- Definition
A concussion is a brain injury caused by a bump or jolt to the head or body that makes the brain move quickly inside the skull. This can temporarily change how the brain works, leading to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or trouble concentrating.
A child who falls and bumps their head hard on the playground equipment could get a concussion.
How to teach this in 30 seconds
Try this analogy: A concussion is like when an egg gets bumped and the yolk inside gets shaken, even if the shell doesn't crack.
Ask your child: If you bump your head, what's the most important thing to do?
Common mix-up: Kids may think you have to be knocked out to have a concussion. A concussion is a brain injury that can happen even with a seemingly small bump, and you don't have to lose consciousness.
Examples
- Two children accidentally bumping heads hard while playing.
- Feeling dizzy or having a headache after a bump to the head could be a sign of a concussion.
- A fall during skating where your head hits the ice.
concussion is a term used in Ontario’s Kindergarten to Grade 8 curriculum.
Where this shows up
- Kindergarten Kindergarten
- Grade 1 Health and Physical Education
- Grade 2 Health and Physical Education
- Grade 3 Health and Physical Education
- Grade 4 Health and Physical Education
+9 more mentions across the curriculum
The descriptions on this page are SmartStudy’s own original, plain-language writing — not the Ministry’s wording. They are aligned to the Ontario Curriculum, © King’s Printer for Ontario. For the Ministry’s official wording, see the source link below. SmartStudy is an independent service and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the Government of Ontario or the Ministry of Education. Ontario Curriculum and Resources ↗
