HEALTH CURRICULUM

 

 

INTRODUCTION

 

            The purpose of these guidelines is to address the components of a comprehensive health program.  The guidelines describe an operational set of practices and outcomes that provide a foundation for curriculum development, instruction and assessment.

 

 

PHILOSOPHY

 

            In keeping with the philosophy of the Summit, a private, independent, Catholic, college preparatory school, the health curriculum strives to develop the student’s spiritual, physical, emotional, mental and social well-being.  We believe that health education influences an individual’s health-related attitudes, beliefs and knowledge, which directly effects personal actions and the quality of living.  Health literacy is the capacity of individuals to obtain, interpret and understand basic health information and services, and the competence to use such information and services in ways which enhance health.  The curriculum is crafted by applying the characteristics of a well-educated, literate person within the context of health.  The health literate person is a critical thinker and problem solver, a responsible, productive citizen, a self-directed learner, and an effective communicator.  We believe that one learns best from teaching another, and that the influences of a peer is often the most impacting on one’s behavior, therefore, peer education is a component of the curriculum reflected in the activities.  Peer education complements the development of health literacy by encouraging one’s concern and responsibility of others within a community and enhancing the individual’s abilities to communicate effectively.

 

 

EXPLANATION OF STRANDS

 

For the purpose of implementing our philosophy of health the following curriculum strands have been identified; physical wellness, psychological wellness and social wellness.  Health no longer implies the mere absence of disease, rather describes one’s personal well-being as a dynamic and lifelong process in which each of these elements is essential.

            The physical element of health includes such characteristics as body size and shape, sensory acuity, susceptibility to diseases and disorders, body functioning, recuperative ability, behavior and the ability to perform certain tasks.  The psychological element of health includes intellectual and emotional practices and conditions, values and belief systems, levels of self-image and self-confidence and one’s coping mechanisms.  The social element of health refers to one’s interactions with others, the ability to adapt to various situations and one’s daily behavior.

            Health is holistic, entailing our physical, psychological and social well-being.  A link of mind, body and environment requires the curriculum to reflect the essential nature of each element, as well as, their interdependency.  Health, as an ever-changing movement toward optimal well-being, creates a personal challenge.  In keeping with this ideal, physical wellness, psychological wellness and social wellness are the consistent aspects of each level of the curriculum.

 

 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

 

MONTESSORI

 

 

A.  Growth and Development (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Talk about growing

                  - Name major body parts

 

B.  Nutrition (Physical and Psychological Aspects)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Name different types of food

                  - Distinguish between healthy and unhealthy foods

                  - Understand why they need food

 

C.  Exercise and Fitness (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - State the importance of exercise to the body

                  - Name different types of activities which exercise specific parts of the body

                  - List some safety rules for sports and the playground

 

D.  Drugs (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Understand the importance of taking medicine safely

                  - Explain the difference between medicines and harmful drugs

                  - Talk about how medicines can help sick people

 

E.  Diseases and Disorders (Physical and Social Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Explain where germs are found

                  - Describe how to care for specific diseases

                  - Talk about disabilities and the physically challenged

 

 

 

 

F.  Personal Health (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Demonstrate how to care for hair, nails, teeth, and eyes

                  - Explain the importance of washing their hands

                  - Talk about the importance of regular visits to the physician

 

 

G.  Safety and First Aid (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Explain the importance of playing safely

                  - Present rules for bicycle, street, bus, home, and school safety

                  - Demonstrate fire safety procedures

                  - Explain what to do when they get hurt

 

H.  Environmental Health (Physical and Social Aspects)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Understand the importance of a clean home, school, and neighborhood

                  - Define pollution and litter

                  - Name people who care for their community

 

I.  Mental Health (Psychological Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Understand that they have feelings

                  - Talk about feelings they have at different times and for different people

                  - Describe feeling healthy

 

J.  Family and Relationships (Social and Psychological Aspects)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Talk about their families

                  - Describe differences in their family and the families of their classmates

                  - Define what a friend is to them

                  - Explain the importance of friends

                  - Identify the good and bad feelings associated with family and friends

 

