In this episode of “Arthur”, Binky finds out that he is allergic to peanuts. He has an allergic reaction one day and goes to the doctor for allergy testing. The doctor explains allergy testing and that he is not allergic to pet dander or tree pollen, but is allergic to peanuts. The doctor explains what anaphylaxis is and gives Binky some information to help him cope with his new allergy. Binky learns that he has to read labels and make sure there are no peanut products in the food. Binky has to eat special food and sit at a peanut free table at school. He struggles with this, but his friends support him and a friend who has a milk allergy helps him research his allergy and learn how to live with it. (Arthur episode “Binky Goes Nuts”. Produced by “Cookie Jar Entertainment”. 13:02. Season 9 Episode 10. Aired in 2005. Rated TV-Y.)

This episode was great! I think it is the perfect thing to show Kindergartners-2nd graders, and they would no doubt be engaged while watching it! It is informational, and ties in with lots of the books, articles and other activities we will be doing through this lesson. The doctor in the episode talks about allergy testing and mentions some of the allergies they test for. A classmate who has a milk allergy helps Binky find more information at the library, and gives him some tips for living with allergies. Reading food labels to ensure the ingredients are okay was a big part of the episode, and they talk about some alternative foods that are peanut free. Like the book we read “The Peanut Free Cafe”, the episode shows a peanut free table in lunch room. Full episode from PBS.com, or a short clip (see below) from Youtube.

• Core Integration:
  • I think this would be best played after we have read “The Peanut Free Cafe” and the nonfiction book about food allergies. The episode has lots of the same information and themes, and it would be a good summary or review of the books in a fun episode of a favorite TV show. I would have students talk about similar topics/information they saw between the books and articles they read earlier in the week.

• Standards:
  • Wellness:
    • Access Valid Information: Identify characteristics of valid health information and services. H3.W5.2
  • Nutrition:
    • Disease Prevention: Understand that food choices can put individuals at risk for some health problems. H1.N5.2
  • Safety:
    • First Aid: Identify people who can help when someone is injured or suddenly ill. H1.Sa2.2b
  • ELA.RI.2.1 “Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.”
    • Students will compare and contrast the books we read with this episode.