Clear Connection Teacher Guide Clear Connection
Teacher Facilitation Guide
Grade Level
9-10
Duration
45 Minutes
Focus
Communication & Consent
Format
Direct & Small Group
Learning Objective
Students will role-play effective communication strategies for negotiating safer sex and discussing STI history with partners to reduce health risks and improve relationship clarity.
Materials Needed
Clear Connection Slides
Role Play Scenario Cards
Discussion Prompt Cards
Lesson Procedure
1
Warm-up: The Awkward Factor (5 min)
Ask students to brainstorm a list of reasons why talking about sex or STIs feels awkward or difficult.
Teacher Prompt
"We talk about health, fitness, and nutrition all the time. Why is it that when we mention STIs or protection, the room gets quiet or people start laughing? Let's list the barriers on the board."
2
Video Viewing: STI Prevention Beyond Condoms (5 min)
Show the video section from 2:58 to 3:25 . This section specifically addresses the gap between just using barriers and the actual communication needed to be on the same page.
3
Small Group Discussion (10 min)
Hand out the Discussion Cards . Have students focus on the quote: "Terms like abstinence, intercourse, and sex mean different things to different people."
Guiding Question:
How could having different definitions for these words lead to a situation where one person feels their boundaries were crossed?
4
Role-Play Practice (20 min)
Divide students into pairs. Distribute Role-Play Scenarios . Each pair selects or is assigned a scenario.
Scenario A: The Testing Talk
Scenario B: The Barrier Negotiation
Scenario C: Defining the Relationship/Activity
FACILITATION TIP
Encourage students to use the "Script Starters" on the cards if they get stuck. Remind them that the goal isn't to be perfect, but to find words that feel natural to them.
5
Closure: The Natural Phrase (5 min)
Wrap up by asking each student (or pair) to share out one phrase or sentence they used during the role-play that felt "actually usable" in real life.
Common Student Misconceptions
"If I ask to use a condom, they'll think I don't trust them."
Reality: Using protection is about self-care and mutual respect, not lack of trust.
"Everyone knows what 'sex' means."
Reality: Some define sex as only intercourse; others include oral or digital sex. Clarity prevents accidents.
Clear Connection Slides Health & Wellness
CLEAR
CONNECTION
Mastering the art of communication in sexual health.
The Awkward Factor
Why is it so difficult or "awkward" to talk about sex, boundaries, or protection?
Think about...
Social expectations
Fear of judgment
Lack of "the right words"
Media influence
Watch & Listen
Embedded media
Focused Segment: Communication (2:58 - 3:25)
STI Prevention Beyond Condoms
"Terms like abstinence, intercourse, and sex mean different things to different people. So you need to make sure you're on the same page."
From the presentation by Sarah & Kevin
Discussion
How can having different definitions for these words lead to a situation where a boundary is crossed?
Why is it important to define these terms before engaging in any sexual behavior?
Role-Play Practice
1
Pick a Partner
Find someone you feel comfortable practicing with.
2
Choose a Scenario
Select Scenario A, B, or C from the cards provided.
3
Practice scripts
Try the suggested lines, then try your own words.
One Good Line
Share out one phrase or sentence from your role-play that felt natural, clear, and helpful.
Keep these lines in your toolkit!
Clear Connection Role Play Cards Script Starters
Role-Play Scenario Cards
Names:
Date:
In pairs, choose one scenario below. Practice the conversation using the "Script Starters" provided. After you try the suggested lines, try to rewrite them in words that feel more like you. Focus on being clear, respectful, and firm about your health.
Scenario A: The Testing Talk
Beginner Level
The Situation
You and your partner have been hanging out for a few months. Things are starting to get more serious and you think you might want to start being sexually active. You want to make sure you both get tested for STIs first.
The Goal
Agree to go to a clinic together or share recent results before any physical contact occurs.
Script Starters
"I really like where this is going. Before we take things further, can we talk about getting tested?"
"I value our relationship and my health. Would you be open to getting tested with me this week?"
"I want us both to be safe. When was the last time you were tested for STIs?"
Scenario B: The Barrier Negotiation
Intermediate Level
The Situation
You are about to have sex. You reach for a condom, but your partner says, "Oh, we don't need that, I'm clean" or "It doesn't feel as good with one." You are not comfortable proceeding without a barrier.
The Goal
Hold your boundary. Communicate that protection is a non-negotiable requirement for you.
Script Starters
"I hear you, but I only feel comfortable and relaxed if we use protection. Let's use it."
"Actually, I need to use one. It's the only way I can really enjoy this without worrying."
"If we aren't using a condom, then I'm not ready to do this right now."
Scenario C: Defining "Sex"
Advanced Level
The Situation
You told a partner you wanted to "wait to have sex." They agreed. Later, they start pushing for oral sex, saying "that's not actually sex." You realize you have different definitions of where the line is.
The Goal
Define your terms clearly. Make sure you both understand exactly what activities are on or off the table.
Script Starters
"When I said 'sex', I meant any kind of physical intimacy involving genitals. I'm not ready for that."
"I think we have different ideas of what 'waiting' means. To me, that includes oral sex too."
"Can we clarify what we're both comfortable with? To me, 'sex' means..."
Clear Connection Discussion Cards Teacher Instructions
Cut along the dotted lines. Hand one card to each small group of 3-4 students for the 10-minute discussion block.
Small Group Discussion
"Terms like abstinence, intercourse, and sex mean different things to different people. So you need to make sure you're on the same page."
Topic 01
If someone says they are "abstinent," what specific behaviors do you think they are avoiding? Does everyone in your group agree?
Topic 02
Why might someone be afraid to ask for a definition of "sex" in a relationship? How does that fear create risk?
Small Group Discussion
"Terms like abstinence, intercourse, and sex mean different things to different people. So you need to make sure you're on the same page."
Topic 01
Think of a movie or TV show. How do characters usually handle (or fail to handle) these conversations? Is it realistic?
Topic 02
How can "not being on the same page" about sexual definitions lead to accidental boundary crossing or lack of consent?
Small Group Discussion
"Terms like abstinence, intercourse, and sex mean different things to different people. So you need to make sure you're on the same page."
Topic 01
Is it better to have this conversation in the heat of the moment or some other time? Why?
Topic 02
What are 3 specific words you could use to ask a partner what "sex" means to them without making it feel like a clinical interview?
Small Group Discussion
"Terms like abstinence, intercourse, and sex mean different things to different people. So you need to make sure you're on the same page."
Topic 01
The video mentions that "you can't tell if someone has an STI just by looking." How does this fact change the importance of communication?
Topic 02
Does talking about "the rules" or "definitions" make a relationship more or less intimate? Why do you think so?
Clear Connection Discussion Toolkit • 9-10th Grade Health