Substance use (including alcohol, cannabis, tobacco, vaping etc.)
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Educating students about substances and addiction is best done:
- Delivered over multiple lessons
- Making cross curricular connections between personal choices related to substance use, potential outcomes, and healthy coping skills (pg. 64 – HPE curriculum 2019 & CCSA)
- Creating a safe nurturing environment in the classroom for learning. For example, developing trust, open communication and using non-stigmatizing language.
- Engaging parents to enhance programming
Resources from KFL&A Public health to download or print
Coming soon!
Additional resources
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Active transportation and pedestrian safety
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Children's health and well-being is improved by walking, wheeling, or taking the bus all or part way to school. For parents and children to feel comfortable using active transportation they must feel confident that the trip will be safe and convenient. Teaching students how to be safe as pedestrians is a component of this process. Pedestrian safety skills will also help make school drop off and pick up times safer overall and build foundational skills in active travel that children will use throughout their lives.
Resources from KFL&A Public health to download or print
Coming soon!
Classroom resources
Resource | Grade level |
Ontario Active School Travel
A variety of resources for fun events, planning, and advocacy if you are looking to learn more about Active school travel or are interested in a more cohesive all school approach to increasing active school travel
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Secondary (Grade 9 to Grade 12) |
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Body image
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Tips for teaching about body image:
- Teach students that our body image and confidence can be influenced by many factors such as: friends, educators, parents, social media, their physical environment, and their social environment.
- Help students to understand that all bodies are good bodies.
- Encourage them to accept their bodies and care for them by practicing habits that will keep them mentally and physically well, including being kind to themselves.
Classroom resources
Resource | Grade level |
Dove Self Esteem Project: Confident Me
Resources designed to enable teachers to run their own in-class workshops, to help young girls and boys understand more about self-esteem and body confidence.
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Secondary (Grade 9 to Grade 12)
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Additional resources
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Bullying and healthy relationships
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Bullying can take on many forms, all of which can cause immediate and long-lasting harm to a child’s physical, emotional, social and mental health. School staff can help promote healthy relationships and reduce bullying by:
- Helping students develop healthy communication, relationship, and social-emotional skills through classroom curricula and activities.
- Role modelling healthy relationship skills and creating a safe classroom environment.
- Promoting a whole school approach to preventing bullying by developing and maintaining positive and inclusive environments for all students.
- Being aware of the signs of bullying and its dangers to student health.
- Intervening immediately and consistently when bullying behaviours occur and being aware of how to support students who are being bullied as well as students who are bullying.
Classroom resources
Resources | Grade level |
Kindness in the Classroom
A free CASEL (Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning) approved evidence-based emotional learning curriculum designed to help schools create a culture of kindness.
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Secondary (Grade 9 to Grade 12)
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Media Smarts
Free lesson kits to help educators address issues related to cyberbullying, including differences in online vs offline communication, cyberbullying and the law, creating positive online cultures, and ways to manage privacy online.
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Secondary (Grade 9 to Grade 12)
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The Fourth R. Healthy Relationships Plus Program
Evidence-based classroom and small-group programs to teach healthy communication and relationship skills, and reduce violence, bullying, unsafe sexual behaviour and substance use. Classroom program is curriculum aligned. Program requires purchase, however, may be available through some school boards. Contact your school board or assigned PHN for more information.
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Secondary (Grade 9 to Grade 12) |
Additional resources
- Promoting Relationships and Eliminating Violence Network - PREVNet - PREVNet’s website offers students, parents and educators extensive information on bullying, cyberbullying and teen dating violence. Includes Bullying Prevention: Facts and Tools for Schools – a comprehensive toolkit for educators and school administrators to support bullying prevention strategies through a whole school approach, and a Healthy Relationships Training Module for educators.
- Egale - A Canadian organization that raises awareness and provides resources for 2SLGBTQI issues. Includes resources for educators to build more inclusive schools, as well as training materials and workshops for topics such as Cyberbullying and 2SLGBTQI youth and reducing transphobic violence in schools.
- Kids Help Phone - This resource is designed for use by students. Includes helpful resources on bullying and peer relations, as well as live chat and call features with trained professionals for students requiring additional support.
