A PreK–8 Theology of the Body Program for Schools, Parishes, and Families
Questions? Contact us or call (800) 888-9344
The First Theology of the Body Curriculum Written for Children
The Body Matters brings St. John Paul II’s life-affirming vision of the human person into every grade, PreK through 8 — in language children actually understand. Non-consumable, easy to teach, and built to supplement any religion curriculum.
What Sets The Body Matters Apart?
Three reasons Catholic schools, parishes, and families are adopting it.
A culture in need
Schools, parishes, and parents face a culture that constantly secularizes and sexualizes childhood. Educators have asked for tools that answer it with beauty rather than fear.
The perfect response
Theology of the Body teaches the why behind the what of Catholicism. Often mistaken for Catholic “birds-and-bees,” it is really a breathtaking vision of what it means to be made in the image of God.
TOBET answers the call
In November 2015, TOBET’s Episcopal Advisory Board — led by Archbishop Samuel Aquila — asked for a Theology of the Body program children could actually use. The Body Matters is the result.
Trusted in Schools and Parishes Around the World
212
Parishes & Schools
106
Dioceses
17
Countries
245,000+
Students
“This theology of the body is the basis of… the most appropriate method of… man’s education.”
— TOB 59:3
What the Program Looks Like
Two 48-page, non-consumable lesson books per level — four lessons per book — plus everything a teacher, catechist, or parent needs to lead them.
Lesson Books
Two per level, 48 pages each, four lessons per book. Non-consumable, richly illustrated, and made to be held and read by the student. Kindergarten books carry two lessons; PreK is a classroom set of three board books.
Educator Guides
Instructions, activities, and assessments for every lesson — written so anyone new to Theology of the Body — teacher, catechist, or parent — can teach it with confidence. Included free with your purchase of student books.
Parent Guides
Guides that help parents learn alongside their children and continue the conversation at home. Included free with your purchase of student books.
Storybooks for K–2 are available separately. The program is offered in English and Spanish — PreK board books and storybooks are English only.
What students learn by level
Each level builds on the last — yet every level also stands alone, so you can begin wherever your students are today. Sexuality is not addressed directly until Level 7, and then only in a veiled, reverent manner.
Four Ways to Fit It Into Your Schedule
The Body Matters flexes around the schedule you already have. Choose the model that fits your school day, your faith formation sessions, or your family’s own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this sex education?
No. Theology of the Body is Christian anthropology — a Christian view of what it means to be human. The books do not mention sex or sexuality at all until Level 7, and even then only in a veiled, sacred manner.
Do students need to start at the beginning?
The curriculum is vertically aligned, but each level also stands alone. We always recommend beginning as early as possible — but it is never too late to start.
How is it used?
We recommend every child have a book in hand. The illustrations and diagrams are designed to engage children as they learn; holding the book does more for engagement than projecting pages on a screen.
Does it replace our religion curriculum?
No — it supplements it. The Body Matters is non-consumable and designed to work alongside whatever religion program you already use.
What’s included?
Two lesson books per level for each student, plus Educator Guides and Parent Guides, which are included free with your purchase of student books. Storybooks for K–2 are sold separately.
Is it available in Spanish?
Yes. The Body Matters is available in English and Spanish. PreK board books and the storybooks are available in English only.
What Educators, Catechists, and Parents Are Saying
“It builds the foundation in a way they can understand… Best Foundation Ever.”
The dialogue that we are having with the students using TOB language and examples is essential! They see the relevance of TOB in their everyday life as children. Helping them understand what full gift of self means and how they can live it out — Best Foundation Ever.
Colleen Smith
5th Grade Teacher, Saint Peter Catholic School, Lincoln, NE
“No other curriculum is as authentic to St. John Paul II’s vision of the human person.”
This curriculum brings out St. John Paul II’s thoughts and ideas about the human person in a clear, concise, and age-appropriate way. No other curriculum is as authentic to his vision of the human person as The Body Matters.
John Cox
Director of Catechesis, St. Thomas More, Centennial, CO
“Extremely helpful… especially for any teachers teaching TOB for the first time.”
I have found the simplicity and repetition of TOB concepts from The Body Matters to be extremely helpful, and this gives me confidence to expand this program to all grade levels in our school.
Steven Richardson
Junior High Religion Teacher, St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School, Gardena, CA
“We need to reach children with the wonderful truth of ‘who’ they are.”
We need to reach children with the wonderful truth of ‘who’ they are and God’s design for their bodies, before they are inundated with confusing, even toxic, messages from the culture. That’s why I recommend TOBET’s The Body Matters.
Mary Rice Hasson, J.D.
Director, Person and Identity Project
Bring Theology of the Body to Your Students
Request samples and pricing, or talk with your Sophia representative about the right model for your school, parish, or family.
Questions? Contact us or call (800) 888-9344
