FCD Elementary School Program

Research shows that the earlier a child starts to use alcohol and/or other drugs, the greater his or her chances of becoming a substance abuser. Given that pre-schoolers are already forming impressions about alcohol and other drug use, we believe it's important to start the prevention process early.

Elementary school students are literal, inquisitive, and open to new information and experiences. Drug education at this level needs to be concrete and relate to the child's immediate world. It should occur naturally in the context of the child's relationships with peers and adults, recognizing the variable and limited attention span of kids this age. Experiential and hands-on learning can increase the impact and retention of material.

The FCD Elementary School Program is gentle and non-threatening. Depending on the school's needs, our program can be designed to accommodate single or multi-day scheduling formats. We encourage the classroom teacher or another adult to be present for all classes. Our approach is not to preach or use scare tactics, but to help youngsters explore their own perceptions and feelings through discussion and role-play. We've found that one of the most effective methods of teaching students this age is asking questions. The children's answers provide the opportunity to present information, address misperceptions, and teach the necessary fundamentals about alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Content is age-appropriate at all times.

By age eight, children should understand:

What drugs and medicines are
How foods, medicines, poisons, and illegal drugs differ
Why taking the wrong substance or too much of it can hurt you
What the rules are at home and at school regarding alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs
Refusal skills
Drug safety rules
Who to go to with questions or in an emergency.

Ideally, FCD's Elementary School Program occurs within a larger health education context that includes nutrition, exercise, safety and hygiene, the body and its functions, illness prevention, family life, self-worth and personal growth (e.g., respect, empathy, tolerance, decision-making, problem-solving, feelings, etc.). Concurrently, parents should also be talking with their children about these issues.

Discussion topics include:

Healthy Decision Making

How do you think things through?
How do you decide what's right for you?
How do you deal with feelings such as fear, loneliness, or sadness?
Where do you go for information and help?

Refusal and Communication Skills

What is peer pressure?
What can you do when people push you to do something you don't want to do?
What are some ways to say no to your friends?
How do you have fun (without alcohol or other drugs)?

Healthy Habits

What is a drug?
How do over-the-counter medicines, prescription drugs, and illicit drugs differ?
What is the difference between a habit and an addiction?
What is the difference between adult drinking and teenage drinking?

Helping a Friend

What does being a good friend mean?
Is there a difference between tattling and helping?
How can you tell if a friend is in trouble?
What are some ways to help someone you're worried about?