Curriculum Review of Clued In Workbook Series

By Sarah Barton, Sagamore Institute Faith in Communities, 2004

Drugs and alcohol can touch even young children, but children who are educated about drugs and ways to avoid them are far less likely to engage in substance use.  The Clued In Workbook Series is a curriculum designed for children in grades 3 through 6.  Four 32-page workbooks are included in the Clued In series:  Clued in on Alcohol, Clued in on Inhalants, Clued in on Tobacco and Clued in on Marijuana.  A teacher’s resource book contains the philosophy of the program, learning objectives, tips for success, resources, and an answer key for the activities. 

The Clued In workbooks use a detective motif to encourage students to think about what drugs can do to them by “uncovering the drugs’ darkest secrets.”  They include puzzles, secret codes, mazes and word games to help children learn about drugs and their dangers.  In addition, the activities in the workbooks help children to form healthy opinions about issues regarding drug use. They help the children to learn refusal techniques, build character, and consider the benefits of a drug-free lifestyle.  The illustrations and fun presentation will capture the attention of children while providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to grow up drug-free.

The activities are designed to accommodate different skill levels and learning styles--teachers may choose which ones are most appropriate for the children in their classes.  The workbooks present open-ended questions that will stimulate discussion among students and help them to explore new ideas.  In addition, many of the activities can be completed by students working together in small groups.  The teacher’s resource guide provides tips for structuring effective groups.

The Clued In series is not a faith-based resource, but is an effective tool that can be used by faith-based prevention practitioners seeking to reach out to young children.  It may be used as a stand-alone resource, or as part of a more comprehensive prevention program.