Main Message: "I need iodine so my mind and body can grow as it should."

Objective: By participating in this activity, children will learn the importance of iodized salt.

Today we are beginning a new unit. The next couple of weeks we will be talking about iodine. Begin a brief discussion with the children by asking them the following questions:

·         Has anyone heard of iodine?

·         What have you learned?

Iodine is something you need to eat in order for your minds and bodies to grow how they are suppose to grow. Iodine is not longer found in most foods. Therefore, we need to get iodine from other sources. The best source to get iodine is through iodized salt. Today you will learn to understand the importance of iodized salt.

1.      To begin today's lesson, discuss the knowledge component with the children. After you have completed the discussion, ask the children if they have any questions before continuing. Take a few moments to write the main message on the chalk board. Ask a child to read it out loud and have all the children write it down in their notebooks. Tell the class that this is the most important piece of information to remember from today's lesson.

2.      Tell the children you will be reading them a story about two families. Before you read the story to the children, ask the children to name these two families. (Refer to the teacher's guide for hints on reading stories effectively.)

The families of Mr. Mzeru and Mr. Zilibehanthu live in a location called Masamba in Nyama Town. All their children go to school at Dzira school. Mr. Mzeru's children are clever in class and their parents encourage them in their school work. Mr. Zilibekanthu's children are not so clever and their parents do not live to get involved in their school work.

Their children are taught about the benefits of using iodized salt at school and they tell their parents at home. They say that iodine helps in their mental development and prevent goiter. They also say that this iodine is found in salt that is labeled "Iodized Salt" and is found either at the market or in grocery shops. They explain that when buying salt, they must make sure that the package is labeled "Iodized Salt".

Begin a discussion with the children by asking them the following questions:

·         What is the difference between the two families?

·         What did one of the families do differently that helped their child grow properly? Does that make you understand the importance of iodized salt?

·         Have you ever seen iodized salt? Where did you see it?

·         Do you know if your family uses iodized salt?

Finish the lesson by asking a child to re-state the main message.