ACTIVITIES:  Games, songs, videos, art projects, role-playing, small group discussions and peer education

 

GRADE ONE

 

A.  Mental Health (Psychological Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Associate feelings with behaviors

                  - Explain healthy ways to manage feelings

                  - Describe personal uniqueness

 

B.  Family Life (Social Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Name the different ways family members help each other

                  - Share family activities and traditions

                  - Describe how friends help them in different situations

 

C.  Nutrition (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Identify the many ways the body uses energy

                  - Realize they get energy from foods

                  - Describe how eating a variety of foods can be healthy for the body

                  - Identify healthy snacks

                  - Explain the importance of eating a healthy breakfast

 

D.  Substance Use Prevention (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Identify examples of healthy and unhealthy habits

                  - Describe tobacco as unhealthy and nicotine as a drug

                  - State the importance of not smoking

                  - Identify alcohol as a drug

                  - Talk about the difference between healthy and unhealthy use of drugs

 

E.  Personal Health and Fitness (Physical and Psychological Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Describe and demonstrate healthy dental behavior

                  - Explain how rest and sleep are helpful to their bodies

                  - Name exercises that help certain muscles of the body

                  - Name the five senses

 

F.  Disease Prevention and Control (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Name reasons they are healthy and sometimes ill

                  - Explain how germs are spread

                  - Identify examples of communicable and noncommunicable diseases

 

G.  Safety and Injury Prevention (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Explain how to obtain help in emergencies

                  - Understand the 911 emergency number and how to use it

                  - List ways to prevent accidents

                  - Identify good and bad touches

 

H.  Consumer Health (Physical and Social Aspects)

 

         The learner will: 

                  - Name different types of health care professionals

 

I.  Community and Environmental Health (Physical and Social Aspects)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Name actions that are good for the environment

                  - Describe behaviors that will help improve the environment

 

ACTIVITIES:  Grade One “Actions for Health” curriculum activities resource, non-profit community resources, Archdiocesan Office of Education resources, and peer education

 

 

 

GRADE TWO

 

A.  Mental Health (Psychological Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Demonstrate effective listening skills

                  - Identify positive and negative messages communicated through body language

                  - Express strong feelings in healthy ways

                  - Talk about effective communication skills in families, school and with friends

                  - Name coping skills that help manage stress

 

B.  Family Life (Social and Psychological Aspects)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Identify changes that occur in families

                  - Describe how family members may have different points of view

                  - Identify different body parts

 

C.  Nutrition (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Name the six essential nutrients

                  - Explain the difference between nutrients and foods

                  - Identify healthy nutrient-rich foods

                  - State the purpose of the food pyramid

                  - Name the different sections of the food pyramid

                 

D.  Substance Use Prevention (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Explain that alcohol effects behavior

                  - Name situations in which alcohol consumption is not safe

                  - Identify healthy drinks for children

                  - Name a variety of activities for free time

                  - Explain the importance of saying “no” to unhealthy drug use

 

E.  Personal Health and Fitness (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Explain what a family doctor does and what is meant by a regular check-up

                  - Identify actions to take if they don’t feel well

                  - Name activities that promote fitness

 

F.  Disease Prevention and Control (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Name the ways that germs enter the body

                  - Explain how the body fights against germs

                  - Talk about how shots and vaccines help people

                  - List ways they can stay healthy

 

G.  Safety and Injury Prevention (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Describe basic first aid skills and give correct responses to various accident situations

                  - Identify fire safety and tornado safety rules

                  - Name safety equipment for different activities and explain why properly using such equipment is important

                  - Identify health careers in safety education

 

H.  Consumer Health (Social Aspect)

        

         The learner will:

                  - Identify misleading advertising messages

                  - Name health workers in the community

 

ACTIVITIES:  Grade Two “Actions for Health” curriculum activities resource, non-profit community resources, Archdiocesan Office of Education resources, and peer education

                   

 

 

GRADE THREE

 

A.  Mental Health (Psychological Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Plan ways to get along well with others

