Our Whole Lives (OWLs)

OWLs is designed for use by parents, teachers and pastors with either a grades 4-5 groups or a grades 5-6 groups (or just one of these grades). OWLs helps participants learn about and discuss the physical and emotional changes of puberty. The program offers accurate, unbiased information on human sexuality to preteens who need it to make responsible decisions and stay healthy.

The first session includes both parents and children. Following sessions may involve parents in class and include a Home Link message from The Parent Guide to Our Whole Lives that connects classroom and home and engages parents and children in conversation about sexuality. Participants also read Robie Harris's best-selling book, It's Perfectly Normal.

The United Church of Christ has encouraged churches to study human sexuality and has published life-spanning comprehensive resources for use not only in the faith community, but also in secular settings. These resources are age-appropriate, accurate and truthful, and have both immediate relevance and applicability for later life. In addition, they emphasize and underscore the values of love, mutuality, self worth, health, responsibility, justice and inclusivity.