The air that we breathe is vital to us all, as breathing is not a choice, it's an essential part of our daytoday lives.
You may not be able to see, taste or feel it, but pollution in the air can affect us all.
In a joint project between a local charity Dog, Duck and Cat Trust, Sandwell Public Health, and the West Midlands Combined Authority, a story and series of resources have been created for you to use.
There is no charge, we would just really like to know what you think of them!
Auntie Duck's aim is to raise awareness of air pollution, and to highlight simple and positive things we can all do to help reduce that pollution and make our air that bit clearer.
For yourselves as schools and professionals, there are lessons and resources that can be used with children in Years 2, 3 and 4.
Lesson plans and interactive resources have been created that cover:
The Auntie Duck programme also supports and strengthens work that many schools are already doing through Modeshift STARS and the NHS accredited programme Asthma Friendly Schools.
Many of the actions promoted through the Auntie Duck story such as choosing active travel, reducing idling, and being more aware of cleaner routes directly contribute to Modeshift STARS objectives and can be used as part of a school's evidence when working towards accreditation.
The Auntie Duck programme also discusses how air quality affects people with asthma and explains how simple actions can reduce emissions and exposure to harmful pollutants. Whilst Moggy's New Medicine, the sister book to Auntie Duck, complements this learning by helping children understand the daytoday management of asthma. By encompassing both asthma prevention and management, they support schools working towards Asthma Friendly School accreditation.
For parents and carers there is the story, animation, quizzes and other activities, that they can use with their children, aged 6 to 9, to learn all about the simple things we can do to make the quality of our air better but also save some money and improve our health.
We have created a very simple comms message for you to send out to advertise this which is available below:
The air that we breathe is vital to us all, as breathing is not a choice, it's an essential part of our daytoday lives.
You may not be able to see, taste or feel it, but there is pollution in the air around us, and this can affect our health, especially for children with respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Auntie Duck is a brandnew character created to help raise awareness of air pollution and to highlight simple, positive things we can all do to reduce pollution and make our air a little cleaner and even save some money!
At our school we will be delivering the Auntie Duck lessons to the children. These lessons encourage active travel, such as walking, wheeling, scooting and cycling, which helps to cut down pollution around school and supports healthier, safer journeys. The lessons also help children understand how cleaner air can support better lung health and even reduce asthma symptoms.
The great news is you can get involved too! There are loads of things for you to do and get involved in, so why not visit:
www.dogduckandcat.co.uk
And 'Meet Auntie Duck' to find out more...