Health - First Aid

Whenever I tell my 5th graders that we will be starting a new health unit, they groan and look away in dread.  To them, health equals "that unit", the one they all want to ignore and never get to.....human growth and development.

So, they were pleasantly surprised when I told them that we wouldn't be doing "that unit" but that we would be learning about first aid.

We started by discussing why it is important for them to know basic first aid skills.  I told them that how now that they are getting older they might be given more independence and more responsibilities.  They might babysit younger siblings and/or neighbors.  They may even go for bike rides or walks further from their homes than they were allowed when they were younger.  (By now they are all feeling like VERY mature and independent 5th graders!)

We acted out several scenarios, going through the steps they would take if it was a real situation.  We discussed all the possible options they had for different first aid situations and how to make a decision about what the best option is.

I wanted to have them create something that would be useful, so I had them each make a small poster that included 10 first aid situations they may encounter and the steps they should take for each.



I told them that when their posters were complete, they should take them home and put them in a spot where their family keeps first Aid supplies.  Then, if needed, the steps to take are right there with the supplies needed.  They thought this was pretty cool.

All of the posters were SO different, and showed the kids personalities.  They took this project very seriously, and wanted their poster to be neat and clear so that if it was ever needed it would be easy to use.

My 5th graders LOVED the first aid unit!  They gained practical skills and created an end project that can be used as a resource for their whole family!