1
15-20 min
Who Are the Helpers?
Discover the community helpers who keep us healthy and learn about a special "hidden helper" inside our bodies.
Start LessonEarly Elementary
The Helpers Inside Us
A gentle introduction to community helpers, how our bodies stay healthy, and why helping others matters. Designed for kindergarten through 2nd grade students.
Unit Overview
The Helpers Inside Us is a four-lesson unit that introduces young learners to the concept of community helpers and extends that understanding to include our own bodies as "helpers."
This curriculum focuses on civic responsibility and the joy of helping others, rather than medical mechanics. Students will learn that:
- There are many helpers in our community who keep us safe and healthy
- Our bodies have their own "helpers" inside them (like blood)
- Sometimes people get sick and need help from others
- Even kids can be helpers by spreading kindness and awareness
Lessons
2
15-20 min
The Super Highway Inside You
Explore how blood travels through your body like delivery trucks on a highway, and learn about the amazing factory inside your bones.
Start Lesson3
15-20 min
Sharing the Gift of Health
Understand how some people need help from others to stay healthy, and how doctors can help share the gift of good health.
Start Lesson4
15-20 min
The Pint-Sized Recruiter
Learn how kids can help spread the word about helping others, even if they cannot donate themselves.
Start LessonFor Teachers
Teacher Background
This unit connects to your existing curriculum on community helpers and health. Blood is described as a "factory inside our bones" that makes blood, keeping the explanation simple and non-scary.
Sensitive Framing Guidance
- Focus on helpers and sharing, not medical procedures
- Donation is described as "sharing healthy cells" to help someone whose "factory is broken"
- Avoid needle or surgery details entirely
- Emphasize that kids help by spreading awareness, not by donating
- Be aware of students who may have family members with health conditions
For Families
Dear Families,
Our class is learning about community helpers and how people help each other stay healthy. This gentle curriculum aligns with the Washington State guidance on blood and bone marrow donation awareness instruction (RCW 28A.210.430).
Students will learn that blood helps our bodies work, some people need help from doctors to stay healthy, and that even kids can be "helpers" by being kind and spreading awareness.
Important: This curriculum does not encourage children to donate anything. It teaches awareness and empathy. Donation decisions are made by adults when they are eligible.
If you have questions or would like to discuss the curriculum, please contact your child's teacher.
Unit Vocabulary
A curated selection of terms used across the unit. Each lesson introduces a few additional words in context — see the individual lesson pages for the full term list.
- Blood
- The red liquid that flows through your body and keeps you healthy.
- Healthy
- When your body is working well and you feel good.
- Doctor
- A special helper who takes care of sick people and helps them get better.
- Helper
- Someone who does good things for other people.
- Share
- To give part of something to someone else.
Printable Resources
Where to learn more
These independent organizations publish age-appropriate educational materials about blood and bone marrow. The Jada Bascom Foundation cites their work as primary sources for our curriculum; these references do not represent a formal partnership.
- American Red Cross — Future Blood Donor Program: Educational resources about the importance of blood donation for future adult donors.
- Bloodworks Northwest — Vein to Vein: Pacific Northwest-focused resources explaining how blood helps people in our community.
- NMDP (formerly Be The Match) — Stories of Hope: Simplified stories about people who have been helped by generous donors.
Educational Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Blood and bone marrow donation eligibility is determined by medical professionals for adults only.
The Jada Bascom Foundation does not encourage minors to register as donors. This curriculum supports awareness and informed decision-making for future adults.