Millis Center Elementary Programs

Elementary school students take great interest and great pleasure in their rapidly growing bodies. Millis Center offers a variety of programs to help teachers satisfy student curiosities in an entertaining way.

The Inside Story (1st grade)
With the help of Organ Annie and an organ apron, this program takes an "inside look" at our amazing body. Hands-on activities engage the children and stress the importance of taking care of our bodies. The nervous, muscular, digestive and circulatory systems are introduced through edu-taining exhibits. The goal is to instill at a young age healthy habits that will last a lifetime.

Tuffy Tooth Story (1st-2nd grade)
Sheriff Tuffy Tooth stresses the importance of brushing and flossing to keep teeth clean, healthy and cavity free. Students practice proper brushing and flossing skills with Mr. Big Mouth and watch a video with Dudley and Dee Dee that teaches students how to maintain a glowing smile. Finally, students learn about good snacks vs. bad snacks by playing a game called "thumbs up, thumbs down."

Join the Clean Club (1st-2nd grade)
This program teaches students that germs are everywhere, and that some of them are good and some bad. A video helps reinforce when and why we need to wash our hands. Everyone practices washing their hands. With the help of our "magic solution" and "magic light" students actually see germs on their hands! Students leave prepared to practice good hygiene for life.

Pyramid Power (1st-2nd grade)
This program introduces the basics of good nutrition. The giant food guide pyramid, computerized exercycle program, and fat and sugar tubes are all used to expand learning experience. Hands-on, interactive teaching methods are used to reinforce good food vs. bad food. Positive health behaviors are emphasized, including balanced diet, proper rest and exercise.

Possibly Poison (1st-2nd grade)
This is an introductory program that focuses on poisons in the house, the safe use of medicines and why tobacco and other drugs are harmful to growing bodies. This program helps students determine the difference between safe and unsafe behaviors, and makes it clear that good health depends on making the right choices. The message is one of a lifetime of health and happiness, and the importance of poison protection and avoidance of drugs.

Safety Kids (1st-3rd grade)
This program focuses on personal safety in a variety of areas. Safety topics include: safety hazards around the house, rules for bike riding, the importance of seat belts, stranger danger and calling for help. The use of role-playing, videos and exhibits reinforces safety rules and guidelines. First aid is introduced based on grade level.

Sense Abilities (1st-3rd grade)
This program shows how the senses work to protect us, as well as how they enable us to learn about our immediate environment. Students are introduced to their sense organs (eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and skin). Many hands-on activities help students discover how our senses play a part in our everyday learning.

Think First for Kids (1st-3rd grade)
"Think First" is a head and spinal cord injury prevention program. A gigantic model and a life-like model of the human brain help students understand this type of injury. The program includes in-depth information on bike safety, water safety, vehicle safety, safety around weapons and/or sports safety. This dramatic presentation encourages students to "think first" before engaging in potentially dangerous situations.

Food, Fitness & Fun (3rd-5th grade)
In this program, students learn valuable information on nutrition, the heart and fitness. Students build a food guide pyramid with oversized food models. Also included is an explanation of the six major food nutrients and their functions. Lighted models such as the heart and small intestines, bicycle pumps, 5 lb. muscle and fat replicas, fat and sugar tubes, and the computerized exercycle program are featured.

All About Me (2nd-5th grade)
This program explores the wonders of the amazing human body. Special concentration is placed on the respiratory, digestive, nervous, muscular, skeletal and circulatory systems. Three-dimensional models, graphics and actual human organs are used to present the complexity of the body's systems. Preventive aspects of healthy eating, exercise, safety and not smoking are also included in learning "all about me."

Be in the "NO" (3rd-5th grade)
In this program, students learn what drugs are, the effects of drug use on the body, and why people use drugs. Discussions of peer pressure and refusal skills are an integral part of the program. Students are shown how advertising can affect the decisions they make regarding the use of drugs. Laser disks are utilized to offer reinforcement of the program message of being in the "NO."

Smart 'n Safe (4th-5th grade)
Students learn about all aspects of safety and first aid in this Smart 'n Safe program. First-aid topics appropriate for different levels that are covered include cleaning wounds, animal bites, and nosebleeds. An in-depth discussion of the brain and spinal cord communicates the importance of these vital organs, as well as how important it is to use safety precautions in daily life. Sports safety and vehicle safety are also discussed.

Jane Program (5th grade, girls only)
The primary goal of this program is to prepare pre-adolescent girls for the onset of puberty and the unique experience of growing up. A large portion of the class deals with feminine hygiene issues, with emphasis on menstruation. Both male and female reproductive anatomy is discussed. There is a brief discussion of teen diet habits and types of eating disorders that endanger the health of teenage girls.

John Program (5th grade, boys only)
This program seeks to prepare pre-adolescent boys for the onset of puberty and the unique experience of growing up. There is discussion of hygiene, proper diet and respect for others. Both male and female reproductive anatomy is discussed.