Our Place presenter outlines prevention program for New Albany-Floyd Co Con Sch, highlighting puppet lessons for grades 2 and 4

A presenter for Our Place told attendees that the organization began in 1981 and has broadened from prevention work with children of people in recovery to programs for students and adults across grade levels. "So Our Place was started in 1981 by a group of people in recovery from, addiction who didn't want to see their children kind of follow in the same path," the presenter said.

The presenter said the group's prevention work is now aimed at elementary through high school students and extends into adulthood with early intervention and outpatient services for adolescents and adults. "We also do early intervention and outpatient services for adolescents and adults as well," the presenter said.

Explaining classroom practice, a second presenter described grade-specific curricula and interactive methods. "It's prevention education, so we're really working on giving these students skills that really can help them," the presenter said, adding that second-grade lessons use puppets in a six-week module. "Second grade has puppets, only 6 weeks long, and the kids love it. They get to be a puppet."

The presenter said fourth-grade instruction runs eight weeks and builds on earlier lessons, helping students prepare for middle school. "Fourth grade is 8 weeks... We kind of build on information that they learn in second grade and fourth grade, and they're also getting ready to go to middle school," the presenter said. The presenter emphasized interactivity and peer learning during puppet activities.

Speakers framed the program as prevention timed to key transitions: because New Albany-Floyd County students move into middle school in fifth grade, the presenters said early skills training is important. "We know that when children transition from schools to grade levels, it does put them at a little bit of risk to maybe make some choices about substance use that might not be in their best interest," a presenter said, adding, "And so if we can load them up with information and skills, that's where we want to be."

The presentation closed with thanks to school partners and a request that parents view Our Place as a resource. "We're very proud of the opportunity that we have to work with students across the board... We just appreciate the school's support and then hope that parents also understand what a great resource we are for their kids," the presenter said.