Healthy Me

In this unit, we discuss ways we can stay healthy.  Some of the topics we cover include:  healthy foods, exercise, rest, germs, and anger management.  We do this theme in October, this works well because we conclude the theme by visiting a pumpkin farm.  Just in time for Halloween.

I show the children a large empty food pyramid.  We talk about its shape. Then, I tell the children what its called and how its divided.  Each child is given a section of a supermarket circular.  They have to cut out healthy foods.  After everyone is done, we come to circle.  I say the name of the food group and foods that would go in that group and the children have to see if they have that food.  Then they get to glue it onto our pyramid.

In groups, the children make a collage of Healthy and Not Healthy Foods by cutting out pictures.

We read The Very Hungry Catepillar.  We discuss the healthy foods.  We also discuss what happens when you eat too much "junk" food.

Define germs and how they can make us sick.  I demonstrate how germs work by using flour.  I put a little flour in my hands then I pretend to sneeze.  We watch the flour go all over the place.  I tell the children this is how germs spread.  The flour touches many things then you rub against it and they keep spreading.  Then we talk about why it is so important to cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze/cough and wash your hands.

Exercise is also very important.  We have an exercise session where we do jumping jacks, arm circles, sit-ups, push-ups, and jogging in place.  We talk about the need for water which is kept handy.  Then we practice breathing slowly and relaxing by listening to soft music.

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