Teacher's Guide: How to Create Awareness about the Avian influenza Epidemic in Your Classroom and Community

The objective of this teacher's guide is to lead young children in understanding the issue of avian influenza (bird flu), relating it to their own lives in a meaningful way, and taking action to prevent the spread of avian flu in their communities. It is designed in learning stages "to help children think critically, make decisions to solve their problems, communicate with teachers, parents and their friends and negotiate for their own well-being."

Some of the things that are needed to accompany this guide include drawing materials and the book "Zandi's Song" by Nuzhat Shahzadi. The five sequenced activities within this guide involve students reading the story, followed by asking and answering questions, such as: "What can you do to stop the spread of bird flu in your village or town?" Activities also encourage children to find out about village resources like youth health clubs, community health workers, and village leaders. There are options such as interviewing, establishing a class newspaper, going to public meetings, telling Zandi's story to others, and bringing in news from various sources.

The resource has a six-step approach to looking at a health issue, learning about it, taking action, and assessing results. It also has two action charts on bird flu which may be replicated for posting as a reminder at the end of the sequence.