Teachable moments
Making the often-talked-about New Year’s resolution can become fodder for the classroom.
Templates for teachers to use in making resolutions for students in grades 4-8 can be found at www.teachervision.fen.com/new-years/activity/4136.html.
The lesson plan includes instruction on writing a five-part essay on the resolution, motivation for choosing it and influence of friends and family.
Help with resolutions
Helping students start off the new year right with sound resolutions is an aim of the American Academy of Pediatrics at www.aap.org.
Its goals for students age 13 and up include eating at least one fruit and one vegetable a day, limiting soda and pledging to perform physical activity.
The organization suggests a commitment to choosing non-violent television shows and video games, and spending a max of two hours per day on either one.
It also seeks to wipe out negative “self talk” (“I can’t do it”); and proposes constructive ways to deal with stress, such as exercising, reading, writing or talking with a friend.
Health, safety hints
Custodians, art instructors, teachers and professors have access to information to help them identify the health and safety of their working conditions.
The New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (www.nycosh.org) has compiled a list of links to guidelines that address potential hazards associated with different careers. Information for each topic is provided by unions and other labor organizations.
Topics for teachers and School-Related Professionals include AIDS and HIV, asbestos, mold, ergonomic tips and solutions to a variety of risky tasks faced by custodians.
Higher ed health
College students can take simple measures to improve health and ward off seasonal flu.
According to www.suite101.com, basic tips for those living the dorm life include:
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Getting enough sleep, and sleeping on a regular schedule.
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Eating sensibly, and this includes eating breakfast. When it comes to drinking, make it water, and plenty of it. Avoid any type of binge drinking and remember that excessive drinking can lead to addiction and alcohol poisoning.
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When life gets on overload, exercise and see about taking a stress management course. Most campuses have counseling services.