- Safe@School - a provincial project led by the Ontario Teachers’ Federation. Includes online professional learning modules on youth empowerment, bullying prevention, equity and inclusive education and engaging parents/caregivers in bullying prevention. Additional resources also available on bullying prevention, including consent guides for students, parents or caregivers, and educators.
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Dental health
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Resources from KFL&A Public health to download or print
Coming soon!
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Food and eating
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Resources from KFL&A Public health to download or print
Coming soon!
Classroom resources
Resources | Grade level |
Bright Bites
An online program developed by Ontario Dietitians in Public Health (ODPH) includes Health and Physical Education and Science Curriculum based lesson plans for that incorporates badges that your class or school can work towards. Most of the listed resources and activities are currently located under the “badges page”
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Secondary (Grade 9 to Grade 12)
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Canada's Food Guide in the Classroom
This series of digital lesson plans will guide students in learning about Canada’s Food Guide and facilitate a deeper understanding of concepts within the guide. Students can apply their learnings to real world scenarios and apply critical thinking skills to health messages.
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Grade 9
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Sustain Ontario
Visit Food Literacy and Children & Youth initiatives for hands-on teaching resources for educators; as well as case studies, evaluations, guides, and other resources for advancing education about our food and food system.
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Secondary (Grade 9 to Grade 12)
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Food is Science
Experimental, evidence-based resources to help educators understand and teach new food literacy learning in Ontario’s Science and Technology Curriculum
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Grade 9
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Teach Nutrition - Dairy Farmer's of Canada
Tools and resources created by registered dietitians for educators. Activities are grade specific and focus on topics such as: sensory exploration through food, Canada’s food guide, and the Canadian food cycle.
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Grade 9 |
Additional resources
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Human development and sexual health
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Sexual health is an important component to a person’s overall health and can encompass many topics and concepts, including but not limited to sexual development, consent, healthy relationships, abstinence and the development of a positive self-concept.
Teaching sexual health is best done through:
- Creating a safe, respectful, and accepting space for all students
- Using inclusive language to support all students
- Reflecting on personal values and biases prior to teaching
Classroom resources
Resources | Grade level |
External condom (cover the penis) activity and demonstration kit
Activity outlines the proper steps to using an external condom correctly and consistently. 15 wooden penises along with a supply of expired condoms are also included in the kit for students to practice proper condom application. (Note: student practice is at the discretion of the classroom teacher). Borrow this resource (resource number 14284)
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Secondary (Grade 9 to Grade 12)
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Amaze.org
A variety of animated videos to support teaching topics covered in the HDSH curriculum.
- It is recommended that you preview the video(s) first to ensure alignment with specific grade curriculum expectations being taught.
- Please reinforce STI and gender neutral language.
Determine if the introduction and conclusion character vignette is value added. Each video can easily be started and ended before these segments.
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Secondary (Grade 9 to Grade 12)
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Teaching Sexual Health
Teacher portal and parent portal with evidence-based information, resources, and lesson plans to support teaching sexual health.
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Secondary (Grade 9 to Grade 12)
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Educator Guide - SIECCAN
Gender-Based Violence Prevention within School-Based Comprehensive Sexual Health Education.
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Secondary (Grade 9 to Grade 12)
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Sexmed Kingston
Inclusive, empowering, and science-focused sexual health workshops for students.
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Secondary (Grade 9 to Grade 12)
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Gender: Your Guide
A Gender-Friendly Primer on What to Know, What to Say, and What to Do in the New Gender Culture (book) By Lee Airton, PHD available in high school sexuality teaching kit, or Borrow this resource
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Secondary (Grade 9 to Grade 12) |
Additional resources
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Immunization
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Immunization is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of vaccine preventable diseases. Educators can empower students to make informed health decisions by:
- Developing health and media literacy with students so they can assess credible sources of health-related information
- Facilitating open and non-judgemental discussions that are based in evidence
Resources from KFL&A Public health to download or print
Coming soon!
Additional resources
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Infectious disease prevention
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School staff can help reduce the spread of illness by practicing the following:
Resources from KFL&A Public health to download or print
Coming soon!
