INTRODUCTION


 In many areas of teaching material beyond the experience and understanding
of the child has been repeated over and over in the texts through the primary
and elementary grades. It tends to make the child feel that "he has had that"
and to dislike the subject, thus he may not be willing to study the material
when it does come within his interest range. This is true concerning the mate-
rial about alcohol, narcotics and stimulants.

 In the early years the teacher's effort in the area of health is to help
the child learn desirable eating habits that are necessary for the best growth,
acquire the ability to become an accepted member of his group through good work
and play habits, and develop the ability to make worthy decisions for himself.

 In teaching about the things that promote and hinder growth some discus-
sion will naturally follow concerning tobacco, alcohol, kola drinks, tea and
coffee. We do not go into detail with the elementary child as to how milk makes
him grow. Why should we tell him at great length how alcohol and narcotics hin-
der his growth? If we do not force this material upon him before he is ready
for it we may be able to lead him to investigate the facts for himself later.
This will then become a real learning experience.

 In this as in all areas the teacher's knowledge must far exceed that which
the child can comprehend. She needs a fund of knowledge that will make her
feel secure in directing the thinking of the child toward the answering of his
own questions which arise out of personal experience and community and national
current events.

 Our purpose here is to help the teacher secure the best information in this
field for her own growth and to evaluate the material in the texts in light of
recent scientific findings.

 In the analysis of Florida's state adopted textbooks that follows, Dr. Roe's
(1) book has been consulted often. An outline of the material on alcohol and
narcotics from each state adopted textbook is given and certain suggestions are
made as to the appropriateness of the material for the grade level and tho
scientific accuracy of the subject matter. The health, science and social stud-
ies books that went out of adoption in 1948 and a few other supplementary books
are included.

Primary and Elementary Grades

 In the American Health Series for the primary and elementary grades
 the state adopted books are of the 1942 edition. The books were revised
 in 1948. The additions or deletions made in the newer revision have been
 indicated.

 All references in these books to alcohol and tobacco are outlined in
 this bulletin. The first mention of these topics is found in the third
 grade book. Comments are made to assist the teacher in using this material.


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