GRADE 6TH, 7TH, AND 8TH
VOICES CURRICULUM
A program of self-discovery and empowerment for girls
Voices was created to address the unique needs of adolescent girls and young women. It encourages them to seek and celebrate their “true selves” by providing a safe space, encouragement, structure, and the support they need to embrace their journeys of self-discovery.
Four Key Elements in the Voices
1. Understanding more about their experiences as girls– their similarities to and differences
2. Exploring how the influences in their lives have impacted them
3. Learning skills and coping mechanisms to help them both now and in the future
4. Feeling safe and learning that this is a safe place to share their voices
Focusing on the Reality of Girls’ Lives
Socialization and identity – Girls stop “Being” and start “seeming” - They develop identity in their connections with others.
Culture and class - ethnicity and socioeconomic status have a significant impact on girls’ strengths and challenges
Why Develop Gender-Responsive Programs?
Girls travel a different path to problems than most of their male counterparts. After years of struggling to squeeze girls into programs designed for boys, some agencies that work with girls are seeking approaches that are gender-specific. It has been proven that the most effective programs are rooted in the experience of girls and incorporate an understanding of female development.
Voices has four modules - 18 sessions that are 90 minutes each
Self * Connecting with Others * Healthy Living * The Journey Ahead
Each Session Contains the Following Components:
Opening- Helping girls check-in/become present
Teaching - Key topic is presented
Interactive - Discussion of issues, questions, etc.
Experiential - Exercises to try out new skills and learning
Closure - Focus questions to facilitate reflection
Module A: Self
Who am I, My Life Story, Breaking the Silence, The World Girls Live In, Support and Inspiration
Module B: Connecting with Others
Communication, My Family, Mothers and Daughters, Friendship, Supportive Relationships, Abuse Relationships
Module C: Healthy Living
Our Bodies, Emotional Wellness, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Spirituality
Module D: Journey Ahead
Crossroads, Packing for My Journey
Life skills offered:
Cooking, CPR, Car Maintenance, Budgeting, Goal Setting, Yoga,...
A program of self-discovery and empowerment for girls
Voices was created to address the unique needs of adolescent girls and young women. It encourages them to seek and celebrate their “true selves” by providing a safe space, encouragement, structure, and the support they need to embrace their journeys of self-discovery.
Four Key Elements in the Voices
1. Understanding more about their experiences as girls– their similarities to and differences
2. Exploring how the influences in their lives have impacted them
3. Learning skills and coping mechanisms to help them both now and in the future
4. Feeling safe and learning that this is a safe place to share their voices
Focusing on the Reality of Girls’ Lives
Socialization and identity – Girls stop “Being” and start “seeming” - They develop identity in their connections with others.
Culture and class - ethnicity and socioeconomic status have a significant impact on girls’ strengths and challenges
Why Develop Gender-Responsive Programs?
Girls travel a different path to problems than most of their male counterparts. After years of struggling to squeeze girls into programs designed for boys, some agencies that work with girls are seeking approaches that are gender-specific. It has been proven that the most effective programs are rooted in the experience of girls and incorporate an understanding of female development.
Voices has four modules - 18 sessions that are 90 minutes each
Self * Connecting with Others * Healthy Living * The Journey Ahead
Each Session Contains the Following Components:
Opening- Helping girls check-in/become present
Teaching - Key topic is presented
Interactive - Discussion of issues, questions, etc.
Experiential - Exercises to try out new skills and learning
Closure - Focus questions to facilitate reflection
Module A: Self
Who am I, My Life Story, Breaking the Silence, The World Girls Live In, Support and Inspiration
Module B: Connecting with Others
Communication, My Family, Mothers and Daughters, Friendship, Supportive Relationships, Abuse Relationships
Module C: Healthy Living
Our Bodies, Emotional Wellness, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Spirituality
Module D: Journey Ahead
Crossroads, Packing for My Journey
Life skills offered:
Cooking, CPR, Car Maintenance, Budgeting, Goal Setting, Yoga,...
GRADE 4TH AND 5TH
GIRLS ONLY CURRICULUM
Girls Only is an interactive, fun, preventative education program for girls ages 8 - 11. Race, class, and cultural awareness are intentionally interwoven into the framework and lessons. Hands-on activities, art, and technology are employed as engaging teaching methods.
Girls Only programming intends to prevent young girls from getting involved with high risk choices by building self-esteem and empowering them to make healthy choices. The goal of working with girls at the critical ages of 8 to 12 is to help them build self-esteem, develop life skills, and develop positive motivations so they are equipped with the tools to help them achieve their goals and avoid getting into trouble as they physically and developmentally mature, especially before they enter their teenage years and high school.
Efforts to empower girls is based on the belief that every girl deserves to love themselves and their body and to have opportunities that allow them to make choices that benefit themselves, their families, and their community.
Designed to
· Inspire and promote self-love, self-esteem, and motivation
· Develop life skills, healthy coping skills, and decision-making skills
· Keep girls who are at risk out of the influence
· Inspire girls to further their education
Each Session Contains the Following Components:
Greetings, check-in
Discussion (lesson)
Activity (lesson)
Debrief
Journaling
Sessions include:
Getting to know You, Self-Esteem, Emotions/feelings, Communication, Healthy Bodies, Creative Arts, Community, Culture, Diversity, Social Media
Life skills offered:
Cooking, CPR, Car Maintenance, Budgeting, Goal Setting...
Girls Only is an interactive, fun, preventative education program for girls ages 8 - 11. Race, class, and cultural awareness are intentionally interwoven into the framework and lessons. Hands-on activities, art, and technology are employed as engaging teaching methods.
Girls Only programming intends to prevent young girls from getting involved with high risk choices by building self-esteem and empowering them to make healthy choices. The goal of working with girls at the critical ages of 8 to 12 is to help them build self-esteem, develop life skills, and develop positive motivations so they are equipped with the tools to help them achieve their goals and avoid getting into trouble as they physically and developmentally mature, especially before they enter their teenage years and high school.
Efforts to empower girls is based on the belief that every girl deserves to love themselves and their body and to have opportunities that allow them to make choices that benefit themselves, their families, and their community.
Designed to
· Inspire and promote self-love, self-esteem, and motivation
· Develop life skills, healthy coping skills, and decision-making skills
· Keep girls who are at risk out of the influence
· Inspire girls to further their education
Each Session Contains the Following Components:
Greetings, check-in
Discussion (lesson)
Activity (lesson)
Debrief
Journaling
Sessions include:
Getting to know You, Self-Esteem, Emotions/feelings, Communication, Healthy Bodies, Creative Arts, Community, Culture, Diversity, Social Media
Life skills offered:
Cooking, CPR, Car Maintenance, Budgeting, Goal Setting...
