Synopsis

Using student pages and magazine pictures, students will identify pictures which show when to use medicine and who can safely give medicines.

Teaching Steps

1. 1. Discuss what medicine is.

   Ask students, "What is medicine?" Discuss the kinds of conditions which medicines are used to treat.

   CONCEPTS

   • Medicines are special drugs used to help people when they are sick.
   • Special papers from doctors, called prescriptions, are required in order to purchase some medicines.
   • Medicines for which a prescription from the doctor is needed are called "prescription medicines."
   • Prescription medicines are prepared by a pharmacist.
   • Prescription medicines are only to be used by the person for whom the prescription was written.
   • Some medicines can be purchased without a doctor's prescription.
   • Using medicines you don't need may make you very sick.

2. 2. Discuss when to use medicine.

   Discuss appropriate occasions for the use of medicine.

   CONCEPTS

   • All medicines should be used only when needed to treat certain conditions or illnesses.
   • Medicine is not candy.

3. 3. Review rules for taking medicine.

   Discuss some guidelines for the safe use of medicine.

   SKILL DEVELOPMENT

   • Take medicines only from adults such as parents, nurses, and doctors.
   • Never take another person's medicine.
   • Always follow directions for taking medicine.

4. 4. Students identify medicines.

   Student Page: What Is Medicine?

   Have students circle the pictures of medicines on the student page.

5. 5. Students identify safe people from whom to take medicine.

   Student Page: Who Can Give Me Medicine?

   Have students circle the pictures that show people from whom it is safe to take medicine...

   SKILL DEVELOPMENT

   • Discuss why each person is safe.

6. 6. Reflect, summarize, and discuss.

   Review rules for safe use of medicine and the appropriate people to give medicine to children.

Assessment

Have students draw or cut out three pictures about medicine from magazines. The first picture should show an example of medicine. The second picture should show when to use medicine, and the third picture should show a person who can give you medicine.

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