South Carolina

Street Smart

A Safety Hero!

TM

ThinkFirst South Carolina-LowCountry Program © All Rights Reserved.

Purpose and Rationale

The ThinkFirst For Kids Program was developed to increase

knowledge and awareness among elementary school children

(Grades 1-3) about the causes and consequences of brain and

spinal cord injury, injury prevention and safety habits that

reduce the risk of injury. The curriculum, augmented by the video,

comics and posters was designed to: 1) help students learn safety messages in relation to subjects, 2) help teachers implement the program without "teaching something extra," and 3) help students form safety habits for life which will ultimately reduce the number and/or severity of traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.

                    Elementary school-aged children are at an impressionable stage of                             development, enjoy learning new responsibilities and decision-

                    making skills and attempt to influence their family members and peers.                      Teachings directed to this age group will likely increase safety

                    behaviors that are maintained through the high-risk adolescent years

                    and become life-long habits. It is anticipated that students, families,

                    teachers and communities will benefit from participating in the ThinkFirst For Kids Program.

Goals

 To help elementary school educators teach the curriculum and other program components within the subject material of their lesson plans.

To use the combined efforts of elementary school teachers, ThinkFirst For Kids chapters and school staff to increase knowledge and

awareness of brain and spinal cord injuries, how these injuries can

be prevented and the importance of lifelong safety habits to

prevent injury.