Recognize that the whole body is covered by skin.
Understand the importance of washing the skin as protection against germs.
Paper towels
Two peeled potatoes, soaking in water to prevent discoloration
Two paper plates
A book to read aloud about skin, germs, and cleanliness
Read a book to the children that talks about skin, germs, and cleanliness. It is very important to keep our skin clean and healthy with soap and water. Say: We are going to do an experiment to see whether there is dirt on our hands right now. Probably every one of you washed your hands and face, and maybe even your whole bodies before coming to school today. You wash your hands every time you finish going to the bathroom and after you eat your meals. You may think your hands are clean enough.
Next, show the children the two peeled potatoes, drawing attention to their color. Dry the potatoes with a paper towel to absorb any excess water before passing them around. Pass one of the peeled potatoes among all of the children. Place it on a paper plate that you have labeled unwashed hands, then have the children take a good look at the potato and tell what they see. Have all the children wash their hands and then pass the second potato around. Place it on a paper plate that you have labeled washed hands. Have the children observe the difference between the potatoes at this point, and then compare the potatoes at several points later in the day. Invite them to talk about their observations, and write on the board anything that helps confirm the relationship between washing hands, cleanliness, and germs.
Music and Movement
As a review of the way the human body moves, teach the children the poem, "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes." (The poem can be sung to the basic melody of "Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush" if the teacher has the time and inclination to teach the music to the children.)
Head, shoulders, knees, and toes.
Head, shoulders, knees, and toes.
Head, shoulders, knees, and toes,
As fast as I can.
Ears, tummy, hips, and shins.
Ears, tummy, hips, and shins.
Ears, tummy, hips, and shins,
As fast as I can.
First say (or sing) the words for the children, touching each body part as it is named. Next, have them join you. After they have done it a few times, speed it up so they will move faster in
reaching for the parts of the body they name. (You may want to teach the two verses separately, adding the second verse only after the children have caught on to the words and movements of the first.)
Recognize that the whole body is covered by skin.
Understand the importance of washing the skin as protection against germs.