                  - Name characteristics of friendship

                  - Practice cooperative and considerate behaviors

                  - Describe the difference between healthy and unhealthy stress and

                            identify ways to handle stressful situations

                  - Explain decision-making skills

 

B.  Family Life (Social and Psychological Aspects)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Describe situations when family and friends influence decision-making

                  - Identify family roles and responsibilities

 

C.  Nutrition (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Identify the nutrients that provide the body energy

                  - Name foods that are primarily carbohydrate, protein and fat

                  - Explain the difference between simple and complex carbohydrates

                  - Write a “healthy snack book” that identifies snacks that students can prepare themselves and that help the body stay healthy

                  - Practice reading food labels

 

D.  Substance Use Prevention (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Name important precautions in properly using OTC and prescription drugs

                  - Identify reasons not to use alcohol and tobacco

                  - Demonstrate situations that reflect positive and negative peer influence

                  - Practice saying “no”

 

E.  Personal Health and Fitness (Physical and Psychological Aspects)

        

         The learner will:

                  - Name ways to improve fitness

                  - Explain the importance of rest

                  - Describe situations when physical activity has made them feel or do better

                  - Demonstrate correct posture and describe the effect of posture on health

                  - Identify good grooming practices

                  - Explain the relationship of sugar and plaque on the process of tooth decay

 

F.  Disease Prevention and Control (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Identify safe choices about using medicines

                  - Describe behaviors that help to prevent illness and disease

                  - Explain how the body protects itself from germs

 

G.  Safety and Injury Prevention (Physical and Social Aspects)

 

         The learner will: 

                  - Demonstrate correct first aid for choking

                  - Explain the importance of wearing seat belts in automobiles

                  - Correctly identify common traffic signs

                  - Identify bike safety rules

                  - Explain what to do in different situations when others are hurt or in danger

                  - Practice making safe decisions in different problem-solving situations

 

H.  Environmental Health (Social and Physical Aspects)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Identify examples of air, water and land pollution

                  - Name the environmental 3 R’s and explain how they can correctly do these things; reduce, reuse, and recycle

                  - Explain how their actions impact the environment

 

ACTIVITIES:  Grade Three “Actions for Health” curriculum activities resource, non-profit community resources, Archdiocesan Office of Education resources, and peer education

        

        

        

GRADE FOUR

 

A.  Mental and Social Health (Psychological and Social Aspects)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Identify ways to improve their self-image

                  - Explain the similarities and differences in people

                  - Practice dealing with negative emotions

                  - Role play how to positively deal with problems in friendships

                  - Identify ways to relax

 

B.  Body Structure, Function, and Growth (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Name the parts of a bone and identify specific bones

                  - Explain different types of muscle tissue and name examples of each

                  - Identify the purpose of each major system of the body

                  - Draw diagrams indicating how cells divide and correctly label cell parts

                  - Identify the parts of the teeth and explain correct dental hygiene

 

 

C.  Nutrition (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Name the six basic nutrients and the important functions of each

                  - Identify foods that provide certain nutrients

                  - Correctly label the food pyramid

                  - Compare their own diet to the guidelines of the food pyramid

                  - Describe healthy snacks

                  - Set healthy goals for their own eating

 

         ACTIVITY:  Create and play board games and puzzles about the food pyramid

 

D.  Physical Fitness (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Describe the importance of fitness

                  - Explain health-related fitness

                  - Identify activities that improve cardiorespiratory fitness

                  - Identify activities that improve musculoskeletal fitness

                  - Correctly take their own pulse before, during and after activity

                  - Plan an exercise program that reflects good health-related fitness

 

E.  Safety and First Aid (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Identify how to prevent common accidents

                  - List the important steps to being safe at home alone

                  - Develop public safety messages reflecting what to do in case of different types of emergencies

 

F.  Drugs (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Describe how to safely use medicines

                  - Explain the difference between drug misuse and drug abuse

                  - Identify different types of drugs, their effects and the risks of abuse

                  - List the effects of tobacco use

                  - Analyze the advertising and peer influences regarding tobacco use

 

