Fort Plain Central School District > Physical Education > Elementary Physical Education > Elementary Health Education

Elementary Health Education

Course Description

An examination of health issues and problems related to individuals and communities. Included is an exploration of health education skills that include: Decision Making, Self-Management, Communication, Relationship Management, Planning and Goal Setting, Stress Management, and Advocacy.

Classroom Behavioral Expectations

  • Rudeness and disrespect will not be tolerated (toward peers and / or teacher).
  • Get to class on time (in seat before bell).
  • No electronic devices of any kind (cell phones, iPods, etc.).
  • Sign out and take bathroom pass every time.
  • Sign in on tardy sheet and leave pass / reason when late.
  • Clean up any mess you make.
  • Respect school property (desks, chairs, etc.).
  • Only Health Education work.
  • Must make up assignments from missed classes upon return (it’s up to you to see your teacher, check your folder, access the class website, etc.).

 Attendance

All students should arrive on-time and be ready to participate at the scheduled class time. ONLY excused absences are allowed. All missed work must be made up with the permission of the instructor. Refer to student hand book, i.e. attendance policy.

Class Format

Class time will consist of lecture and note taking, discussion and student sharing, small group work, in class assignments and videos.

Objectives

The course has been designed as an introductory-level health education course and included among its goals is helping students:

  • Develop an awareness and understanding of selected health problems which are of importance at various points during the life cycle.
  • Update and expand knowledge in the health sciences in such areas as nutrition, fitness, mental and emotional health, and wellness / health promotion.
  • Understand important aspects of safety education including fire and arson prevention, dangerous environments, violence prevention / intervention and strategies related to reducing intended and unintended injuries.
  • Understanding issues and concepts related to the abuse of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs as well as prevention strategies.
  • Improve understanding of health facts and concepts related to maintaining and improving personal, family and community health.
  • Identify reliable sources of health information.
  • Obtain background and skills necessary to evaluate health information, products and services.
  • Identify and investigate the pros and cons of health issues.
  • Understand specific health behaviors and skills related to behaviors which may be immediately utilized to prevent health problems and to maintain one’s health status.
  • Understand the importance of health in living a life of quality.

 Conferences

It is the student’s responsibility to seek additional help from the instructor of this course whenever he/she feels the need. My office hours are stated above on this course syllabus.

 Evaluation

  • 80% of grade will be based on: in-class assignments, activities and projects (individual, partner, or group), any homework assignments, and unit tests.
  • 20% of grade will be based on: class participation, attendance, and behavior.

 Grading

The grading scale is as follows:

  • A+: 100-97
  • A: 96-93
  • A-: 92-90
  • B+: 89-87
  • B: 86-83
  • B-: 82-80
  • C+: 79-77
  • C: 76-73
  • C-: 72-70
  • D+: 69-67
  • D: 66-63
  • D-: 62-60

Anything below 60% will result in the grade of E or failing the course.

Academic Dishonesty

Students will not cheat or plagiarize in this course. Plagiarism is a serious academic offense and is defined as expropriating the ideas of others and using them as one’s own without due credit. Students who cheat in examinations or plagiarize in this course will be disciplined in accordance with school rules and regulations (refer to the student handbook).

*Course Content may include but not limited to….

**The order of the topics may be subject to change depending on scheduling conflicts.

***If you do not feel comfortable with any of the topics above, discuss an alternate assignment with your teacher.

Course Content

Grade 5 and 6

General Wellness / Health Education:

  • General Human Anatomy & Physiology
  • Proper hand washing to prevent germs / spread of disease.
  • Basic cleanliness / hygiene for the human body.
  • Brushing / flossing teeth twice a day.
  • Laundering clothes when soiled.
  • The importance of regular medical / dental check-ups.
  • Basic first aid procedures in case of emergency for home, school, or community.
  • Following internet safety rules.
  • Being responsible to protect and preserve the environment for self and others.

Physical Activity or Nutrition

  • Benefits of regular physical activity (staying in shape, increased academic performance, improved appearance, etc.)
  • Healthy eating choices / habits (fruits / vegetables, etc.)
  • Reducing illness / disease prevention (ex. cardiovascular disease)
  • Culture / media / social influences.
  • General Safety (following safety rules, preventing injuries, adult supervision, proper clothing / safety equipment).

Unintentional Injury

  • Children must know their name, address, telephone number, and names of parents / guardians.
  • Children need to know how to call for help in emergency situations (ex. local emergency services or 911).
  • Children should know and practice fire safety / fire drills (“Stop, Drop, and Roll”, etc.)
  • Children ages 12 years and younger are safest when they ride in the back seat of a vehicle, and wear a seat belt to increase individual safety.
  • Children should use protective equipment when participating in sports or recreational activities (ex. bicycle helmets, personal flotation devices, etc.)

Violence Prevention

  • Most individuals do not engage in violent behavior.
  • Some feelings of conflict, anger, frustration and fear are normal to experience.
  • Courtesy, compassion, and respect towards others reduce conflict and promote nonviolent behavior.
  • There are peaceful alternatives to violence.
  • Violent behavior has harmful short and long term consequences.
  • Bullying vs. Peer Conflict

Tobacco

  • Tobacco includes cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.
  • Most individuals abstain from tobacco.
  • All forms of tobacco contain nicotine (drug), and other harmful substances.
  • Tobacco smoke is dangerous to anyone who breathes it.
  • Advertisements try to persuade people to use tobacco (especially towards young people).

Alcohol & Other Drugs

  • Alcohol and Other Drugs are chemicals that change how the body works.
  • Most individuals do not use alcohol or other drugs.
  • The best way to prevent alcohol and other drug use is never to start.
  • People may experience pressure to use Alcohol and Other Drugs (advertising, culture, peers, etc.)
  • Using Alcohol and Other Drugs has short and long term risks / consequences (for health and well-being of the user and for those around them).

Family Life

  • Families provide nurturance, security, and commitment to their members and need to be supported in their care-giving roles throughout the lifecycle.
  • Culture, tradition, and environment influence relationships and personal development.
  • Individuals are unique and special and deserve to be treated with respect.
  • Individuals establish caring and loving relationships throughout the lifecycle.
  • Effective clear communication is a vital aspect of healthy relationships.
  • Becoming a parent affects an individual’s short-term and long-term goals.

Grade 6

Sexual Health

  • Individuals experience growth spurts and changes in appearance, interest and abilities during puberty.
  • Average onset of puberty is between the ages of 8-14 in females and 9-15 in males.
  • Hormones influence growth, development, feelings or behavior.
  • Sexual health begins early in life and continues throughout the lifecycle.
  • Sexual health includes physical, behavioral, intellectual, spiritual, emotional, and interpersonal development.

Sexual Risk

  • Individuals have a right to decide who touches their body and how.
  • There are appropriate and inappropriate kinds of touch.
  • Avoiding sexual behavior / risky behaviors (ex. practicing abstinence, avoiding drugs and alcohol, not having multiple partners, etc.)
  • Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI’s – various means of transmission, signs / symptoms.)
  • Pre-Pregnancy Considerations (Pregnancy prevention / birth control / contraceptives).
  • Talking with parents / guardians before visiting a doctor / clinic.

HIV / AIDS

  • What is HIV / AIDS? (Human Immunodeficiency Virus / Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome)
  • Means of transmission / signs / symptoms.
  • Prevention / reducing the risk of infection.
  • Disclose / counseling / treatment / medical care.