G6. Oral Session: Engaging Children in Health: Creative Education, Family Engagement, and Prevention Strategies
G6.02 - Oral: Building a Healthier Future: Engaging Children Through Interactive Health Education
Friday, April 18, 2025
8:30 AM – 8:45 AM PST
Location: Mediterranean I/II, 3rd Floor
Area of Responsibility: Area III: Implementation Subcompetencies: 3.2.5 Employ an appropriate variety of instructional methodologies. Employ an appropriate variety of instructional methodologies., Deliver health education and promotion as designed. Research or Practice: Practice
Student Central Michigan University Waukesha, Wisconsin, United States
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Describe how storytelling and interactive activities engage children in learning wellness concepts like social relationships
Identify at least three challenges encountered during the implementation of the health education program in the third-grade classroom and strategies to address them.
Discuss how incorporating cultural traditions and customs into health education can foster inclusivity and increase engagement
Brief Abstract Summary: Discover the importance of teaching health and wellness to children at an early age, as building healthy, active lifestyles in children often leads to lasting habits. Learn how implementing the Wellness Wally Around the World program empowers childhood wellness through story-telling education and hands-on activities by addressing critical health issues such as healthy eating choices and building social relationships. Gain insights into the program's implementation approach, designed to create supportive and inclusive learning environments that encourage children's participation and curiosity. Learn about the observations and lessons learned from implementing the program, and the potential anticipated impact.
Detailed abstract description: This presentation highlights the vital role of early health education in shaping lifelong wellness habits among children. Attendees will explore how the Wellness Wally Around the World program, a comprehensive nine-week health and wellness program designed for elementary-aged children through an interactive journey around the world, was implemented in a third-grade classroom at Mary McGuire Elementary School in Mount Pleasant, Michigan by members of Eta Sigma Gamma - Eta Chapter. By focusing on the six dimensions of wellness, this program contributes to children's overall well-being.
Attendees will gain valuable insights into how this program addresses pressing health issues faced by today's youth, such as rising rates of childhood obesity and social isolation. The presentation will outline effective implementation strategies that create supportive learning environments, encouraging children to engage with health topics in an enjoyable and meaningful way. In addition, learn how storytelling serves as a powerful tool to make complex health concepts relatable and easy to understand, and how hands-on activities can enhance understanding of health-related information.
Attendees will leave equipped with practical strategies that can be applied to their own health education initiatives, empowering them to make a positive impact in their communities. The presentation will also offer observations, challenges encountered, and lessons learned from implementing the program. This approach offers attendees the chance to learn from our experiences and adapt strategies to their own contexts. Furthermore, we will explore the anticipated long-term impact of the program and how early interventions can lead to sustainable changes in behavior.
By participating in this session, attendees will enhance their understanding of childhood wellness initiatives and connect with like-minded professionals dedicated to improving health outcomes for children. Join us in a discussion about the future of health education and the critical role we all play in shaping healthier generations.
