Learn how ARTHUR® can help you and your child at school
Background
"And now a word from us kids!" is familiar to anyone who has ever seen the popular animated series ARTHUR on PBS KIDS GO! In late Spring 2005, those words introduced a segment about healthy eating and diabetes management. The segment featured 11-year-old Corinne, who has type 1 diabetes.
In the live-action segment following the animated "Desert Island Dish," which is about healthy eating habits for children, Corinne tells viewers about glucose monitoring and shows how she uses an insulin pump to manage her type 1 diabetes. She and her friends also whip up some healthy after-school snacks before heading outdoors to shoot some hoops.
"Desert Island Dish" premiered nationwide on May 17, 2006 on PBS KIDS GO! and now repeats regularly throughout the year as part of the ARTHUR schedule. It's ok if you missed it. You can view Corinne's segment about diabetes on the ARTHUR Web site at PBS KIDS GO!
Using ARTHUR in your child's classroom
The American Diabetes Association is proud to have worked with WGBH and the Joslin Diabetes Center in Boston to develop these resources, and is happy to provide you with the ARTHUR "Dealing with Diabetes" lesson plan. We invite you to use this PBS ARTHUR episode and the accompanying lesson plan to introduce diabetes to your child’s elementary classroom.
Step One
Fill out this online form or call 800-DIABETES to receive your free copy of the ARTHUR lesson plan, "Dealing with Diabetes."
Step Two
Show your child's teacher the "Dealing with Diabetes" lesson plan. Talk about scheduling a date and time to present the ARTHUR lesson, which will help the class better understand diabetes. Be sure to ask if you can make copies of the classroom activity pages you wish to use at school (see pages 4-8).
Step Three
Work with the teacher to determine if you can incorporate the healthy snack activity (pages 6-7) during the class. If not, ask if you can prepare the snack and bring it to share.
Step Four
Talk to the school nurse and faculty at the school about the diabetes and healthy living lessons available through the School Walk for Diabetes program. To learn more about School Walk for Diabetes, call 1-888-DIABETES or visit diabetes.org/schoolwalk.
Step Five
Obtain a copy of the ARTHUR episode, "Desert Island Dish," by recording it off the air (see schedule) or downloading it from iTunes or video.google.com for a small fee. "Desert Island Dish" is episode #1003.
Step Six
Conduct the presentation. Let the local ADA office know when you present to a school and how many students attended your lesson.
View a sample presentation.
Related Links
School Walk for Diabetes
School Walk for Diabetes (SWFD) is a K-12 educational fund-raising program that teaches students the benefits of healthy living, community service and school spirit while raising money for the American Diabetes Association.
For School
Diabetes care in the school is so important. As a person who deals with children in a school setting, it is important for you to know how to care for a child with diabetes. This section will give you information you need in order to understand diabetes and provide a safe environment for all of your students.
School support
Diabetes care in the school is so important. As a parent, you can help those who care for your child to learn more about caring for a person with diabetes. This section will give you information you need in order to understand diabetes and provide a safe environment for all of your students. If you are having issues with your school, the ADA is here to help. Learn what we recommend for dealing with school issues and call 800-DIABETES to be connected to a Safe at School advocate.
Diabetes camp
ADA is the largest provider of camps for kids with diabetes in the world. Find out about a camp near you.
Family Resource Network
No one should have to fight diabetes alone -- especially you and your child. Your local Family Resource Network offers programs and parent mentor volunteers for your family.
Wizdom Kit
Order this free kit of wit and wisdom online, or by calling 1-800-DIABETES. The kit contains valuable information about living with diabetes.
Parent E-Newsletter
Published twice each month, the parent e-newsletter provides the latest information for parents of kids with diabetes.
Homefront
Learn what parents and kids are doing in communities across the country to get involved with the American Diabetes Association to improve their communities and find a cure for diabetes. Call 888-DIABETES and ask your local office to be added to the distribution list of Homefront.
Youth Zone
Link your kids to a place just for them! At the Youth Zone, your child will find all kinds of great stuff to help manage diabetes, including interactive games and tips for every day living.
Message Boards
This forum is designed for parents like you to share your challenges and success stories with other parents of children with diabetes.
Teens
All teens face challenges and have to make decisions about dating, driving, and alcohol, among other things. Teens with diabetes face the same choices as their friends. Help them make the right choices.
Teens Message Board
Teenagers and young adults with diabetes have unique issues. This is a place to discuss them and to share solutions. Sometimes it's just a place to vent.
Image Credit: All ARTHUR characters and underlying materials (including artwork) copyright by Marc Brown. Arthur, D.W., and the other ARTHUR characters are trademarks of Marc Brown. Used with permission.