 

         ACTIVITY:  Peer education activities regarding tobacco issues; abstinence, health risks and advertising

 

G.  Personal Health Care (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Explain proper care for the various systems of the body

                  - Describe proper care of the sense organs; eyes, ears, nose, mouth, skin

                  - Associate nutrition, exercise and drug use with issues of personal care

 

H.  Diseases (Physical and Social Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Explain how to prevent diseases stead by water, air, food and animals

                  - Name diseases associated with poor nutrition, drug abuse and inactivity

                  - Describe the difference between communicable and noncommunicable

 

I.  Consumer Health (All Aspects)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Critically analyze advertisements

                  - Use labels to identify products as useful

 

J.  Community and Environmental Health (Social and Physical Aspects)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Identify examples of environmental pollution in their communities

                  - Develop solutions to environmental health issues   

                  - Associate disease prevention with community and environmental health

 

K.  Family Health (Social and Psychological Aspects)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Explain the value of getting along with other family members

                  - Role play typical family interactions

 

        

ACTIVITIES:  Grade Four “Health for Life” curriculum activities resource, non-profit community resources, Archdiocesan Office of Education resources and peer education activities

 

 

 

GRADE FIVE

 

A.  Mental and Social Health (Psychological and Social Aspects)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Describe personal experiences that have fostered their self-confidence

                  - Identify a variety of ways to deal with stress

                  - Practice coping skills

                  - Set personal goals and develop strategies to reach their goals

 

B.  Body Structure, Function, and Growth (Physical and Psychological Aspects)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Explain growth as a function of the endocrine system

                  - Describe puberty, heredity by explaining DNA, genes and chromosomes

                  - Name health decisions that positively effect growth

                  - Identify the relationship between emotions and personal growth

                 

C.  Nutrition (Physical Aspect)

        

         The learner will:

                  - Investigate the effects of additives, preservatives and food processing

                  - Develop healthy meals based upon food pyramid recommendations

                  - Critically analyze food labels and use labels as resources for choosing foods wisely

 

D.  Physical Fitness (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Explain skills-related fitness and compare and contrast to health fitness

                  - Identify ways to exercise safely

                  - Set goals related to fitness and record their progress in reaching these goals

 

         ACTIVITY:  Create posters about safety during sports and physical activities

 

 

E.  First Aid and Safety (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Identify how to be safe around strangers

                  - Explain basic procedures for handling emergencies

                  - Solve problems so that typical situations become safer

 

         ACTIVITY:  Practice basic first aid techniques

 

F.  Drugs (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Identify examples of how drug abuse effects families and society

                  - Share news stories that reflect the effects of drug abuse

                  - Develop anti-abuse messages for their peers

                  - Explain the immediate, short term and long term effects of alcohol

                  - List the consequences of alcohol use

 

         ACTIVITIES:  Practice handling peer influences and abstinence behavior in role-playing situations.  Peer education activities regarding alcohol issues; abstinence, health risks and advertising.

 

G.  Personal Health Care (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Explain the importance of sleep, rest and recreation

                  - Develop strategies for reducing fatigue

                  - Associate proper rest with physical and emotional wellness

 

H.  Diseases (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Describe the differences between bacteria and viruses

                  - Explain the body’s defenses against germs

                  - Identify health behaviors that aide the body’s defenses

                  - Research different diseases to learn about causes, effects and preventions

 

         ACTIVITY:  Oral presentations of disease research.

 

I.  Consumer Health (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Critically analyze health related advertisements

                  - Identify health fads and explain their ineffectiveness in life-long wellness

 

 

 

J.  Community and Environmental Health (Social Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Investigate various community health agencies that are available

                  - Describe the services of hospitals and other medical facilities

                  - Research the careers of various health professionals

 

K.  Family Health (Social and Psychological Aspects)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Develop strategies for the family to change health-related behaviors

 

ACTIVITIES:  Grade Five “Health for Life” curriculum activities resources, non-profit community resources, Archdiocesan Office of Education resources, and peer education

 

 

GRADE SIX

 

