Lyme Disease

Suggested Activities

• Have a Lyme disease poster contest that promotes awareness of Lyme disease, tick prevention, and tick removal.
• Glue sesame and poppy seeds to a stuffed animal (such as a dog).  Get the children to search for “ticks” on the toy and remove them.  Teach them about checking for ticks on their pets and themselves, and about tick removal.
• Tell the children they are going on an imaginary camping trip.  Ask them what they will pack to keep ticks away and why.
• Read a story about a child with Lyme disease.  Discuss the story and ask what would have happened if the child and their family had known more about Lyme disease.
• Encourage children to talk to their parents about Lyme disease.  Tell them to find out how much their parents know about tick prevention and the symptoms of Lyme, and whether they know anyone who ever had Lyme disease.  Ask them to share their conversations with the class.
• Using materials such as blocks, felt, or paper, have children create a model of a “tick-free yard.”  Talk to them about having wild animals in your yard and the safest types of play areas.
• Have the children write a story or a play involving Lyme disease or tick bite prevention.

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