The following can be used, if time allows, as an additional lesson.
By dealing with hypothetical situations in the classroom that are similar to those they are likely to encounter in real life, students will be better able to cope with actual high risk situations when they occur.
Students gain experience handling complex, AIDS related problems.
They develop judgment and problem solving skills.
They develop awareness of HIV risk factors.
They develop awareness of barriers to HIV risk reduction.
Students practice reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
They develop critical thinking skills.
Divide the class into groups of three or four. If possible, beginning students should be grouped with a more advanced student of the same native language who can help with translation. Give each group a copy of one of the letters to Abby printed below, each of which describes an AIDS risk situation that young people are likely to confront. Ask students to examine and discuss the problem presented in the letter to which they are responding, and then to write a reply that provides good, healthy advice. When students are finished writing their replies, a representative from each group can read the group’s reply, and other class members should offer their comments. Here are several letters that indicate typical risk situations in which young people may find themselves:
I am a 17 year old guy and I’ve been going out with this terrific girl who is 2 years younger than me. We have a really good relationship. We’re really in love, and I think we’re going to have sex soon. She even went and got birth control pills, so we don’t have to worry about her getting pregnant.
So what’s the problem? We both agree we don’t want to use condoms, and since we’re both practically virgins, we think we’re safe. But she doesn’t know that I was shooting up steroids last year while I was on the wrestling team. I’m not sure if I used the same needle as my buddy, but he is in great shape, so I guess there is no need to worry. Right?
Please don’t ask me to tell her about this. I think she’d stop going out with me if she knew I used to shoot drugs, even though I don’t do it now and won’t do it ever again. Besides, I’m in great health, so there is probably nothing to worry about. Right?
Tell me. What do you think I should do?
Willie the Worried Wrestler
I’m a 16 year old girl who is very popular and good looking, too. I look 19 or 20. I have already had a few boyfriends and am no longer a virgin.
Now I’m going out with Tony, who is really cool. All the girls like him but I think he likes me the best. He’s kind of shy. He even told me recently that he has never "gone all the way" with a girl. The other night, after we went dancing, we were making out in the back of his friend’s car, and we came pretty close to "doing it."
The next day at lunch he asked me if I was a virgin. Lucky for me, two of his friends came over before I had to answer.
I’m afraid to tell Tony that I’ve had sex with other guys before, because I don’t want him to think I’m a whore and leave me for somebody else. I really want him and love him a lot, but I can’t tell him about what happened before.
What should I do if he asks me again about my past?
Not so Innocent in Ipswich
My boyfriend and I have been going steady for two months. We are going to a big party soon and I think we are planning to have sex afterwards. We want to use condoms, but we’re both too embarrassed to get them. He says I should get them. I say he should.
Who should get them? Where can you buy them? What do you say if you don’t see them on display in the store? What else can you tell me that will make it easier to get these strange things and use them right?
Wondering in Washington
My name is Carlos, and I am a 17 year old student. I have some good friends and have gone on dates with some very nice girls. So what’s the problem? Well, to tell you the truth, I am not sure. I just haven’t met any girls that really turn me on, but there are some guys that I like a lot.
I think I might be gay. I’ve even had a couple of sexual experiences with guys, but I am too embarrasssed to talk about them with anybody or even to write about them in this letter.
With all this talk about AIDS and all the things people say about gays, I am hoping this is just a passing thing. Actually, I am a little worried. But the guys I was with looked fine. So I don’t have to worry about AIDS, do I?
Are my feelings normal? Will they pass? What do I need to know? Do other people feel like this?
Confused Carlos in Caracas
