Health Check presents easy-to-read information on a number of health topics of specific concern to people in the NWT:

• Healthy eating
• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Active living
• Relationships
• STDs and AIDS.

Learners don’t learn only facts about these topics. They explore the issues actively by reading about them and reflecting on their own ideas. Then they exchange their ideas with other people who may have different experiences from theirs. By participating actively in this way, they might be better able to see how they can take more control of their own lives—and their own health. All the activities involve literacy—speaking, listening, reading, writing—so as learners learn about health issues, they are also improving their literacy skills.

Each unit includes:

• An introduction for the instructor
• Learning objectives
• A list of resources
• A reflection for learners at the beginning of the unit
• A vocabulary list
• Two stories followed by comprehension questions
• Reflection/discussion on the issues in the stories
• A variety of learning activities related to the topic
• A selection of basic fact sheets about the topic.

Health Check is in clear language and is easy to understand and use. It suggests ways in which learners can go out into the community and explore parts of each unit in its context.

Web Link

Health Check is online at www.nwt.literacy.ca