The Body Matters for Catholic Schools
Lessons and Stories to incorporate Theology of the Body at every level of formation and catechesis
The Body Matters program consists of Lesson Books, Educator Guides, Parent Guides, and Story Books. In Level P, one set of the three Board Books is distributed to each classroom. In Levels K–8, two softcover Lesson Books are distributed to each student. All levels have accompanying digital Educator Guides and Parent Guides.
- 2 non-consumable Lesson Books per level—Each books contains 48 pages, 4 lessons per book ~12 pages each (with the exception of Level K, which has two lessons of ~24 pages each)
- Original Storybooks (K – 2nd)—enjoyable books which convey content through fictional stories!
- Educator Guides (all levels)— PDFs that contain activities for various learning styles and assessments are included. Schools receive a free copy that corresponds with the levels implemented. Click here for special pricing.
- Parent Guides (all levels) – guides parents to learn and engage with their children as they study Theology of the Body. Schools receive a free copy that corresponds with the levels implemented. Click here for special pricing.
- Educator Friendly — No previous Theology of the Body knowledge is needed to use any of these components.
- Written to be vertically aligned— Books are written so as to build upon past lessons. However, key concepts are reviewed so that students will not be greatly disadvantaged by missing previous books in the series.
Catholic Schools Models
Explore the different ways you can implement The Body Matters in your school below.
Hybrid Model (In class and at home)
This model allows for in depth instruction and parent involvement in the teaching process. Click here.
TOB Day-of-the-Week
This model implements a school-wide day of the week in which Religion class focuses on TOB. Click here.
Slower Paced Model
This model is designed to allow for more discussion, activities, and review of concepts. Click here.
Faster Paced Model
This model introduces all the material in the short span of four weeks per lesson book. Click here.
Take a Look at Select Pages from Our Books:
Why should I trust TOBET?
TOBET is well equipped to deliver John Paul II’s message thanks to our wide ranging talents. Our president Monica Ashour (M.T.S., M Hum.) has over 20 years of teaching and catechetical experience. Further, TOBET has built a team of experts in childhood development, children’s literature, graphic design, and curriculum expertise. Each book in our The Body Matters curriculum has received the Imprimatur from the head of our Episcopal advisory board, Archbishop Samuel Aquila of Denver, who confirmed our decision to create an original, inspiring, age-appropriate TOB program to form children in the faith and combat the destructive messages they absorb from the culture. But don’t just take us at our word!
Find out more about what organizations have approved The Body Matters, and see how it has already formed the minds and hearts of other children, their parents, and their teachers:
How do I get The Body Matters in my school?
Often times, educators see the need for a TOB education in their schools or parishes and come across the body matters. They either contact us directly for samples and more information, or send our information onto their superiors. Usually, they are more than willing to adopt our program and diocese, who prefer subsidiarity, let them.
Is this Sex Ed?
Despite common misconceptions about TOB, The Body Matters is not a “birds-and-bees” centered program, nor does it directly address controversial issues such as gay marriage and transgenderism. In a culture where the body is considered “an enemy to freedom,” The Body Matters resource unfolds for children the proper understanding of the dignity of the human person from a fresh perspective, giving them the Church’s way of seeing the human person, which is that “Man appears in the visible world as the highest expression of the divine gift” (TOB 19.3). By being immersed in understanding themselves as made in God’s image and likeness, children will be able to understand controversial issues more deeply when they encounter them, recognizing the total vision of the human person who is made for true and lasting love. See our The Body Matters curriculum overview for the theme of each level and book. Also, see our resources for how to deal with sensitive topics.
Some parishes encourage using The Body Matters as family catechesis, so adults and children alike come to see the truths of the Catholic faith, precisely through a deeper understanding of the human BODY. From one educator:
“Occasionally throughout the year I sent the books home with an assignment to read and discuss part of a chapter with their parents. It provided a way to evangelize and to partner with the parents. One parent sent me a beautiful thank you note for giving her and her husband a better understanding of TOB and a way of speaking and acting the truth of the body at home. It made a difference!”
One principal saw right away that students can be taught things like putting away cell phones at the dinner table, why bullying is wrong, and how to behave at Mass, all from a “TOB” angle. It’s life-affirming and a way of evangelizing—loving Jesus is the goal.
“…This is information that is insightful and helpful even at my age!…”
“I just wanted to let you know I am so impressed with The Body Matters curriculum. I am just finishing up Level 4, Book 1 with my class and I LOVE what we are learning about friendship. This is information that is insightful and helpful even at my age! Dealing with relationships and friendships is so crucial, but something that many of us live our whole lives never learning much about. Thanks for doing the work–I hope it enriches many lives and relationships.”
“…extremely helpful… especially for the sake of any teachers who will be teaching TOB for the first time.”
“I recently finished a pilot of TOBET’s The Body Matters for my 6th and 7th grade students and ROOTED from Ruah Woods Institute for my 8th grade students. In my own classroom, 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, especially for the sake of any teachers who will be teaching TOB for the first time.”
“It builds a 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! It builds the foundation in a way they can understand. They see the relevance of TOB in their everyday life as children. They can intentionally apply the truth of God’s inner circle of love in their life right now, in the relationships that are most meaningful to them at this stage in their life. Helping them understand what full gift of self means and how they can live it out—Best Foundation Ever. We are preparing them to be able to engage their intellect when it comes to topics of sexuality.”
“…My mom and I read it in the car together…”
“The Body Matters is really cool. My mom and I read it in the car together. It helps me have a good understanding about the body and the gift of self and the love God gives to us through our bodies.”