The Fourth R is a skills-focused and relationship-based program for Grades 7, 8 and 9 Health Physical Education (HPE). Each grade level curriculum document includes units on: Personal Safety & Injury Prevention Substance Use, Addictions & Related Behaviours Human Development & Sexual Health Healthy Eating. This relationship-based approach is a program aimed at preventing the following adolescent violence and related risk behaviours: Peer and dating violence, Substance misuse, and Unhealthy sexual behaviour. Importantly, many of these behaviours overlap because they occur in the context of relationships. The Fourth R program addresses these adolescent risk behaviours by focusing on relationship goals and challenges that influence their decision-making. The lessons are adapted to the length of elementary or secondary periods. There are a number of versions that support public, Catholic, French, and Indigenous classrooms.
WHY EDUCATORS LIKE THE FOURTH R
- Curriculum available to download online.
- Health & Physical Education Curriculum – Inserted into the curriculum under the P.E. and English courses for 21-31 sessions
- Discussions delivered by teachers through role-playing exercises include topics of violence, substance use and unsafe sex.
- Research and evaluation summary: https://www.csmh.uwo.ca/publications/fourth-r-research.html
Source: The Fourth R