Grade 2 · Health Education
Quarter 4 · Week 5 · TEKS
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This Grade 2 health education lesson teaches students to recognize signs of poisoning or overdose and understand how to respond safely, including who to contact for emergency help. The lesson aligns with TEKS.HEALTH.2.15 and uses age-appropriate examples, role play, and discussion to build students' confidence in seeking help for themselves or others in emergency situations.
Students should understand basic personal safety and know how to communicate clearly with adults.
Poisoning happens when a person swallows, breathes in, or touches something harmful that can make them very sick. An overdose happens when someone takes too much of a medicine or drug, which can be dangerous. Signs of poisoning or overdose can include feeling very sick, vomiting, trouble breathing, confusion, or losing consciousness. It is important for students to recognize these signs so they can get help quickly.
Common signs that someone might be poisoned or overdosed include: stomach pain, vomiting, difficulty breathing, dizziness, confusion, or unconsciousness. These signs can look different depending on the situation, but any sudden illness or unusual behavior should be taken seriously. Students should be taught to notice these signs and understand they mean the person needs help immediately.
If a student suspects poisoning or overdose, they should not try to treat the person themselves. Instead, they should tell a trusted adult right away or call emergency services (911). They should stay with the person if it is safe to do so and try to keep them calm and comfortable until help arrives. Students should also learn not to give the person anything to eat or drink unless told by a professional.
In an emergency involving poisoning or overdose, the first step is to call 911 or the local emergency number. If a phone is not available, students should find a trusted adult such as a parent, teacher, or school nurse to get help immediately. Knowing who to contact and how to communicate clearly is essential for getting fast help.
Trusted adults are people students know and feel safe with, like parents, teachers, or school staff. These adults can help make decisions and call emergency services. Emergency responders are trained to help in poisoning or overdose situations. Teaching students to identify and reach out to these helpers builds their confidence and safety skills.
If your friend suddenly feels dizzy, starts vomiting, and cannot stay awake, what should you do?
These signs could mean your friend is poisoned or overdosed. You should immediately tell a trusted adult or call 911. Do not give your friend anything to eat or drink. Stay with your friend until help arrives.
Tell a trusted adult or call 911 right away, do not give anything to eat or drink, and stay with the friend.
Begin by asking students if they have ever heard of someone getting sick from something they ate or drank or from medicine. Show pictures of people feeling sick or dizzy and ask what might be happening.
Students share any experiences or stories they know about someone getting sick unexpectedly. They observe pictures and describe what they see.
This activity activates prior knowledge and introduces the concept of poisoning and overdose in a relatable way.
Present simple role-play scenarios where a person shows signs of poisoning or overdose (e.g., feeling dizzy, vomiting). Guide students to identify the signs and discuss what to do.
In small groups, students act out the scenarios and practice telling a trusted adult or calling 911 using a toy phone.
Role play helps students practice recognizing symptoms and responding appropriately in a safe setting.
Explain clearly what poisoning and overdose mean, list common signs, and describe the steps to take: stay calm, tell a trusted adult, call 911, and do not give anything to the person unless told.
Students listen and take notes or draw pictures of the steps and signs discussed.
Direct instruction clarifies concepts and procedures, reinforcing the correct response to emergencies.
Lead a class discussion on why it is important to get help quickly and how calling 911 or telling a trusted adult can save lives. Discuss why students should not try to treat poisoning or overdose themselves.
Students share reasons why getting help is important and role-play calling 911 or telling an adult in different situations.
This phase deepens understanding of the importance of emergency response and reinforces safe behaviors.
Ask students to explain or demonstrate what they would do if they saw someone showing signs of poisoning or overdose. Use a short quiz or exit ticket with scenarios to assess understanding.
Students respond verbally, in writing, or through role play to show their knowledge of signs and responses.
Assessment confirms students can recognize emergencies and know how to respond safely and effectively.
In small groups, students act out the scenarios and practice telling a trusted adult or calling 911 using a toy phone.
What does poisoning mean?
Poisoning means getting sick because you swallowed, breathed in, or touched something harmful.
Name two signs of poisoning or overdose.
Vomiting and feeling dizzy or confused are signs of poisoning or overdose.
What should you do if you see someone who might be poisoned?
Tell a trusted adult or call 911 right away.
Why should you not give food or drink to someone who is poisoned?
Because it might make them more sick or cause choking; only a doctor should decide.
How can you help a friend showing signs of overdose until help arrives?
Stay with them, keep them calm, tell a trusted adult or call 911, and do not give anything to eat or drink.
Use pictures and simple language to explain signs and steps. Provide sentence starters for role play and responses. Pair students for peer support during activities.
Use visuals and gestures to support vocabulary understanding. Repeat key phrases and check comprehension frequently. Provide bilingual resources if available.
Have students create their own emergency response posters. Encourage students to explain why quick response saves lives. Challenge students to role play calling 911 with detailed information.
Send a letter home asking families to discuss emergency phone numbers and trusted adults with their children and practice what to do in an emergency.
Students learned to recognize signs of poisoning and overdose, understand the importance of seeking emergency help quickly, and know who to contact and how to respond safely. They practiced these skills through discussion, role play, and reflection to build confidence in handling emergencies involving poisoning or overdose.
Use the exact standards alignment and retrieved-source provenance stored with this enrichment.