A.  Mental and Social Health (Psychological and Social Aspects)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Explain how stress effects people physically and emotionally

                  - Describe the importance of making good decisions and solving problems and practice these processes through role-play situations

                  - Identify techniques for effective communication

                  - List examples of how peer influence effects their emotions and relationships

                  - Relate to each other’s family customs and traditions

 

B.  Body Structure, Function, and Growth (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Explain the structure and function of the reproductive, urinary and nervous systems

 

C.  Nutrition (Physical and Psychological Aspects)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Explain basic dietary guidelines and healthy patterns of eating

                  - Identify patterns of disordered eating and the health risks associated with eating disorders

                  - Identify what “triggers” their eating behaviors

 

         ACTIVITY:  Create a class cookbook of healthy snacks and meals that young adolescents can prepare and enjoy.

 

D.  Physical Fitness (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Plan a personal fitness program

 

         ACTIVITY:  Develop a plan for personal fitness including self-assessment, self-management and reassessment.

 

E.  Safety and First Aid (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Identify high risk behaviors and how to avoid unnecessary risks

                  - Explain how to prevent and to treat heat disorders and frostbite

                  - Develop a safety and first aid plan to use when babysitting

 

F.  Drugs (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Identify and practice behaviors that encourage avoiding drug abuse

                  - Compare and contrast the effects of stimulants and depressants

                  - Explain the effects and risks of inhalants, marijuana, cocaine and steroids

 

         ACTIVITY:  Peer education regarding peer influence in drug use, misuse and abuse. 

 

G.  Personal Health Care (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Describe health related behaviors that will help prevent cancers and heart disease

 

H.  Diseases (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Describe behavior that will control diseases

                  - Explain causes, effects and prevention of sexually transmitted diseases

                  - Research various bloodborne diseases

                  - Identify the universal precautions

 

         ACTIVITY:  Create public service announcements and advertisements to encourage behaviors that lower risks for heart disease, cancer and infectious diseases.

 

I.  Consumer Health (Social and Psychological Aspects)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Explain protection methods for the health consumer

                  - Explain how the health consumer can protect themselves

 

J.  Community and Environmental Health (Social Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Describe behaviors that will protect the environment

                  - Explain how they can make a difference

                  - Identify community mental health services

                  - Describe how communities care for people with special needs

 

K.  Family Health (Social and Psychological Aspects)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Identify the needs of different family members

                  - Explain their own role in the family dynamics

                  - List how different members of their own families can help them to meet their own physical and emotional needs

 

ACTIVITIES:  Grade Six “Health for Life” curriculum activities resource, non-profit community resources, Archdiocesan Office of Education resources, and peer education.

 

 

GRADE SEVEN

 

A.  Mental Health (Psychological and Physical Aspects)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Explain how heredity and environment influence personality

                  - Describe the stages of developing a mature personality

                  - Identify the characteristics of a healthy personality

                  - Distinguish between positive and negative attitudes toward life

                  - Describe the physical changes caused by emotions

                  - Identify different emotions and how each may be helpful or harmful

                  - Role play positive interactions with others in emotional situations

                  - Identify defense mechanisms as both constructive and unhealthy

                  - Describe the stress response

                  - Identify positive and negative stressors

                  - Explain the connection between stress and illness

                  - Describe strategies for managing and reducing stress

                  - Practice time management techniques

                  - Identify sources of help for young people dealing with unhealthy emotions

                  - Distinguish between organic and functional mental disorders

                  - Research the causes and effects of typically mental disorders

                  - Describe typical therapies for mental illness

                  - Identify resources for those who are coping with mental illness

 

         ACTIVITY:  Develop and implement a personal time management plan

 

B.  Physical Fitness (Physical and Psychological Aspects)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Describe and explain the structure and function of the skeletal system, muscular system, cardiovascular system, respiratory system and central nervous system

                  - Identify the components of health-related fitness

                  - Explain how physical activity impacts these systems of the body

                  - Identify physical activities that enhance the wellness of these body systems

                  - Develop an appropriate exercise plan for wellness for a person their age

                  - Describe how to extend physical fitness through the lifespan and identify the importance of doing so

