Teaching Health and Safety is important for your homeschooled student. There are different topics to be covered for every age level. Here are some ideas for material that should be learned at specific grade levels:

Kindergarten- Students will expand their knowledge of feelings by learning that there are many different types of feelings that people can experience, as well as many appropriate ways to manage each feeling. Students will also learn the appropriate way to ask for what they need or want. Skills such as addressing another person by saying their name, maintaining eye contact, using manners and compromising are all stressed for the children. The ideals of friendship and ways to be a friend are also explored. Sometimes puppets and role playing are used.

First Grade- Students focus on self-esteem, feelings, and problem solving in grade one. The students also get to use their understanding of uniqueness and explore ways to help make others feel accepted and included. Helping resources are reviewed and defined, as students explore the necessity of talking to an adult about their problems. Students are also taught decision making skills, and age appropriate bullying prevention.

Second Grade- Expounding on lessons learned in first grade, and the meaning of being a good friend is explored in detail in grade two. Students may role play social situations that promote kindness and appropriate social behavior. Students will also discuss drug prevention and self care as the dangers of drugs and smoking.

Third Grade- Students will continue to learn about drug awareness and bullying prevention. An emphasis is placed on promoting respectful and responsible behaviors. Role playing is often utilized to teach the children at this age that bullying is unacceptable.

Fourth Grade- For many students tangible examples of ingredients of drugs, along with illustrations of the effects of drug use, will be expressed to the students. Proactive skills such as how to effectively say “no” to peers when in uncomfortable situations are taught. Students are also challenged to identify the meaning of conflict and of bullying.

Fifth Grade- Students review what it means to be a bully, how to help someone who is being bullied, and what they can do to promote peace. Drug prevention is also covered in greater detail as students study the effects that drugs have on their bodies. In connection with this, students in grade five learn how to handle stress in healthy ways.

Here are some wonderful resources for teaching Health to your child at home: