GRADE 4: LESSON PLAN 1
Lesson 4.1: Safe Use of Medications
Students will explore how to use medications safely and begin to develop their decision-making skills.
This lesson is aligned with the following learning outcomes from the NL Grade 4 Health Curriculum:
Drug Education
- Relate the major functions of medicines and the importance of safe use and handling.
- Know that the most reliable sources of prescription drugs are doctors, nurses, and pharmacists.
Mental Health
- Identify some of the factors which affect our feelings.
- Identify and demonstrate communication skills during group activities.
Relationships
- Realize that one’s decisions may affect other people.
- Outline the steps to follow in decision making.
Learning Activities
The following activities are designed to support the delivery of this lesson and help reinforce key concepts. Some activities are available in multiple formats to offer flexibility and accommodate teacher or student preferences.
- Learning Activity 1: Using Medications Safely
- Activity 1: Is This a Medication?
Using the Medications infographic, students will work in groups to identify medications.
- Activity 2: True or False? – Medications
Students are presented with statements about medication safety to determine if they are true or false.
- Activity 3: Would You Rather?
Students choose the between two scenarios regarding the safe use of medication.
- Activity 4: FACE Decision-Making Model Scenarios
Students will use the FACE decision-making model to explore how choices impact well-being and why thoughtful decisions matter.
Scenario 1: 1 Spoonful or 2?
Scenario 2: Sharing Puffers
Scenario 5: Sharing Eye Drops
- Activity 5: Exit Reflection Card Safe Medication Use: Looks Like Candy
Students reflect on what they have learned about making healthy choices regarding non-medical drug use.
These resources may help support the delivery of the lesson plan and learning activities:
Educational Materials
The relevant Educational Materials for this lesson are referenced throughout the lesson plan; additional ones are available here.
Substance Snapshots
Relevant Substance Snapshots are noted in the lesson plan; more may be accessed here.