SECOND DAY OF MIDDLE SCHOOL. I knew this was coming, but I didn’t expect it this early in the year.

Thanks for any guidance or experience.

 

[Edward_H]

Hi. I helped teach TOB for post confirmationi students (10-12th graders) for 2 years. Went very well. Students really responded to it. We used the Ascension Press video, combined with some lectures, team activities, and some separate male and female break out sessions…led by adults of the respective sex.

 

[uxordepp]

TOBT has lots of support material to go along with it, including DVDs and workbooks. That, the support of your priest, and your own will will ensure you do well!

It’s a great program.