Standard of Learning

1.2   The student will explain that good health is related to health-promoting decisions. Key concepts/skills include:

1. personal hygiene, including care of one's teeth
2. personal safety behaviors;
3. the harmful effects of misusing medicines and drugs;
4. sleep habits;
5. physical activity and healthy entertainment;
6. proper nutrition.

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Essential Knowledge and Skills

The student will:

• define a germ. (a tiny living thing that can make you sick)
• explain how germs are spread. (germs are on things you touch and if they get in your body they can make you sick)
• describe good hygiene. (to keep your body, teeth, and clothing clean)
• discuss why hand washing is so important. (washing your hands often washes away the germs)
• understand the importance of brushing teeth. (brushing at least twice a day prevents cavities - a hole in a tooth)
• explain why flossing is so important. (to remove food and germs from between your teeth)
• determine how often one should have dental check-ups. (every six months)

Sample Lessons

Oral Health Education: Saving Smiles Series- “Healthy Mouth, Healthy Body”
Grade:  1
Lesson Plan (1) Identify the functions of healthy teeth. (SOL 1.1b)
Lesson Plan (2) Demonstrate correct toothbrushing techniques for young children. (SOL 1.2a)
Lesson Plan (3) Demonstrate safe toothpaste use and proper toothbrush storage. (SOL 1.2a)
Lesson Plan (4) Identify nutritious meals, snack foods and beverages to improve general and oral health. (SOL 1.2f)
Lesson Plan (5) Identify the oral health professionals met during a dental visit. (SOL 1.5a and b)
Lesson Plan (6) Follow school safety rules during activities to avoid dental and facial injuries. (SOL 1.3a, b, c and h; SOL 1.6a, b and c)
Sponsor: Virginia Department of Health, Division of Dental Health
Contact:  http://www.vahealth.org/teeth/OralHealthEducation.asp (curriculum resources)
Free

An Ounce of Prevention
Provides information on some simple things individuals can do to prevent getting sick. Background information on infectious diseases, personal hygiene, taking care of pets, antibiotic use, food borne illness and immunizations are also provided.
Sponsor: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Contact: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/op/index.htm
Free

Be a Germstopper
Encourages healthy habits to prevent the spread of illness in schools and at home. Provides links and resources for teachers on food safety, hand washing, the flu and nutrition.
Sponsor: CDC
Contact: http://www.cdc.gov/germstopper/index.htm
Free

Dental Health
Grades: 1
The students will see importance of dental health.
Sponsor: Ask Eric
Contact: http://www.eduref.org (select lesson plans – health – process skills)
Free

Fun with Handwashing Education
Grades: K-4
Primary prevention of contagious diseases includes teaching young children about personal hygiene behaviors. There are five key times to wash hands with soap and water: BEFORE eating, AFTER sneezing or coughing, AFTER playing outdoors, AFTER playing with pets, and AFTER using the toilet. This lesson presents a variety of fun and low-cost techniques for handwashing education.
Sponsor: Ask Eric
Contact: http://www.eduref.org (select lesson plans – health – process skills)
Free

Germs, Germs Everywhere!
Grades: K-2
Students learn how to properly wash their hands. Students learn how germs affect their bodies.
Sponsor: Ask Eric
Contact: http://www.eduref.org (select lesson plans – health – process skills)
Free

Glo Germ
Hand washing lesson plan that teaches about disease transmission, germs and how frequent hand washing helps to prevent illness.
Sponsor: Glo Germ
Contact: http://www.glogerm.com
Free

Texas Department of Health
This lesson will help children recognize that personal health decisions and behaviors affect health throughout life. Following this lesson students will be able to identify and practice personal health habits that help individuals stay healthy. Sponsor: Texas Department of Health
Contact: http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/kids/lessonplans/default.shtm
Free

Additional Instructional Resources

• American Dental Association - http://www.ada.org
• "Brushing Teeth," "Flossing Teeth," and "Covering Sneezing and Coughing" - http://www.healthteacher.com
• Community Resources - Local Dentist or Dental Hygienist
• Dental Health - http://kidshealth.org/kid
• Disease Detective - http://www.bam.gov
• Do Bugs Need Drugs? - http://www.dobugsneeddrugs.org/teachers/index.html
• February is National Children's Dental Health Month.
• Get Smart Virginia - http://www.vdh.state.va.us/epi/getsmart/index.asp
• Henry the Hand - http://henrythehand.com
• Illness & Disease – http://www.pbs.org/teachersource/ (health & fitness k-2)
• National Health Service, UK - http://www.buginvestigators.co.uk/
• Save the Antibiotic - http://www.savetheantibiotic.com/public_html/index2/index2.html

Assessment Ideas

The student will:

• demonstrate how to properly brush and floss teeth.
• demonstrate how to properly wash hands.
• keep a one-week check-list on personal hygiene practices.

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