Your Body, Your Health and Drugs

Gr 3—5—The dangers that medicines and legal drugs, tobacco and cigarettes, alcohol, and marijuana pose to young people are explored in four chapters that are introduced by a young lady who defines and shows examples of the drugs and describes their effects on the mind and body. In the first scenario, Hannah learns that it is dangerous to share her medicine with her friend, even though they have the same symptoms. Mark's older brother, who smokes cigarettes, warns him not to start the addictive habit. When Max drinks a beer and gets sick, his father explains the harmful effects of alcohol and what it means to drink responsibly. Finally, two young ladies find a bag of marijuana in the park and bring it to Shakira's mother. After each vignette, the host uses graphics and photos to point out the dangerous effects of these drugs on the body, and then asks questions to review and spark discussion. The facts are clearly presented by culturally diverse actors. In a summation, the host mentions that marijuana may have legal uses, which contradicts the message that was previously delivered, but she also recommends that youngsters who have questions about drugs should ask a trusted adult. A digital workbook on the CD includes lesson plans, activities, discussion questions, and more. A fine introduction to the dangers of drugs and a good discussion starter.—MaryAnn Karre, Horace Mann and Thomas Jefferson Schools, Binghamton, NY