Content Area: Health and Physical Education

 

Index: 2.2B Grade 2 CPI 2

 

Standard: 2.2 - Integrated Skills

 

Strand: B -   Decision Making 

 

Cumulative Progress Indicator: 2 -  The student will discuss how parents, peers, and the media influence health decisions.

 

Grade: 2

 

Sample Activities:

 

·        DON'T FALL FOR IT - Tell the class that you have just discovered the most exciting new product in the whole world. The name of this exciting new product is “Incredible Ears.” Using two cups, explain that they are not just any ordinary cups but cups that help the brain understand any information very easily. Other children who have used this product get straight A’s in school. Demonstrate how the product works by placing one cup over each ear (expect giggles!). Explain that if they want the great results that only “Incredible Ears” can bring, they must bring 25 cents to class the next day. Ask for a show of hands of those students who will be able to bring the money to school for this amazing product. Then ask the students why they want to purchase the product. After several students explain, ask some of the other students who did not indicate an interest in the product why they chose not to purchase the product. After listening to their responses, tell the students that you have tricked them. “Incredible Ears” is not a product that will help them perform better in school. No product can do that. Explain that this is an example of false advertising. Explain that sometimes advertisers will try to make their product sound really great but everything they say is not really true. Brainstorm other types of products that might not work as well as the advertisers say. (Good examples might be weight-loss products.) Each student writes a paragraph about a toy or object he/she purchased that did not live up to his/her expectations.

Variation: Bring to class several products with the original packaging. Read the labels aloud, especially the claims made about the products. Discuss what products students and their families buy and why. Brainstorm valid reasons to buy a particular product.

Variation: Students create a product and design ads for it. Students exchange ads with another student, evaluate the ad, and decide what claims are made about the product. Ask: “Is the advertiser telling the truth?”

 

·        WATCHING TV ADS - Show several television ads for healthcare products, such as toothpaste, soap, or exercise equipment. After each commercial, ask the students what the ad was trying to sell. Ask: “ How do you know the information in the ad is correct?” Have a volunteer restate the ad, and have the class vote on the accuracy of the restatement. Divide the class into small groups. Each group brainstorms a list of people who might be a good source of information about the ads (e.g., dentist, parent, nurse). Create a class list and discuss. Each student selects one product they currently use and like and develops a print ad for the item. Students must use accurate information about their product. Students share their ads with the class and critique the ads for accuracy and appeal.

Variation: Use ads from newspapers, magazines, and Web sites. Assign one ad to each small group. Students discuss the ad, determine what the ad is trying to sell, and vote on whether the ad is accurate and effective. Each group shares their ad with the class.

 

·        WAYS TO REFUSE - Ask: “How many of you have a hard time saying no to a friend? Why is it so difficult to say no when you know you should?” Explain that this a common problem for everyone and that saying no requires lots of practice. Brainstorm times when it might be hard to say no and list on the board. Divide the class into small groups, and assign each group one of the listed situations. Each group develops a role-play that demonstrates a way to say no in the situation. After each group presents their role-play, allow students to suggest other strategies. Compile a class list of strategies as the groups make their presentations. Conclude the activity by having students complete a teacher-designed letter that informs parents and guardians of the activities.
 

     SAMPLE "NO" SITUATIONS
-        Your friends want you to play in a park too far from home.
-        Your friends want you to ride your bike in a high traffic area.
-        Your friends are playing with matches and lighters.
-       Your friends are playing on the railroad tracks.
-        Your friends want you to steal gum or candy from the store

Variation: As an extension of activities in Standard 2.4: Family Life and Human Sexuality, students practice ways to say no to touches that make them uncomfortable or hurt. Be sure students know who can help them in such situations.