Poison Safety with Spike (Pre-K-2nd Grade)

Call  800-222-1222

Poison prevention education can save lives. Approximately 60 percent of all poisonings occur in children under the age of 6. Therefore it is important to teach this age group the basics in poison prevention. Although teaching parents of these children is important, this program focuses on teaching the children themselves to follow very simple prevention techniques, as well as what to do if a poisoning occurs.

The goal of this lesson is to educate children on what poisons are, how to stay safe from potential poisonings, and what to do if a poisoning occurs.

Lesson Plan Overview

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • relate what a poison is-during a group discussion.
  • name at least 3 places in the home where poisonous items might be found (kitchen, bathroom, garage, yard etc) during a question and answer period.
  • demonstrate knowledge of how to stay safe from poisons-by memorizing Spike's “Stay Away” song.
  • give 3 or more examples of household poisons during a question and answer period.
  • relate what to do if someone is poisoned.
  • distinguish between poisonous and nonpoisonous items during an interactive game and a worksheet activity.

Materials

  • Spike’s Poison Prevention Adventure video, runtime 11 min. (optional); available on YouTube or at Utah Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222)
  • Magnets and telephone stickers (available at UPCC)
  • Look-a-like display
  • Spike puppet game
  • Spike worksheet or Poison Ladders worksheet
  • Parent letter
  • Household guide to Poison Control
  • Certificate of Completion

Note: Materials and instructions for each item can be found in the appendices of the full lesson plan.

Content Outline

  1. Introduction
    1. Introduce self
    2. Explain purpose
  2. Definitions and Concepts
    1. Poison
    2. Prevention
    3. Why
  3. Look-A-Likes
    1. Discussion
    2. Question and Answer
    3. Look-A-Like Display/Products
  4. Video (Optional)
    1. Spike’s Poison Prevention Adventure
  5. Song or Phrase Memorization
    1. Spike’s “Stay Away” Song
  6. Game
    1. Spike puppet game
  7. If Someone is Poisoned
    1. Tell a grown-up
    2. Poison Center
  8. Worksheet Activity
    1. Spike worksheet
    2. Poison Ladders worksheet
  9. Conclusion
    1. Magnets and Telephone Stickers
    2. Parent Letter
    3. Household Guide to Poisons
    4. Certificate of Completion
  10. Appendices
    1. Look-A-Like Display
    2. Spike’s Stay Away Song
    3. Spike Puppet Game
    4. Spike Worksheet
    5. Poison Ladders Worksheet
    6. Parent Letter (English)
    7. Parent Letter (Spanish)
    8. Household Guide to Poisons
    9. Certificate of Completion

Lesson Resources

Brochures & Posters
Download Full Lesson Plan (PDF)
Order Form for Magnets & Stickers (PDF)