Health Class

All students in grade 4 and 5 participate in a comprehensive health education program as outlined by the education department and follows the Massachusetts Health Education Standards. Topics taught includes lessons on nutrition, environment, safety, body structure, bullying and goal setting.

The exact topics are listed below;

Goal Setting/Decision Making

• Set SMART goals and examine a healthy decision-making process.

Family

• Recognize things parents and guardians do to provide a safe, healthy environment for their children.

Relationships

• Name qualities that strengthen and qualities that weaken a friendship.

Violence Prevention

• Recognize aggression and violence, manage stress/anger/conflict, and tell someone who can help, (anti-bullying education).

Safety

• Describe the importance of safety rules in a variety of settings, (helmets, seat belts, strangers).

Disease Prevention

• Demonstrate proper hand washing to reduce the transmission of communicable disease.

Environment

• List ways to conserve energy and reasons why people should.

Nutrition

• Identify food groups and the healthy recommendations for each.

Physical Activity

• List the benefits of physical activity.

Community Health

• Name community health organizations and the services they provide.

Refusal Skills

• Practice a variety of ways to say no to risky/unhealthy behaviors.

Body Systems

• List body systems (bones, muscles, heart, lungs) and become familiar with their form and function.

In addition to this, the 5th grade students will have a growth and development assembly which is presented at the end of the health education unit. A separate notification with complete details will be sent home in advance of this assembly.

All material will be presented in an informative and non-judgmental format. We encourage students to discuss topics and activities presented in class with parents and guardians. The health lessons will be begin at the end of Septamber and continue throughout the year.

Please feel free to email rireland@freelake.org if you have any questions.

5th Grade Growth and Development Assembly Information

Here are links to the 5th grade Growth and Development videos. These videos are gender specific, and are used in conjunction with presentations and discussion. This assembly happens in mid-may.

Girls Growth and Development Video

Boys Growth and Development Video

Parent Letter - Growth and Development Assembly