The Birds and the Birds

Recently my more advanced students were reading and taking a quiz on an article about HIV/AIDS. This article discussed the history, causes, and prevention of the disease.

Did I mention these kids are in 4th or 5th grade?

Anyway, in an effort to prep them, I discussed some of the stereotypes about AIDS, such as "only homosexuals, drug users, or Africans get it." They seemed to be familiar with this misbegotten notion and I had hoped I would be in the clear. However, as soon as they started reading, a hand shot up. I got nervous.

"Teacher, what does this mean?" said one student, pointing to the word "sex." I was reluctant to answer because I figured he was pulling my leg and trying to embarrass me. After all, the Korean word for the act is quite similar. It seemed, though, that it was a genuine question. Normally, I would advise that this is what a man and a woman do when they want to have a baby. However, since the word was used as a part of the phrase "homosexual sex," this seemed an entirely inappropriate explanation of the concept.

So, I told him to look in his dictionary.