Healthy Living Assembly
by Cathy Gundersen
April 25, 2008
On April 17 students from Midway Elementary visited Highland Elementary to spend time together learning about making healthy choices. The Kansas Learning Center for Health provided an "On the Road" program led by certified health educators. The program is based on the Kansas State Science Standards. Students spent time together in the classrooms as well as attending the assembly specific to each grade level.
Kindergarten students learned “The Inside Story.” With the help of Organ Andy and an organ apron, this program took students on an "inside look" at our amazing body. Hands on activities engaged the children and stressed the importance of taking care of our bodies.
The first grade students were told about “Stranger Safety.” Students learned the importance of keeping themselves safe around strangers with the help of the Berenstein Bears. Each student created their own sock puppet "Zip" to help remind them to make wise decisions about strangers.
“My Healthy Structure” was the topic for second grade. Students were shown the importance of exercise and how to choose calcium rich foods for proper bone growth. A review of primary bones of the skeletal system that give shape, protection and movement were discussed, as well as safety habits.
A program on “Good Lungs, Bad Lungs” was given to the third grade. In this program students explored the respiratory system and the importance of exercise and nutrition. Preserved pig lungs demonstrated how smoking affects lung tissue. To enhance understandings, students made a bottle respiratory system.
Fourth grade students attended “Name That Label.” After introducing the “Pyramid," students were actively involved in choosing good snacks and foods for a life-long healthy body. Nutrition label, fats, sugars and exercise were also discussed.
Fifth grade learned about “Cells In You.” Class participants built a cell and evaluated its structure pertaining to tissues, organs and systems. Students made individual cells and discussed how alcohol and tobacco affect the human body.
Click on the link to view the slide show. 
Health Assembly
