Year 3 – 4 | Caps! Persuasive Writing Prompt
Protecting My Skin full resource download | Concept 4: Keeping Your Skin Sun Safe download
Background
Writing prompts are a great stimulus to engage students in conversations about current social and health issues, such as
sun protection. Students are provided with an image writing prompt showing two students, one wearing a cap and the other
wearing a broad-brimmed hat in the sun. Students discuss the health issues surrounding the image and develop persuasive
arguments why caps are not SunSmart and why we should wear brimmed/bucket hats.
Key messages
- The face, neck and ears are common areas for skin damage. Not all hats offer the same level of protection.
- Broad-brimmed, legionnaire or bucket hats provide the best sun protection from UV radiation as they cover the face,
neck, ears and crown of the head. - Caps are not sun protective because they only protect your scalp and forehead.
- For best protection when the UV is 3 or above, use all five forms of protection: Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek and Slide.
- Active play should not be restricted if a hat has been forgotten and students should be encouraged to play in the shade.
Resources
- Activity sheet: Persuasive Writing Plan
- A cap and broad-brimmed hat
- One of these things is not like the others bookmark
- Generation SunSmart
- Cancer Council WA
- Be SunSmart – Cancer Council Australia
Instructions
- Distribute activity sheet and image of students wearing a cap or bucket hat.
- Students observe, analyse and discuss differences between the cap and broad-brimmed hat examples.
- Students brainstorm arguments why caps are not SunSmart, and why we should wear broad-brimmed hats.
- Students research topics such as sun protection, skin cancer prevention and ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
- Visit Generation SunSmart for information to help develop your argument.
Key questions
- What are the differences between a cap and SunSmart hat?
- What is your key message regarding sun-protective hats versus caps?
- What other ways can you protect yourself from UV radiation?
- What health issues are portrayed in the image? What do you notice?
- What makes a hat SunSmart?
Extension
- Design a poster or video clip to support your persuasive writing, such as a diagram or demonstration explaining
why caps are not SunSmart.