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Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs

Kindergarten - Grade 3

Overview

Establishing safe and healthy behaviors for medicine usage, household products, and exposure to secondhand, and even third-hand smoke (residual nicotine and other chemicals left on indoor surfaces by tobacco smoke) is important for a lifetime of healthy practices and accident prevention beyond kindergarten. After exploring various reasons for using medicines such as being sick, students learn that medicines can be helpful or harmful. Students learn that doctors recommend medicines for people when they are sick or to help them feel better.

Information and Resources

American Lung Association

The American Lung Association provides information on lung health, vaping, and tobacco cessation.

 

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American Heart Association

The American Heart Association provides information about vaping and tobacco cessation.

 

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American Association of Poison Control Centers

The American Association of Poison Control Centers offer education and resources on accidental poisoning prevention.
 

 

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American Cancer Society

Information on getting help quitting, the Great American Smokeout, cancer and tobacco, smoke-free communities, and keeping your kids smoke free.

 

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Curriculum and Lessons

Generation Rx - Safe Medication Practices For Life

This is a collection of age-appropriate, engaging resources that educate children about medication safety principles. Some activities may be better suited for younger children (grades K-2), while others may be more appropriate for older students (grades 3-5).

 

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Book List

Kindergarten - Grade 3

The image depicts two young children, a boy and a girl, with the title %22Poison Alert!%22 and the subtitle %22My Tips to Avoid Danger Zones at Home%22 above them.

Poison Alert! My Tips to Avoid Danger Zones at Home

by Gina Bellasario and Holli Conger (2014)

The image depicts a colorful and vibrant book cover featuring a group of people in a lively scene, with the title %22Smoking Stinks!%22 prominently displayed.

Smoking Stinks!!

by Kim Gosselin (2012)

Classroom Activities

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  • Role-play scenarios to practice saying “no”.

Partnerships

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Partnering with the Family

  • Share American Heart Association, American Lung Association, American Cancer Society resources with families.
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Partnering with your School

  • Have the school nurse visit to talk about medicine safety.
  • Partner with school librarians to develop health content reading lists. 
  • Students create posters about the dangers of second-hand smoke to be displayed around campus. 
  • Students create informative health posters identifying refusal skills when confronted with peer pressure to use alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.
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Partnering with your Community

  • Invite guest speakers from the American Heart Association, American Lung Association, American Cancer Society, and/or the local poison control center. Ask for materials in multiple languages.