8 • MUDULE NINE: SUBSTANCE USE
ACTIVITY THREE
The Circle of Hurt- Divide the children into two groups or three depending on the size. Tell them that we are going
to make up a story. - Children are given the pictures of a family (or persons on the street depending on the
children’s situation). On a flannelogram, ask them to use the pictures they want in their story.
Any of the situation cards may be used as well. Give them the pictures of drugs, liquor bottle
and syringe and ask them to stick them on to the picture of the person using them. By building
a story, children do not talk of painful personal experiences but are able to describe how one
person’s addiction can hurt many people.
Suggest that children can build their stories around the following:
What substance is being used? Where was it obtained? Who is using it? What happens to that
person and to others? How do they feel? - The groups share their stories and comments.
Review
Ask the children what they have learned from this activity.Review- Would the children buy the product with the “new” advertisement that tells the truth?
- Why is it important to be critical about the advertisements especially for alcohol?
- What risky behavior can advertisements lead to?
Linking Learning With Life
Ask the children to observe a favorite TV show or movie and analyze the advertisements that are
displayed for alcohol or tobacco or some of the risky behavior shown on the TV or a movie. What
were their feelings? Has their critical thinking changed?
If there are “unregistered health providers” in the community, ask the children to observe how they
advertise. How true are the messages they write?Experience from the field
Advertisements for cigarettes are banned and advertisements for liquor are disguised as soda water. INP+
Namakkal made a collage of advertisements that ‘suggested’ alcohol and a racy lifestyle. They then asked
children to comment. In this way, the activity was introduced. It also led to a lively discussion regarding
what is shown on TV serials and in print media. (INP+ Namakkal)