Focus On Pediatrics-Bits and pieces of programs can work best
After-school program makes learning fun
Cookie-cutter programs don't always work. That's why institutions that use them need to be able to tweak the activities and curriculum to fit the people they serve. The Columbus, OH, chapter of the Atlanta-based Boys & Girls Clubs of America is a good example of how organizations can tailor curriculum to meet the needs of the children in the community. The Columbus chapter incorporates facets of the Smart Moves program, designed to prevent drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse, into the routine daily activities offered to the children who come to the club after school.
"We have implemented some crafts, games, and activities that are related to drug and alcohol prevention because it is after school, and the kids have been sitting all day listening to teachers. They don't want to be confined to a room listening to a lecture even if activities are involved," says Molly Frank, LSW, prevention coordinator with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus.
Frank sets up the activities in the game room at the club, which is the area that garners the most foot traffic. Each month, the focus of the activities is on a different drug, such as alcohol, tobacco, or marijuana. The games include word puzzles and word searches that teach children what a particular drug does to their body, the effects of a drug, and the slang terms used for the drug so that kids will be street-smart.
While some of the activities come from the Smart Moves curriculum, others come from such sources as magazines or the Web. "I try to find fun ways to get facts across to them," says Frank.
Often, Frank includes activities such as a craft that is not related to drug and alcohol prevention. This provides a nonthreatening environment that makes it easier for children to simply talk about the pressures of the environment in which they live.
Although it is each child's choice on whether to participate in the prevention games, Frank uses an incentive program to draw participants. Each time a child takes part in one of the drug, alcohol, or tobacco prevention activities, he or she receives a star. Once children have accumulated a certain number of stars, they can redeem them for a prize. For example, ten stars earns a child a bag of chips and a soda, and 15 stars a notebook. The more stars, the better the prize. Children can even earn enough stars to be eligible for one of the club's field trips.
The Smart Moves program, which runs for 10 weeks, has been implemented at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus a couple of times. However, it has worked best when used in collaboration with the local schools in community outreach efforts. The curriculum is divided into three age groups that include:
• Smart Kids — ages 6 to 9.
This program offers an introduction to alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. A lot of time is spent on helping children learn healthy habits, such as washing their hands. Social skills and problem solving also are taught, and children receive training in how to resist peer pressure.
• Start Smart — ages 10 to 12.
Curriculum for this age group is similar to the 6- to 9-year-olds only a little more in depth.
• Stay Smart — ages 13 to 15.
"With this age group, we focus more on what drugs, alcohol and tobacco do to your body," says Frank. Sex education also is introduced to this age group with discussion on pregnancy prevention. Lessons on how the media manipulates people through advertising also is key with this age group by spending time evaluating ads.
"The program helps kids understand what good health is, the damage alcohol, drugs, and tobacco can do to their bodies, and teaches them skills to avoid using them," says Frank. n
For more information on tailoring programs to meet community needs, contact:
• Molly Frank, LSW, Prevention Program Coordinator, Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbus, S. Gift St., Columbus, OH 43215. Telephone: (614) 221-8830. E-mail: [email protected].
You have reached your article limit for the month. Subscribe now to access this article plus other member-only content.
- Award-winning Medical Content
- Latest Advances & Development in Medicine
- Unbiased Content