Basic First Aid — Cuts, Burns, and Choking

Elementary children are ready to care for injuries. The body is the control — improper care makes things worse. Indirect aim: biology, civic responsibility, calm competence in crisis.

• Framework: Montessori
• Unit: Practical Life
• Learning area: Practical Life — Elementary
• Level: Ages 8-10

Objectives

• Clean and bandage a minor cut
• Cool a minor burn properly
• Recognize choking and perform age-appropriate response
• Know when to call an adult or emergency services

Materials

• First aid kit (stocked and inventoried)
• Poster: emergency contact numbers
• Printed step-by-step cards for common situations
• Practice dummies or role-play partners

Instructions

1. Review the first aid kit; know what each item is for. 2. For a cut: stop bleeding, wash gently, apply bandage. 3. For a burn: cool under running water for 10 minutes; cover loosely. 4. For choking: back blows or Heimlich depending on age/size. 5. Always: call the adult in charge. 6. For severe: call emergency services (learn the number). 7. Role-play each scenario monthly. 8. Restock the kit when used.

Educator tip

Bring in a nurse or EMT to teach. Real training from a professional is more memorable than any poster.

Assessment

Observe calm response, correct technique, and appropriate escalation to adults.

More from Practical Life

• Hosting a Class Debate
• Classroom Garden — Plot to Harvest
• Running a Classroom Business
• Planning a Multi-Day Class Trip
• Cooking a Traditional Dish from a Studied Culture
• Sewing a Simple Garment from a Pattern
• Maintaining the Classroom Calendar
• Hosting a Parent Evening