Today we’re exploring the word “consent.” What does consent mean to you?
Today we’re exploring the word “consent.” What does consent mean to you?
Do you have a word you’d like us to consider for a future episode? Email us at listen@akidspodcastabout.com. And check out other podcasts made for kids just like you by visiting akidsco.com.
SIO, Ep 09
“Consent”
[INTRO]
Hi! My name is Catherine Petru, but you can call me Cat, and you’re listening to Sound It Out: A Kids Podcast About Words.
[TODAY’S WORD]
Today’s word is “consent.”
What do you think consent means? What images or feelings arise when you hear the word consent?
[DISCUSSION]
The first sound in consent is con. Do any of you speak Spanish? Who knows what con means? Quiero ir contigo - I want to go with you. Or maybe you’ve eaten arroz con leche, rice with milk?
Con means with or together.
The second sound in consent is… sent! We hear this sound in other words like sensation or sentimental… What could sent mean..?
It means feel!
So consent is with feeling. Okay, but how do we use this word?
[EXPERIENCE & MEANING]
Consent is an amazing thing to practice. It’s getting permission, asking if something is okay before we do it, and treating ourselves and one another with kindness and respect.
Getting consent from ourselves means that we feel a yes, no, or maybe when making a decision. For example, a friend might ask you, “Do you want to play with me?” Before answering, you can check in with yourself and notice what you really want or need in that moment. Maybe you feel a surge of excitement that tells you, “Yes, I do want to play with you!” If maybe, you’re feeling sleepy, you might tell your friend, “No thanks, I’m sleepy. Another time please.” Or maybe you’re not sure, and that is okay too. You can ask to think about it, and let them know when you’re ready.
We can practice consent with others by asking questions like, “Can I use your markers? May I sit next to you? Is it okay if I give you a hug?” Then, we have to listen to their response and respect their needs, even when we wish their answer were different.
Consent doesn’t need to be boring or hard! It just takes practice. It can even be fun! Like a game of yes, no, or maybe. Getting consent helps us take really good care of ourselves and our friends, and community. It’s also really common in cultures all over the world to get consent from other living beings, like asking permission from a tree before chopping it down for wood.
[CLOSING]
Can you imagine what the world would be like, if all of us practiced consent? What does consent mean to you? Share your ideas by writing to us at listen@akidspodcastabout.com.
I’ve been your host, Cat Petru. This show is produced by me, with inspiration from my teachers and friends, and support from Matthew Winner. Our executive producer is Jelani Memory. And this show is brought to you by A Kids Podcast About.
You can check out other podcasts made for kids just like you by visiting akidsco.com.
Is there a word you’d like us to explore together? Have a grown up send us an email at listen@akidspodcastabout.com. Thank you, so much, for listening.