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Medical conditions (e.g., asthma and anaphylaxis)
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Asthma and Anaphylaxis
One out of five children in Ontario have asthma and while there is no cure, it can be controlled so children can lead healthy lives at home and at school. Anaphylaxis, caused by an allergic reaction to substances such as certain foods, latex, bee stings and even for some children, exercise, is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. For more information regarding Ryan's Law and Sabrina's Law, refer to your school board policy and procedure manuals.
Resources from KFL&A Public health to download or print
Coming soon!
Classroom resources
Resources | Grade level |
Anaphylaxis Resource Kit (2013)
This resource contains the document "Anaphylaxis in Schools and Other Settings" and provides recommendations on the management and treatment of anaphylaxis in the school environment. Training auto-injectors are also included. Borrow this resource (resource number 14458)
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Secondary (Grade 9 to Grade 12)
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Epinephrine auto-injector demonstrator kits
This kit includes Epi Pen demonstrators for training purposes. Borrow this resource (resource number 14424)
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Secondary (Grade 9 to Grade 12)
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Managing Asthma in Our Schools Resource Kit (2014)
This kit includes the resource "Students with Asthma: What Educators Need to Know" as well as the Asthma Plan of Action DVD "Managing Asthma in our schools". Borrow this resource (resource number 14597)
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Secondary (Grade 9 to Grade 12) |
Additional resources
Asthma
Allergies
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Food Allergy Canada - Food Allergy Canada educates, supports, and advocates for the needs of people living with food allergies and the risk of anaphylaxis. This website includes educational resources for elementary and secondary schools.
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Medical Conditions - Government of Ontario - This website has been developed to assist school boards, principals, teachers, staff and others who play an important role in helping to create safer environments for pupils with life-threatening allergies. It contains vital information on how to develop strategies to reduce the risk of anaphylaxis and how to respond in the event of an emergency, in compliance with Sabrina's Law.
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Mental health
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Mental health is an essential component of overall health. Learning about mental health from a young age and developing skills to support positive mental health throughout their lives will help students to be healthier and more successful.
Educators are well positioned to teach students about maintaining mental health as part of their overall health. School Mental Health Ontario suggests the following:
- Keep the focus on positive mental health.
- Create a safe space where participants feel comfortable taking in new information and expressing ideas.
- Be mindful of accessibility and inclusivity of Black, Indigenous, racialized, and 2SLGBTQI+ communities.
- Encourage participation, to the degree students are comfortable.
- Guide the conversation, keep it focused on the lesson, and avoid setting up opportunities for sensitive personal disclosures (offer ways to safely report personal/peer concerns, should they arise).
Resources from KFL&A Public health to download or print
Coming soon!
Classroom resources
Resources | Grade level |
Mental Health Literacy Lesson Plans - SMHO and OPHEA
These lesson plans can be used to support basic mental health literacy and social-emotional learning for students.
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Secondary (Grade 9 to Grade 12)
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Everyday Mental Health Classroom Resource - (SMHO)
Explore a variety of evidence-informed mental health practices that are easily incorporated into classroom routines.
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Secondary (Grade 9 to Grade 12)
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Media Smarts
Free lesson plans to help educators meet digital media literacy curriculum requirements. These lesson plans will help students develop the skills needed to think critically about the media they consume, and to access, use and engage with digital media in an effective, responsible, and meaningful way. Lessons available in English and French.
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Secondary (Grade 9 to Grade 12)
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Additional resources
- School Mental Health Ontario - SMHO offers evidence-based mental health promotion and prevention programming designed to help students flourish and remain resilient as they journey through life.
- Teach Resiliency - PHE Canada - offers educators quality evidenced-based resources and tools to foster positive mental health and resiliency among students.
- Positive Mental Health Toolkit - Pan-Canadian Joint Consortium for School Health - Offers online modules to help schools promote positive mental health. The modules cover positive mental health, school connectedness, resiliency in school environments, school team relationships, and assessing comprehensive school health.
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Personal safety and injury prevention
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Children and youth are at an increased risk of injury. Injuries are the leading cause of death for Canadians between the ages of 1 to 44. About 95% of all injuries are predictable and preventable. Knowing how and why injuries occur can help educators to reduce the risk of preventable injuries.