 

C.  Nutrition (Physical and Psychological Aspects)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Describe and explain the structure and function of the digestive system and the excretory system

                  - Explain the importance of proteins, carbohydrates and fats in the functioning of a healthy body

                  - Analyze their diet according to the USDA dietary guidelines

                  - Plan a nutritious diet for a person their age according to the USDA guidelines

                  - Interpret the information presented on a food label and be able to apply it when shopping for food

                  - Critically analyze advertisements for food and diet products

                  - Research special dietary needs for special populations and health problems

                  - Develop a diet that would be healthy for an adolescent athlete

                  - Identify common eating disorders

                  - Explain the typical psychological profile of those with eating disorders and the health risks of those with disordered eating

 

ACTIVITIES:  Develop and implement a personal plan for healthy weight management.  Grade Seven “Health” curriculum activities resource, non-profit community resources, Archdiocesan Office of Education resources, and peer education.

 

 

GRADE EIGHT

 

A.  Human Development (Physical and Social Aspects)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Describe and explain the structure and function of the endocrine system

                  - Identify typical disorders of the endocrine system

                  - Explain the changes that occur during physical maturation

                  - Associate the changes during puberty with the changes of emotional maturity

                  - Identify the positive and negative consequences of sexual intercourse

                  - Identify the negative physical consequences of sexual intercourse

                  - Identify and describe common sexually transmitted diseases

                  - Describe the development of a baby from fertilization to birth, labor and the birthing process

                  - Identify common birth defects and complications and explain reasons for these problems

                  - Explain how traits are inherited

                  - Describe the care required for a newborn

                  - Identify the growth and development of the newborn through the lifespan

                  - Explain the responsibilities of parenting

                  - Explain marriage and the issues of families

                  - List issues that families deal with in relating to one another

                  - Identify ways to resolve family issues and resources for families in crisis

 

         ACTIVITY:  Participate in a hands-on child care experience.

 

B.  Substance Abuse (All Aspects)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Distinguish between legal and illegal drugs

                  - Identify reasons why someone might use drugs

                  - Distinguish between drug use, misuse and abuse

                  - Compare physical and psychological dependence on drugs

                  - Describe the effects of commonly abused drugs on the user, their family and society

                  - Identify typical symptoms of drug abuse

                  - Describe the legal, emotional and health-related consequences of abuse

                  - Explain the misuse and abuse of drugs as it relates to risk taking, peer influence and experimentation

                  - List healthy alternatives to drug use and abuse

                  - Research the effects and consequences various illegal drugs

 

         ACTIVITY:  Using various media approaches develop effective anti-drug messages for the learner’s peer group.

 

C.  Modern Health Problems (All Aspects)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Distinguish between infectious and noninfectious diseases

                  - Identify methods of prevention for diseases

                  - Research the cause, effect and prognosis of common diseases

                  - Identify typical health care settings

                  - Explain how to choose a doctor and when to seek medical attention

                  - Describe common types of health insurance

                  - Explain safe use of medicines and how to avoid medical quackery

 

ACTIVITIES:  Grade Eight “Health” curriculum activities resource, non-profit community resources, Archdiocesan Office of Education resources, and peer education.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UPPER SCHOOL

 

I.  Emotional Health (All Aspects)

 

         A.  Personal Health Promotion

        

         The learner will:

                  - Perceive health to include the multiple domains of personal wellness

                  - Determine their own degree of wellness

                  - Realize the benefits of obtaining optimal health

                  - Identify the behaviors that determine health

                  - Learn to successfully change health-related behavior

 

         B.  Mental Wellness

        

         The learner will:

                  - Identify the foundations of emotional well-being

                  - Understand personal evolution regarding personality and maturity

                  - Understand the development and maintenance of self-esteem

                  - Understand the healthy expression of emotions

                  - Explain problem solving and decision making processes

                  - Identify unsound adaptations to problems

                  - Identify common mental illnesses

                  - Explain how to seek help for emotional problems and disorders

 

