Adult-led
Explore aspects of hygiene.
Planned learning intention
To recognise the importance of keeping healthy and things which contribute to this
Adult:child ratio 1:8
Resources
A teddy, puppet, or toy to 'talk' to the children, a small rucksack and a sponge bag or similar, containing soap, toothbrush, toothpaste and flannel.
Step by step
* Tell the children that teddy is going to visit friends and discuss the things he needs to take with him.
* Make a list of these items with the children and as each one ismentioned, put it into the rucksack.
* Talk about teddy's night-time routines and ask the children what they think he will need to do at bedtime.
* Show them the contents of the sponge bag and talk about the use of each item.
* Encourage the children to talk about similar items they have and why they think they might be important.
* Get teddy to demonstrate how he uses each item!
* Let the children take it in turns to take teddy home with his rucksack and sponge bag, reminding them to make sure teddy sticks to his healthy routines!
* When teddy returns to the nursery each day, he can talk of his adventures and reinforce his healthy message.
Stepping stones
* Children with little experience will probably be attracted to the teddy, wanting to touch and hold it, and may find it hard to wait for their turn to take it home. Their comments will probably relate to their own experience and thoughts triggered by the items, not just to the learning intention.
* Children with some experience will recognise the items, name them, and be able to comment on their use. They may not know why their use is important.
* A child with a lot of experience will display awareness and understanding of basic hygiene issues and recognise the importance of keeping healthy, referring to previous learning and experience, and offering suggestions.
