As a School Nurse and Health Educator for over 30 years in a school for students on the autistic spectrum, I learned early on the necessity for the implementation of this topic in curriculum.
New York State implemented Mental Health Curriculum (NAMI) this many years ago, and, when I became aware of this, I designed and implemented several levels of mental health lesson plans I taught for years. Starting with such simple concepts as Germs Causing Some Illnesses to Asthma vs Depression: Whats The Difference.... youngsters delighted and showed an amazing interest in these topics. The subject of Medications for All Different Illnesses ...also very important in helping students see the what and why of a major part of their lives.
It was a time-consuming and difficult endeavor authoring such curriculum, however so rewarding seeing students learn abou themselves. I am semi-retired now and so very glad to see such changes.
Pamela Barnes, RN, CSN-NJ
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New York State implemented Mental Health Curriculum (NAMI) this many years ago, and, when I became aware of this, I designed and implemented several levels of mental health lesson plans I taught for years. Starting with such simple concepts as Germs Causing Some Illnesses to Asthma vs Depression: Whats The Difference.... youngsters delighted and showed an amazing interest in these topics. The subject of Medications for All Different Illnesses ...also very important in helping students see the what and why of a major part of their lives.
It was a time-consuming and difficult endeavor authoring such curriculum, however so rewarding seeing students learn abou themselves. I am semi-retired now and so very glad to see such changes.
Pamela Barnes, RN, CSN-NJ