勛圖厙

Reflection
Reflection

Case Study - Middle School - Devon and Kelly

勛圖厙 Focused Topics Sexual Development & Behavior in K-12 Students Lesson 1 Explore Case Study - Middle School - Devon and Kelly
Reflection
WWW.VIRTUALLABSCHOOL.ORG
ACTIVITY ID: 23106
Name
Certifier
Date

Reflecting on Sexual Development & Behavior: Middle School Case Study

Read the case study about Devon and Kelly, then complete the activities on the following pages. Reflect on your responses with a colleague.

Devon and Kelly are 13-year-old students in your classroom. They both claimed to be boyfriend and girlfriend about two months ago, though they frequently break up and get back together. Devon and Kellys families are good friends, and they socialize together often. Other students in the school gossip about how the two of them make out in Kellys bedroom when Devons family is visiting.

Devon and Kelly have been observed to hold hands and put their arms around each other during school, especially when getting off the bus and during lunchtime. School staff have asked that they not engage in these behaviors and explained what types of touch are appropriate, but they need to be reminded of these guidelines. Sometimes when they are broken up, Devon will attempt to put his arms around Kelly even when it is unwanted. School staff respond to this by telling Devon to, Leave Kelly alone. A teacher has separately spoken with both sets of parents about the behaviors and guidelines given to Devon and Kelly about appropriate touch while at school. Both sets of parents seem to think, kids this age will be kids. Kellys parent responded that their behaviors are cute and says that this is the age when kids start dating. Devons parent found the behavior to be funny and stated, Devon is learning how to chase girls.

Think about Devon's and Kellys sexual development-physical changes, knowledge and beliefs, and behaviors and record the information in the table.

Physical Changes
  • Both are pre-pubescent or going through puberty, likely experiencing physical and hormonal changes
 
Knowledge & Beliefs
  • Understand the concepts of boyfriend and girlfriend and self-identify with these terms
  • Parents are OK that they are dating and use physical affection
  • Receive mixed messages about appropriate touch from parents and staff
  • Devon may not understand consent
 
Behaviors
  • Holding hands and putting arms around each other
  • Sometimes wanted by both, other times not consensual
 

Record your thoughts on the following factors to reflect on Devon's and Kellys sexual behavior.

Culture & Family Norms
  • Families are friends, think its OK for their children to engage in this behavior and to be dating
  • Devons parent thinks chasing girlstype behavior is acceptable
 
Development
  • Students this age begin to have more complex peer relations, friendships are very important to sense of self
  • May feel peer pressure
  • May desire the attention of others in a romantic way
  • Behaviors are typical, although Devon needs support
 
Function of the Behavior
  • Behaviors are thought out ways to show each other affection, sometimes unwanted by Kelly
 
Frequency & Participation
  • Off and on for two months while at school
 
Environment
  • In the school environment, coming off the bus and when outdoors
 
Effect on Others
  • Kelly does not always want to engage in these behaviors
  • Other students may be observing
 
Ease of Redirection
  • Somewhat responsive to redirection
  • Devon needs redirection specific to consent