Runny noses, sore throats, cavities - sometimes being a parent can seem like one eternal round of visits to one medical professional or another. And with few exceptions, children do not relish going to the doctor or the dentist. It usually involves fear, tears, and sometimes hysterical tantrums. The old saying goes, 'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure,' but how can a harried parent or busy school nurse find the time and the right way to teach the children in their lives about health care in a way that will impact them without causing anxiety? The Singing Nurse has come to the rescue.
Dawn Ginese, R.N. is a singer-songwriter who uses her musical talents to teach preschool and elementary children good health habits, as well as allay fears of medical professionals. She became inspired to compose health-related songs when she worked as a nurse for an early childhood Head Start program. Using the songs as inspiration, Ginese has developed a book for parents, teachers and health professionals entitled The Singing Nurse Health Lessons for Kids. Incorporating song, art, and motion, she addresses important health issues in a fun and engaging way.
There are eight lessons on the following topics: hand washing, dental hygiene, visiting the dentist, flu prevention, Lyme disease prevention, visiting the audiologist, body parts, and self-esteem. The lessons are nicely laid out with desired objectives, materials needed, lesson preparation tips, and the lesson/activity. Each lesson features a song, and lyrics are included both in the body of the lesson and as handouts for children and parents. There are many optional activity suggestions, as well as take home papers and parent letters so that parents will know what their children have been learning about health care. The Resource Section has full-color cut outs and word strips for playing games and making health booklets and collages.
The Singing Nurse Health Lessons for Kids can be purchased as a download or a Book/CD package. The book is spiral bound and is printed in color on high quality paper. Mp3 recordings of all the songs, such as Rub-A-Dub-Dub, The Dentist is a Good Guy, and The Tick Song (Have you ever sung the word 'ehrlichiosis' before? I know I haven't), as well as PDF files of the entire book and of individual lessons, are included on the accompanying compact disc. As a bonus, you will get a sneak peak of the first video of the upcoming Singing Nurse Animation Project.
This book (found at http://thesingingnurse.com) is a terrific value for anyone who wants or needs a non-threatening, interactive way to teach basic health care to children. In fact, I think there are many adults who would also benefit from this information. I think I need to go brush my teeth. 'Tooth decay... no way!'
Leslie Denning, better known as Miss Leslie, is a private music teacher and early childhood music education specialist. You may learn more about her at http://musicwithmissleslie.com.
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