Curriculum resources for elementary grades
This section includes curriculum resources on the following topics for elementary grades:
Aggression among children is an important school issue. Children who behave aggressively may harm not only themselves but others. Moreover, children with serious aggression problems are more likely than children without such problems to become teenagers who have problems with aggression, with other mental health issues, or with substance use.
- Roots of Empathy is an evidence-based classroom program for children in kindergarten to Grade 8. The program raises children's social and emotional competence, increases empathy and reduces aggressive behaviour.
People who experience prejudice and discrimination based on who they are (e.g., in terms of their age, gender, sexual orientation or culture) face negativity and barriers that can increase their chances of developing a mental health or addiction problem. Addressing issues of diversity in the classroom helps all children develop respectful attitudes toward others' regardless of their differences and reduces the likelihood that any child will experience unwanted behaviour as a result of his or her differences.
- The purpose of Around the Rainbow: Toolkit for Educators and Service Providers Working with GLBTTQ Parents and Their Children, produced by Family Services à la famille Ottawa, is to share knowledge about and highlight issues unique to gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, two-spirit, queer and questioning parents and their children. The toolkit, designed for educators of children up to six years, helps create a safe and inclusive learning environment for all children.
Children are gambling if the following two conditions are present: they are risking something of value (for example, money or possessions) and the outcome is uncertain (that is, they don't know whether they will win or lose).
- The Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC) has developed lessons plans aligned with the Alberta curriculum. Students gain knowledge and learn life skills that can help them make healthy choices about substance use and gambling.
- Grades 3 to 6 lesson plans
- Grades 7 and Grade 8 lesson plans
- The YMCA Youth Gambling Program offers educational packages that support components of the Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum.
- Grades 3 to 6 curriculum resources (PDF only)
- Grades 7 to 8 curriculum resources (PDF only)
Early adolescence is a time of experimentation with various behaviours, such as those associated with sexual relationships and substance use. During this phase of their development, students need guidance with making safe and responsible choices.
- The Fourth R ("R" for Relationships) consists of a comprehensive school-based program designed to include students, teachers, parents and the community in reducing violence and addressing potentially risky behaviours. Classroom lessons focus on bullying and other forms of aggression, sexual behaviours and substance use.
- The Grade 8 Physical and Health Education program consists of four seven-lesson units addressing the topics of healthy eating; personal safety and injury prevention; growth and development; substance use; and substance use problems.
Elementary Schools (Grades 1-8): Teachers began using the revised Health and Physical Education, Grades 1-8 (Interim Edition) in September 2010. As a result, the lesson plans and materials from the CAMH website Educating Students about Drug Use and Mental Health -- Ready-To-Use Lesson Plans for Your Classroom – Grades 1 – 8 have been removed.
Ophea has developed the NEW Ophea Health and Physical Education (H&PE) Curriculum Resources: Grades 1-8 in both English and French. These resources were developed to support implementation of Ontario's 2010 H&PE Curriculum. Details on accessing these resources is available at the main page of OPHEA's curriculum site.