Content Area: Health and Physical Education

 

Index: 2.2E Grade 4 CPI 6

 

Standard: 2.2 - Integrated Skills

 

Strand: E - Leadership, Advocacy, and Service

 

Cumulative Progress Indicator: 6 -  The student will discuss laws and regulations created to enhance wellness.

 

Grade: 4

 

Sample Activities:

 

·        RESPECT - Write the word respect on the board and brainstorm definitions. Ask students to identify individuals whom they respect (e.g., parents, principal, police). Divide the class into small groups, and assign each group a situation. Groups develop respectful ways to handle the situation and share their ideas with the rest of the class. Students complete the following statement in writing: “I show respect to others by...”

SAMPLE SITUATIONS: RESPECT

Situation One: The Principal - You are one of five students in the lavatory when the principal comes in. Three of the other students were trying to stuff paper towels down the toilet. The principal tells you to report to the office. How do you explain to the principal, in a respectful manner, that you had nothing to do with the prank?

Situation Two: Police Patrol - You and two friends are riding your bikes home from the park when a police officer pulls up beside you. The officer says, “I know what you kids did back there in the park.” You’re not sure what he’s talking about, but you know all you did was play basketball. How do you
respond to the officer’s questions?

Situation Three: Parent Trap - Your little sister has done it again! She spilled an entire glass of juice on the floor. You are trying to clean up the mess she ignored when your mom walks in and starts yelling at you. What should you say? How can you defend yourself and still be respectful? The situation certainly looks bad for you!

 

·        GOLDEN RULES - Brainstorm rules that students must follow while in school, on a school bus, or on the playground. Examples of such rules might include:
-        No running in the hallway.
-        Do not throw trash in the hallway.
-        No talking during a fire drill.
-        Wear a seat belt on the school bus.

Discuss the consequences of breaking these rules. Be sure to emphasize that consequences might include injury to self or others, not just punishment. After discussion, students design a message board promoting school safety rules. Divide the class into small groups and have each group take a different area of the school (e.g., one group does playground safety, one does bus safety). Students present their message board and display in the classroom.

Variation: Students design a mini-billboard. Students create a design, glue the design to cardboard, and attach a second piece of cardboard to create a standing billboard. Display the signs in the class-room.

 

·        I GUARD MY EYES - For this activity, you need two unpeeled hard-boiled eggs, a glass of water, some plastic wrap, and a marble. Begin the activity by asking students: “What do you need to see into the future?” Students will answer things like a crystal ball or a magic potion. Tell them that they all have the ability to see into the future because they have eyes. They need to take care of their eyes if they want to be able to see well into the future. Explain that each egg represents the human eye (draw the parts of the eye on the eggshell). Place one of the eggs in a clear glass; pour water into the glass and explain that the shell around it protects the real eye. Take the marble and drop it into the glass hitting the egg. The egg should crack. Explain that even though the human eye is protected by a group of bones known as the orbit (point to the bones surrounding the eye) sometimes an injury can occur. Replace the cracked egg with the other egg; place the plastic wrap over the top of the glass. Then drop the marble; it should bounce off the plastic wrap. Relate this to wearing eye protection such as goggles, shields, or sunglasses. Ask the students when it is appropriate to wear eye protection (e.g., sports, science lab, or activities using tools). Demonstrate various kinds of eye protection and have students complete a paragraph on “Seeing Into the Future” summarizing the day’s events.

Variation: Invite a speaker from an organization such as Prevent Blindness New Jersey (PBNJ) to discuss eye health and safety issues. PBNJ has videos and materials for students and their parents on eye health and safety. A local eye-care practitioner can also be invited to speak to the class.

 

·        SAFETY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD - For this activity, you need a video camera or a camera that develops instant photographs. Accompany students on a “walk” to an intersection near the school. Videotape the activities at the intersection, noting the movement of vehicles and pedestrians. Note obstacles that may interfere with safe crossing or driving, such as buildings, signs, or trees. Students view the tape to detect as many safety hazards as possible and suggest possible solutions. Students write a letter to community officials outlining their suggestions for increased safety.

Variation: Students develop a safety checklist and monitor a school or community play area for potential safety problems. The class develops a report for community or school officials.