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CPR Lesson Plans for Children

When you think of performing CPR, you generally think of an adult performing the procedure on another adult or a child. However, children can also learn how to perform CPR. Younger children may not be able to perform it effectively, but learning at a young age solidifies the knowledge and will become more useful as the child grows. Creating an effective lesson plan will ensure the children learn what they need to know.

  1. Goals and Objectives

    • The obvious goal is to teach children how to perform CPR correctly. Children must also be able to determine if a person requires the help of CPR or not. At the end of the class, the students should be able to answer questions about the basics of CPR as well as demonstrate the process properly. The students may also be able to teach their family members.

    Course Outline

    • Set a schedule for the course. Begin with a discussion about situations where a student may need to perform the procedure and why it is important to know CPR. Explain the necessary terms that the children will need to know to understand the instructions for the procedure. Next, you will need to demonstrate the process for the students. Go slowly and use words that are age-appropriate. Allow time between each step for the students to absorb the information and ask questions. After the procedure has been described, set aside time for the students to practice it themselves. Allow time for breaks, as children learn better when lessons are broken up and they are allowed to unwind.

    Activities

    • A lesson plan should detail the activities that will be used throughout the class to teach CPR to the students. CPR dummies are typically used to demonstrate the procedure as well as allow students to practice what they have learned. This activity will be the main one for your lesson. However, you will also need to teach the children to check for a pulse and to understand how and why heart rate changes. Show the children how and where to find their own pulse. They can then practice counting their own heart rate and that of another student. Lead the children through exercise activities and have them check their heart rate again, noting the changes.

    Assessment

    • Once the class has been completed, the teacher will need to be able to determine if the children have learned CPR properly. Go over the objectives again, asking yourself if each student has accomplished the goals and objectives set. Give the children a written or oral quiz on the material that has been covered during the course of the class. Each child should also have the chance to demonstrate CPR and taking someone's pulse to the teacher to exhibit understanding of the material.

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