Posted by MomRN on March 7, 2011 · 3 Comments
As parents, we know it is important for kids to learn abou
t health, wellness, and how their bodies work so they can lead healthy lives as kids and as adults. Schools usually include some health education into their curriculum but parents still have a responsibility to provide further instruction. The challenge lies in how to do that in a fun, engaging way so kids actively learn the information and can then actually apply what they learn. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), which is an agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has created an online educational website devoted to helping parents and educators teach health education in just such a way.
The CDC’s website for kids ages 9-13 years old is named BAM! Body and Mind and according to the website’s description:
“gives them the information they need to make healthy lifestyle choices. The site focuses on topics that kids told us are important to them — such as stress and physical fitness — using kid-friendly lingo, games, quizzes, and other interactive features.
BAM! Body and Mind also serves as an aid to teachers, providing them with interactive, educational, and fun activities that are linked to the national education standards for science and health.“
Using BAM!, kids can learn about various diseases, food and nutrition, physical activity and fitness, safety, how bodies work, and how to handle emotions and stress. One of the coolest features is the KABAM! Comic Creator which allows the user to make choices for the characters in the comic and solve problems the characters are facing, such as peer pressure and bullying. This interactive tool puts the user in control and helps kids learn how to make smart and safe decisions and learn problem-solving skills.
BAM! also allows kids a place to tell the CDC what they want to learn about on the site and their suggestions for improving the site. Kudos to the Centers for Disease Control for designing this excellent online learning tool for kids, parents, and teachers.
This website provides us with all of the best resources for children on the internet. I mean it, I know whatever I read on here I can trust. You rock.
Thanks…we definitely try. But as far as that “you rock” – please, let me just say – back at ya lady! Your site is the most perfect example of living life on your own terms… You tell it like it is – no fuss and no censoring. And truthfully, I’m now sure what I’d do without my daily dose of “momspective”… 🙂