Classroom program outlines “The Great Hospital Adventure.”
LEWISTON — Local elementary school children will have the opportunity to learn about health careers and healthy behaviors through an entertaining classroom program called “The Great Hospital Adventure.”
The multi-media presentation, funded through a foundation grant, is being offered through the nursing program at the University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn College. The program includes a video movie, puppet demonstration, group discussion and coloring book, which promote awareness about careers in health and healthy behaviors.
The educational materials feature eight puppets called the “Health Careers Puppet Bunch.” Each puppet represents a person in the video, with six of them representing careers in health care. The puppets are matched with real health professionals who look like them and share the same career.
The materials portray a variety of cultural and non-traditional roles in health care. Each child receives a Careers in Health coloring book to keep and take home.
Celeste Philippon, RN, MS, educational linkage coordinator for the college nursing program, said the presentation has been well received by students and teachers alike.
“The puppets and video are very visual which make the program exciting and relevant for children. It serves as a great introduction to wellness and health care careers, and also serves to reduce anxiety about hospitals and medicine. Some teachers have also noted that it is a great tie in to the Learning Results,” Philippon added.
The program is free and is targeted at first- and second-grade students. Any teachers interested in scheduling a presentation are invited to contact Philippon at 753-6624 or e-mail lacnursing@usm.maine.edu.
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