Photo by House of Sims (flickr.com)

Reach out to other professionals with this idea by Pat, a 6th-8th Grade Health Teacher, in Rio Rancho, NM.

As a health teacher, I’m always on the lookout for ways to expand my students’ vocabulary related to health studies.

This year, I hit on the idea of contacting local doctors, podiatrists, chiropractors, nutritionists, ophthalmologists, and acupuncturists to learn if they would be willing to meet with my class and explain the importance of their work. Much to my surprise, no one had ever approached them with that request before. The medical professionals all agreed to either have me bring my class to the office or to come visit us in school. Before each meeting, I had students research and prepare detailed questions they could pose to each professional. In addition, each of our medical pros supplied students with goodie bags that included vocabulary-rich brochures and information. I then used these handouts for follow-up activities and discussions in class. It was a healthy win-win for all.

Shop Really Good Stuff for all of your literacy needs!

The article above was featured in the October edition of Really Good Stuff’s Classroom Connections Newsletter. Check out the other articles from that edition:

Turn Literacy into a Hands-On Event
Wipe-Off Mats Boost Reading Comprehension
Field Trips Promote Health-y Vocabulary Skills
A Teacher by Any Other Name is Still as Smart
Help Parents “Flip” for Reading
Take the Sting Out of Test Taking
How Cans and Chips Help Promote Desired Behaviors
Laundry Baskets Help Emerging Readers Succeed
A Handy Way for Kids to Signal They’re Through
Pumpkin Personalities Help Readers Depict Feelings Found in Literature
Pumpkins Provide Seeds for Learning
Rock Your Classroom All the Way to 100!
October’s Q & A: Listening Strategies
September’s Q & A: Ideas to Teach Reading