Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will understand the basics of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), including what it is, how it affects the body, and the importance of research and support for those living with the condition.

Materials and Prep

• Paper and colored pencils or markers
• A comfortable space to sit and work
• Access to the internet for research (optional)
• A notebook or journal for writing down thoughts and reflections

Before the lesson, it would be helpful to have a basic understanding of muscles and how they work in the body. This will help the student connect the dots when learning about DMD.

Activities

• Muscle Drawing: The student will draw a simple diagram of the human body highlighting the muscles. They can label the muscles and discuss what they do.

This activity helps the student visualize where muscles are located and understand their function.

• Duchenne Doodle: The student will create a fun comic strip or story about a superhero with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who uses their unique abilities to help others.

This encourages creativity while teaching empathy and understanding of DMD.

• Research and Share: If the student has access to the internet, they can research a famous person with DMD and prepare a short presentation to share with you.

This activity fosters research skills and allows the student to learn about real-life experiences of those with DMD.

Talking Points

• "Duchenne muscular dystrophy is a condition that affects how muscles work. It makes it hard for some people to move."
• "Muscles are important because they help us run, jump, and even breathe. DMD affects the muscles in the body."
• "People with DMD might need help with activities that require strength, like climbing stairs or playing sports."
• "DMD is caused by a change in a gene, which is like a set of instructions for our bodies."
• "Even though DMD can be tough, there are doctors and scientists working hard to find new treatments and ways to help."
• "It's important to support friends or family members who have DMD. We can help by being kind and understanding."
• "Learning about DMD helps us understand how we can make a difference for others!"
• "Everyone has different abilities, and that's what makes us unique! It's important to celebrate those differences."