How to use the Kit
Teatree Tells: A Child Abuse Prevention Kit has been designed to teach early childhood educators how to address
the sensitive subject of child sexual abuse with families and children. In advance of using this kit, we encourage you to spend
some time familiarizing yourself with the material. You should be prepared and confident when teaching children about personal
safety strategies to reduce the possibility of them being sexually abused.
Lessons and activities about identifying a Safe Adult, labeling feelings and naming body parts, appropriate and inappropriate
touching, and boundaries are included as a means to interrupt the process and increase the likelihood of a child disclosing
sexual abuse. Information for parents is also provided to encourage their participation. The following list outlines the steps
for incorporating this important prevention material within your organization:
1. REVIEW THE KIT MATERIAL
- Educator Guide (Parent Guide included)
- Lessons for children (4- to 6-year-olds)
- Teatree’s Keep and Speak Secrets storybook
- Posters (4 included)
- Laminated User Guide (two-sided)
- Teatree Puppet (optional)
2. READ THE GUIDE FOR EDUCATORS AND PARENTS
- Introduction (includes “The importance of teaching children personal safety”)
- Program outcomes
- Understanding child sexual abuse
- What is concerning behaviour?
- What is grooming?
- How can risks be reduced?
- Addressing the disclosure of child sexual abuse
- Responding to a disclosure
- Reporting child sexual abuse
- Barriers to reporting child sexual abuse
- Questions and answers about child sexual abuse prevention
3. REVIEW THE LESSONS
Lessons have been divided into two sections for:
- 4-5-year-olds (4 lessons and activities)
- 6-year-olds (4 lessons and activities)
Review the lessons in the section that corresponds with the age group you are teaching.
4. INTRODUCE
Decide how you will integrate the kit within your organization. Consider the following questions:
- How will you introduce the kit to the children?
- How can the kit be integrated into the children’s daily activities?
- When and how will the lessons be shared?
- Where and for how long will the posters be displayed?
- How will the material from the kit be displayed in the classroom (i.e. puppet and book)?
5. INVOLVE PARENTS
The issue of child sexual abuse is a difficult subject to raise with families. Parents may worry that teaching about
touching will frighten their child and create a fear of all adults. Alleviate parents’ concerns by providing them with
information and creating opportunities for involvement in their child’s learning. This includes sharing the Parent Guide
along with lessons and activities to complete at home.
Decide how your organization will involve parents by considering the following questions:
- When will you send home the parent information and activities?
- Will you hold a parent information evening?
- Will you invite parents to look through the lessons in the kit?
- Will children share their journal responses?
