Cancer is a "C" Word: Teaching Resources
Cancer is a C Word was highlighted by CBC Books as a recommended Canadian children's picture book for Fall 2020. Click on icon. To read about Cancer is a C Word see: https://www.cbc.ca/books/cancer-is-a-c-word-1.5738166
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A young boy learns about cancer. [He] keeps hearing an unfamiliar word that starts with the letter C. He knows that it makes people sad, but he doesn’t know what it is. His parents explain that it is a disease from which “some get better, but, sadly, some may pass away.” He then goes on to ask other adults in his life—his teacher, other relatives—the multitude of questions swirling in his head...The touching twist is that the family goes on to gather other words that start with C that can help someone struggling with cancer, such as community and cuddling. Andreasen’s [illustrator] definitively outlined characters don’t shy away from showing such side effects as hair loss or amputation. The patients are also all different ages and races, stamping out any stereotypical ideas.
Reviews This gentle educational primer on a tough topic pushes through fear and lands on love. Kirkus Reviews “Cancer is a ‘C’ Word invites readers, young and old, to discover the many other ‘C’ words that support wellness. Community, Caring and Coming Together come alive in images that celebrate diversity. Teachers, counsellors, and parents will welcome the honest, thoughtful presentation made available through rhyme to support young people coping with cancer in their lives. A sensitive, helpful book.” --Tracy Myers, Children’s Counsellor “As a school teacher/librarian, I appreciate the diversity of families/individuals used to convey the story. Author, Sunita Pal, explains a scary topic and gives children an uplifting message.” -- Leslie Bell, Teacher/Librarian |
Cancer is a C Word also reminds children of the other C words:
https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/competencies/personal-and-social/social-awareness-and-responsibility
- compassion
- community
- caring
https://curriculum.gov.bc.ca/competencies/personal-and-social/social-awareness-and-responsibility
Here are some videos from the Imaginary Friend Society which explain cancer and chemotherapy.
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For very young children, here is a short (38 second) video from the storybook character, Arthur, explaining cancer.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89jKEyIkEEQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89jKEyIkEEQ