Module Three - The Right Medicine

Using Realia - Real Objects - to Increase Understanding

Realia (pronounced Riy - AL - ya) is a term for real, concrete objects that should be used in ESOL classrooms to help students' build background knowledge and vocabulary. Use of realia in lessons can activate students' learning modalities as they see, touch and feel objects while learning English.

Using realia in the classroom is not possible for every competency or topic. But teaching students about prescription and OTC medication by bringing in real empty medicine bottles will provide students with the visual and tactile reinforcement to make the instruction more meaningful. Therefore, realia can be an important tool to help effectively discuss, read and explain medicine instructions to English language learners.

Source:

Herrell, A. and Jordan, M. Fifty Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners. Upper Saddle River, N. J.: Pearson Education, 2004

Reading and Explaining Medicine Labels Using Realia

Learners or the instructor will need to bring to the classroom both empty containers of prescriptions (or teacher can make up prescription labels) and non-prescription medicine labels, packaging and/or magazine advertising of over-the-counter medicines, tablets, caplets, capsules, creams, liquid medicines, teaspoon, tablespoon, liquid medicine dispenser, measured dropper, and a daily calendar.

Using index cards, write vocabulary words of the different ailments - headache, stomachache, painful elbow, nausea, etc. Several sets will be needed. Pass out at least one card per student.

Using a Graphic Organizer with Realia

Graphic Organizers, concept mappings, mind mappings are a pictorial way of organizing information for writing, understanding and/or remembering. It involves writing down a main idea in the middle, then thinking of related ideas that are put in sub-centers that radiate out from the middle. By concentrating on the main idea and then looking for connections, it helps you remember and increases understanding. Graphic organizers are used as a learning and thinking tool. Using color helps to separate topics and to make ideas stand out in the mind.

How to Create a Graphic Organizer

Begin with a main idea. Use lines, colors or arrows to show connections between the main idea and the sub-ideas. These relationships help to form a visual to assist with recalling the information.

Learners may find it useful to turn their page on the side and do a mind map in "landscape" style. With the main idea or topic in the middle of the page this gives the maximum space for other ideas to radiate out from the center. Graphic organizers can continually have new and/or updated information added.

Using the same design graphic organizers on separate sheets of paper, attach a different brand name of an over-the-counter medicine label in the middle of each. Using large print, write the name of the medicine under the label. List the uses for the medicine (pain reliever, fever reducer, etc.) the active ingredients, the directions, warnings and expiration date. Add any additional specific information necessary.

Post the completed graphic organizers around the room. Using the "ailment" vocabulary words on the index cards, learners will match the index cards to the OTC medicine, writing the ailment in the appropriate space. Collect the index cards. Review the information with the class. Pass out the index cards again. Learners will then match the ailment to the OTC drug and explain the directions. If necessary, learner will explain the use of any utensil needed to take the drug,(medicine dropper, teaspoon, etc.). Learner will then chart the day and time on a daily calendar when the medicine should be taken.

Repeat the procedure with graphic organizer for prescription medicines. Emphasize that only the person whose name is on the prescription label should take the medication. Review and discuss any abbreviations or warnings on the prescription label.

For a sample of a graphic organizer, click on the link below, print and save in your folder or adapt it for your own use.

Organizer (pdf) Organizer (word)

In small groups, learners will answer questions using different filled out graphic organizers for the information regarding prescription medications.

1. Who is the medicine for?
2. Who is the doctor that wrote the prescription?
3. What is the medicine for?
4. Where should this medicine be stored?
5. What is the quantity of the medication?
6. Are there any refills?
7. Are there any warnings?
8. What are the instructions for taking the medicine?

Using a daily calendar or some kind of written schedule, chart the day(s) and time(s) the medication is needed to be taken. Example: Take 2 tablets every 4X's a day for 5 days.

For additional practice, Pictures for Adult ESL Health Literacy, Picture Story Six "The Right Dose" from the Center for Applied Linguistics (CAL) website can be used. Click on the link below for a printable picture story entitled "The Right Dose".

http://www.cal.org/caela/health/

The curriculum presented is practical, needs-based, and learner-centered. The content is simple; it presents basic, important vocabulary on medications and avoiding mistakes.

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This web-based training program was developed by Florida Technet, through an Adult Education State Leadership Grant from the Florida Department of Education, Division of Community Colleges and Workforce Education.

Disclaimer: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this web-based training component, it is not an official publication of the Florida Department of Education.