SAÉ 4 “Attractions and Appeal” – Exploring Identity and Adolescent Awakening

The “Attractions and Appeal” SAÉ invites Grade 7 students to delve into identity, socialization, and romantic and sexual awakening as outlined in the Quebec Culture and Citizenship program. Connected to the “Orientation and Entrepreneurship” broad area of learning and the cross-curricular competency “Achieving One’s Potential”, this SAÉ addresses the multifaceted process of building self-identity and recognizing one’s sexual orientation. The opener, “Becoming an Adult,” initiates a discussion on the transition from childhood to adolescence, highlighting physical and emotional transformations. In Activity 1, “Love or Friendship?”, students discern the differences and overlaps between platonic and romantic feelings, exploring that delicate boundary. Activity 2, “Hypersexualization and the Need to Please,” raises awareness of media-driven distortions and offers strategies for a more mindful approach to body representation. With Activity 3, “Fashion and Group Belonging,” students examine how clothing choices affect their sense of belonging. Finally, the Final Activity, “Clothes Don’t Make the Person,” features a debate on stereotypes linked to appearance, fostering self-assertion grounded in openness and respect.