A critical examination of teachers’ approaches to sexuality education in kindergarten

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this paper, we draw on critical theorisations to examine kindergarten teachers’ approaches to sexuality education. A qualitative study was carried out using semi-structured interviews with ten teachers and classroom observations in four classrooms in Quebec, Canada. Data analysis revealed that the teachers in the study agreed that sexuality education in kindergarten was important and beneficial. However, narrow perceptions of kindergarten children’s capacities to engage with sexuality content informed classroom approaches in ways that limited children’s access to comprehensive and critical forms of sexuality education. We conclude by recommending a theoretical shift away from relying exclusively on developmental frameworks and to engage with critical theory when designing and implementing sexuality education with young learners.