         C.  Communication

 

         The learner will:

                  - Identify the characteristics of effective communication

                  - Recognize and break down typical barriers in communication

                  - Resolve conflicts in an appropriate manner

                  - Identify and practice active listening skills

 

         D.  Stress Management

                 

         The learner will: 

                  - Explain the mind and body connection

                  - Explain the physiological response to stressors

                  - Identify the factors which influence the stress response

                  - Recognize and assess distress

                  - Manage their reactions to distress

 

         ACTIVITIES:  Develop and write a position statement regarding emotional wellness; role-playing situations to practice communication skills; practice relaxation techniques; read and discuss current fiction reflecting issues of mental wellness.

 

II.  Intimacy and Sexuality (All Aspects)

 

         A.  Committed Relationships

        

         The learner will:

                  - Explain the nature of intimacy

                  - Explain the nature of commitment

                  - Identify factors necessary in a successful relationship

                  - Create and maintain healthy, committed relationships

                  - Identify the warning signs of a declining relationship

 

         B.  Achieving Sexual Identity and Maturity

 

         The learner will:

                  - Define sexual identity and maturity

                  - Explain reproductive anatomy and physiology

                  - Discuss the issues of expressing their sexuality

                  - Identify variant sexual behaviors and behavior that is high risk

                  - Discuss the issues of sexual ethics and legal issues

 

         C.  Managing Fertility, Pregnancy and Childbirth

 

         The learner will:

                  - Explain the decision to become a parent

                  - Identify the methods of fertility control

                  - Explain the process of pregnancy

                  - Identify proper prenatal care and the importance of prenatal care

                  - Discuss the relevant issues pertaining to fertility and childbirth

 

         ACTIVITIES:  Develop and write a position statement regarding sexual behaviors; community research activity to access available resources pertinent to unit.

 

III.  Addiction (All Aspects)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Explain the addictive process

                  - Identify the scope and common varieties of addictive behavior

                  - Compare and contrast the theories of addiction

                  - Research new theory explaining addictive behaviors and treatment

                  - Explain the effects of addiction on the family and society

                  - Identify appropriate intervention, treatment and resources

 

IV.  Drugs (All Aspects)

 

         A.  Safe and Responsible Use of Drugs

        

         The learner will:

                  - Discuss drug use and drug abuse

                  - Understand the use of prescription drugs

                  - Identify the precautions for OTC users

                  - Realize the impact of advertising regarding drug use

                  - Explain healthy alternatives to drug use

 

         B.  Caffeine and Tobacco

 

         The learner will:

                  - Identify the medical problems and long term problems of caffeine use

                  - Explain how to reduce xanthine consumption

                  - Identify and explain the chemicals found in nicotine

                  - Identify the health hazards of tobacco use

                  - Explain the importance of users changing behavior

                  - Discuss the social issues pertinent to tobacco use

        

         C.  Alcohol

 

         The learner will:

                  - Explain the physiological effects of alcohol

                  - Identify the effects of alcoholism on families and society

                  - Recognize impairment and health risks of alcohol use

                  - Implement the Prevention Research Institute’s Five-Step Risk Reduction Process into their own behavior

                  - Identify resources available for those with alcohol-related problems

 

 

         D.  Illicit Drugs

        

         The learner will:

                  - Discuss the lure of illicit drugs and why people use them

                  - Identify and discuss the most common illicit drugs in society

                  - Explain the scope of illegal drug use in society

                  - Discuss solutions to the drug problems of society

 

ACTIVITIES:  Develop a position statement regarding adolescent alcohol use; complete a research project pertaining to illicit drugs and society

 

 

V.  Nutrition and Exercise (All Aspects)

 

         A.  Eating for Optimal Health

 

         The learner will:

                  - Describe healthy dietary guidelines

                  - Identify responsible eating behaviors and how to change old habits

                  - Discuss a variety of alternative nutritional choices

 

         B.  Managing Your Weight

        

         The learner will:

