CLASSROOM MATERIALS ABOUT EPILEPSY

FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS

�ote: some of the books and DVDs referenced in this document are available from school district resource libraries.

The books and DVDs can also be loaned from the BC Epilepsy Society office.

BOOKS:

Violet’s Special Day Author: Amy Guenther

This story is about a girl who has a tonic-clonic (grand mal) seizure at her birthday party. It explains seizure first aid in

clear and simple language. It can help to help reassure children who may witness a seizure. For ages 5-9

Taking Seizure Disorders to School: A Story About Epilepsy Author: Kim Gosselin

This book explains epilepsy in an upbeat manner from the perspective of a character who has it. It discusses different

types of seizures and what they can look like. A kids quiz and teachers checklist are also included. For ages 6-10

Becky the Brave Author: Laurie Lears

In this story Sarah’s sister Becky has a seizure in class at her new school. Becky stops going to school because she is

afraid of being teased. Sarah then tells Becky’s class what epilepsy and seizures are. When Becky learns that her class

has learned about epilepsy and care about her she goes back to school. For ages 7-11

Mighty Mike Bounces Back: A Boy’s Life with Epilepsy Authors: Robert Skead and Mike Simmel

Mike worries about having seizures at school and being different from his friends. When he starts playing basketball,

Mike uncovers a positive way to calm his mind, improve his health, and stand up for himself against bullying. For ages

11-14

Medikidz Explain Epilepsy Authors: Kim Chilman-Blair and Shawn DeLoache

The Medikidz are a group of superheroes from space who teach kids about various medical conditions. In this comic

book, they teach a boy about epilepsy by traveling inside the brain to explain its functions and the nervous system. For

ages 10-15

DVD’S: (produced by the Epilepsy Foundation)

Because You Are My Friend 5 minutes

Narrated by a child with epilepsy, this cartoon-like film gives young children information in a clear and simple manner.

It explains seizures, first aid, differences, and the importance of friendship. For ages 5-7

I Have Epilepsy Too 9 minutes

Children with epilepsy discuss their experiences of dealing with the physical and emotional aspects of having epilepsy in

a documentary style film. For ages 7-11

Seizures and You: Take Charge of the Facts 9 minutes

This film is geared towards middle and high school students. It teaches the basics about epilepsy and seizures. This

includes information about different seizure types and first aid. Teens with epilepsy also tell their personal stories. For

ages 12-17

PRESENTATION TEMPLATES

Seizures and You: Take Charge of the Storm Produced by the Epilepsy Foundation

This is a training module about seizure recognition and first aid geared towards middle school students. It includes

presentation slides, worksheets, and an electronic game. It is an excellent complement to the DVD called Seizures and

You: Take Charge of the Facts. It is available to order from the Epilepsy Foundation at www.epilepsy.com and is also

available from the BC Epilepsy Society.

Seizures and You: Take Charge of the Facts Produced by the Epilepsy Foundation

This is a training module about seizure recognition and first aid geared towards high school students. It includes

presentation slides, worksheets, and activity sheets. It is an excellent complement to the DVD called Seizures and You:

Take Charge of the Facts. It is available to order from the Epilepsy Foundation at www.epilepsy.com and is also

available from the BC Epilepsy Society.

Brain Matters: An Introduction to *euroscience Author: Suzanne Nurse

This is a facilitators manual that is meant to be integrated into secondary school science classes. It provides detailed

information about brain and cell functioning, neuroanatomy, as well as epilepsy. It includes classroom demonstration

ideas and assignment samples, case studies, quizzes, and a DVD. This manual is available for loan from the BC Epilepsy

Society.

ONLINE RESOURCES:

About Kids Health: www.aboutkidshealth.ca/En/JustForKids/Health/Epilepsy/Pages/default.aspx

This webpage has an interactive animated module about epilepsy and a kid’s quiz.

Epilepsy Action: kids.epilepsy.org.uk

This website has an animated slideshow about epilepsy and videos of children talking about their condition.

BC Epilepsy Society: www.bcepilepsy.com

The BC Epilepsy Society provides a variety of educational resources about epilepsy. Resources for children include

books, DVD’s, activity sheets, seizure awareness workshops, and sample classroom lesson plans and presentation

templates. Many of the resources are posted online.

For more information about these materials and information for school staff, please contact the BC Epilepsy Society at

(604) 875-6704 Ext. 11, outreach@bcepilepsy.com or go to www.bcepilepsy.com

Test Your Knowledge About Epilepsy!

1. What is epilepsy?

a) A type of mental illness

b) Infection of the brain

c) A muscle disorder

d) A brain disorder that causes seizures

e) Irregular blood flow in the brain

2. What is a seizure?

a) A lack of oxygen

b) A cardiac arrest

c) An excessive electrical discharge in brain cells

d) A panic attack

e) A faint

3. Epilepsy can be caused by:

a) Brain injury

b) Stroke

c) Malfunctioning gene

d) Infection of the brain

e) All of the above

4. What is a sign or symptom of a seizure:

a) Jerking or convulsing

b) Altered sensations

c) A full or partial loss of consciousness

d) Repetitive movements

e) All of the above

5. What should you do if someone is having a seizure?

a) Shake the person

b) Give them water

c) Keep the person away from hazards and/or

gently roll them on their side

d) Put something in their mouth

e) Hold them down

6. Which of the following is false:

a) Brain surgery is sometimes used to treat epilepsy

b) 30% of people with epilepsy have seizures that are not completely controlled by treatment

c) There are over 20 different types of seizures

d) People with epilepsy have a lower IQ than the general population

e) A person can be conscious during a seizure

7. Epilepsy is more common than:

a) Parkinson’s Disease

b) Multiple Sclerosis

c) Down’s Syndrome

d) Stomach Cancer

e) All of the above

8. Which of these famous people had epilepsy:

a) Julius Caesar

b) Vincent Van Gogh

c) Napoleon Bonaparte

d) Alexander the Great

e) All of the above

Answers: 1: d, 2: c, 3: e, 4: e, 5: c, 6: d, 7: e, 8: e

Want to find out more about epilepsy?

Go to www.bcepilepsy.com

The British Columbia Epilepsy Society provides education, advocacy, and support for people affected by epilepsy and their families.

#2500 – 900 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1E5

Phone : (604) 875-6704 Fax: (604) 875-0617 info@bcepilepsy.com www.bcepilepsy.com