First Aid for Fifth Graders: Links in a Letter

A Letter to Principal Ruiz

1Dear Principal Ruiz,
My name is Amara, and I am in Ms. Patel's fifth-grade class. Last month, a second grader tripped on the blacktop and scraped her knee. The students around her froze because nobody knew what to do. I believe every fifth grader at Brookside Elementary should take a short first aid class. Specifically, I think our school nurse, Mr. Hadley, could teach us four lessons this spring.

2First, a first aid class would help us stay calm when someone gets hurt. Right now, many students panic at the sight of a cut or a bump. Consequently, they shout, crowd around the injured person, or run off without telling an adult. In the class, we would practice what to say and do, one step at a time. Because we would know the steps, we could think clearly instead of panicking. A calm helper can also comfort a scared younger student until an adult arrives.

3Second, we would learn simple skills that really help. For instance, Mr. Hadley could show us how to rinse a scrape with clean water and cover it with a bandage. He could also teach us to press a clean cloth on a cut to slow the bleeding. In addition, we would learn which problems are too big for us to handle, which means we would know when to get an adult or call 911 right away. These skills would be useful at school, at home, and at the park.

4Some people might say that fifth graders are too young to learn first aid. However, many of us already help younger students every day as line leaders and safety patrol members. As a result, we are used to looking out for others. The lessons would not take time away from math or reading, since our class already studies the human body during health time.

5For these reasons, I hope you will add a first aid class for fifth graders this spring. Then, the next time someone gets hurt on the blacktop, the students nearby will know how to help. Thank you for reading my letter.
Sincerely,
Amara