                  - Determine their healthy weight

                  - Explain the difference between overweight and overfat

                  - Define obesity in terms of body fat

                  - Identify the techniques of assessing body fat

                  - Explain the causes of obesity

                  - Explain the role of exercise in healthy weight loss

                  - Identify strategies that ensure successful weight loss and weight control

                  - Change unhealthy eating behaviors

                  - Explain common eating disorders and where to go for help

 

         C.  Personal Fitness

        

         The learner will:

                  - Identify health related fitness components

                  - Determine their own level of fitness

                  - Identify the benefits of regular exercise

                  - Develop a fitness program to meet their own needs

                  - Identify common injuries and issues of concern

                  - Identify safety measures and injury prevention techniques

 

ACTIVITIES:  Develop a position statement regarding nutrition and fitness; complete a video project specific to the unit topic.

 

 

VI.  Diseases (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Research information regarding cancer, cardiovascular disease, sexually     transmitted diseases and other infectious diseases                       

                  - Understand the health risks associated with these diseases

                  - Describe appropriate prevention and treatment for these diseases

 

 

VII.  First Aid and Emergency Care (Physical Aspect)

 

         The learner will:

                  - Successfully complete the American Heart Association CPR course

 

 

 

ASSESSMENT

 

         Assessment for health education varies according to grade level.  Though there is importance in memorization of factual information and mastery of specific skills the over- all emphasis of the curriculum is the development of healthy behavior.  An individual’s behavior is based upon their knowledge, experience, goals, and decision-making; and the ability to recognize and change unhealthy behavior is essential.  Therefore, the curriculum emphasizes these types of skills at each grade level measuring mastery of these skills in the manner appropriate to each grade level. 

         The learners of the M-3 curriculum are ungraded and the emphasis is an introduction to wellness issues, basic information and experiential learning; the learner will develop foundations for further learning.  The learners in the 4-6 curriculum are assessed in a pass-fail manner with the learner receiving effort marks and comments reflecting involvement and mastery of the curriculum.  The learners in grades 7-12  are assessed with the traditional system of letter grades, effort marks and comments. 

         The tools for assessment may include any combination of the instructional methods in all grade levels.  Assessment reflects both objective and subjective testing, assessment of reading comprehension, analytical skills in problem solving and behavioral assessment, research and experiential tasks.  The purpose of assessment reflects the goals of the health curriculum and emphasizes the development of health literacy in each student.

 

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS AND RESOURCES

 

 

Peer Education

 

         Research indicates that one of the best ways to learn something is to teach it, and that students can learn best from each other.  According to an ancient Chinese proverb: “I hear, and I forget; I see, and I remember; I do, and I understand.”  The peer education program is an effort to improve the educational experience for our students and the communication across the grades on our campus.

         The Health curriculum in the M-8th grade includes activities utilizing Upper School peer educators.  The peer education program is a valued component of the Upper School that allows students to develop leadership and teaching skills that can then enhance the programming in the lower grades.  In doing so, older students become important role models for their younger peers, and in touching their lives find memories for a lifetime.  It is difficult to say which students benefit the most from this experience: “Education is not complete unless it affects the heart as well as the mind.”

 

 

Textbook and Curriculum Resources:

 

                  Actions for Health, ETR Associates, Santa Cruz, CA (PRIMARY)

                  Health for Life, Scott, Foresman and Company, Glenview, IL, 1992 (MS)

                  Health, Houghton Mifflin Company, 1989 (MS)

                  Access for Health, Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1991 (US)

                  “Talking With Your Students About Alcohol” (MS, HS)

                  Non-Profit Community Agencies and Organizations (All Levels)

                  Selected supplements from the Archdiocesan Office of Education

                     (All Levels)

 

 

Instructional Methods:

 

The following instructional methods are used at all levels of the curriculum:  reading, discussion, and lecture.  Instruction is enhanced with audio-visual presentations, role-playing situations, demonstrations, experimentation, and hands-on activities when appropriate.  Students also utilize computer activities in independent learning opportunities.  In addition, Middle School and Upper School divisions make use of self-assessments and testing as is appropriate.