Classroom resources
Resource | Grade level |
i-Drive 2: Road Stories (2013)
This updated i-Drive: Road Stories helps young drivers and passengers recognize factors that contribute to unsafe driving and develop strategies to avoid them. Topics discussed include driver distraction, crash trauma, speeding, drowsy driving, impairment by alcohol and/or drugs and seatbelt use. The MTO, in partnership with OSAID, Student Life Education Company and OCCID, produced this 24-minute road safety video for youth. Borrow this resource (resource number D100)
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Secondary (Grade 9 to Grade 12)
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Lending resources from KFL&A Public Health
i-Drive 2: Road Stories (2013)
This updated i-Drive: Road Stories helps young drivers and passengers recognize factors that contribute to unsafe driving and develop strategies to avoid them. Topics discussed include driver distraction, crash trauma, speeding, drowsy driving, impairment by alcohol and/or drugs and seatbelt use. The MTO, in partnership with OSAID, Student Life Education Company and OCCID, produced this 24-minute road safety video for youth. Secondary Schools in KFL&A received a copy of this resource in September 2014.
Additional resources
AInside the Teenage Brain - PBS Frontline (2002) - This documentary chronicles how scientists are exploring the recesses of the brain and finding some new explanations for why adolescents behave the way the do (60 min.).
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Physical activity
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Physical activity should be taught within the context of a healthy school, using the Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Elementary or Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum Secondary. Quality Health and Physical Education programs:
- Are most effective when they are delivered in healthy schools and when students’ learning is supported by school staff, families, and communities.
- Use physical activity as a key vehicle for student learning.
- Are physically and emotionally safe places to learn.
- Are student-centred and skill-based.
- Are balanced, integrated, and connected to real life.
Resources from KFL&A Public health to download or print
Coming soon!
Classroom resources
Resources | Grade level |
Canadian Active Living Fitness (Thompson) Circuit Cards (2005)
Set of 36 laminated circuit cards consisting of cardiovascular, strength, balance, and flexibility exercises with illustrated pictures. A teachers' manual, and two full-scale anatomy charts are included. Excellent for hallway and gym circuits to support DPA, and the H&PE curriculum. Borrow this resource (Resource number 14452)
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Secondary (Grade 9 to Grade 12)
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Circuit Training Equipment (2008)
Circuit training equipment includes items such as; mini cones and hurdles, dice, beanbags, wobble balls, and skipping ropes. Can be used independently, or in conjunction with the Canadian Active Living Fitness (Thompson) Circuit Cards. Borrow this resource (Resource number 1213)
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Secondary (Grade 9 to Grade 12)
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Fundamental Movement Skills: The Building Blocks for the Development of Physical Literacy. A Games Approach (2011)
This resource will enable educators to plan and deliver a quality learning experience that will allow students to refine and support the development of fundamental movement skills (locomotion, manipulation, and body management), and sports skills. It introduces the concept of Teaching Games for Understanding. Borrow this resource (Resource number 12234)
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Intermediate (Grade 7 to Grade 8) |
Omnikin Balls and Pump - includes 6 small Omnikin balls (2008)
Lightweight balls can be used for a variety of fun, cooperative, and active games. Instruction and activity manual is included. Borrow this resource (Resource number 14513)
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Secondary (Grade 9 to Grade 12) |
Yoga Kit (2011)
This kit, created to support DPA, as well as the HP&E curriculum, consists of 25 yoga mats, a set of illustrated, colourful yoga cards, and two DVDs designed for use in the classroom, and in physical education class. Borrow this resource
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Secondary (Grade 9 to Grade 12) |
Additional resources
- Canadian 24-Hour Movement Guidelines: An integration of physical activity, sedentary behaviour, and sleep for Youth 12 to 17 years.
- Kingston Gets Active: A community coalition that works together to help you find ways to get physically active every day.
- Ophea Teaching Tools: teacher resources to support the implementation of the Ontario Health and Physical Education Curriculum and a Healthy School Community.
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Sun safety
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Resources from KFL&A Public health to download or print
Coming soon!
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