Safety at Home, School, and Play
First graders begin health with a review of safety rules. First, they will demonstrate safety on the playground. Second, students will learn about seatbelt safety with Bill Nye the science guy. Third, first graders will have tea with a fire dragon and participate in a fire safety obstacle course. The unit will culminate with a classroom book on safety rules. Next time you go out make sure you do the buckle! Meet Sparky, the fire dog, and play some fire safety games. Click here to be a "kid checker" on the playground.
Introduction to the Human Body
Head, shoulders, knees, and toes. October�s the month for organs and bones! In health class first graders will be introduced to the human body. Together with Bones Jones and Anatomy Ann they will identify simple bones and the major body organ shapes, functions, and location.
Germs
Those mean, nasty, dirty, downright disgusting BUT invisible germs.... From viruses to bacteria, germs are all around us. In November first graders will learn how to prevent the spread of germs. Ask your first grader to sneeze into his or her wing, the five steps to healthy hand washing, and why even though its nice it care sometimes it�s important not to share hats, scarves, hair accessories, combs, and brushes.
Medicine and Illness
"Doctor, doctor what can it be? Please tell me what is wrong with me." In this unit, students will brainstorm healthy decision making during illness. They will discover how medicine works in the body, learn medicine safety rules, and role play medicine safety situations.
Emotions
�Today I feel ... happy, sad, silly...� First graders will learn about the range of emotions and the importance of sharing their feelings. They will talk about appropriate and inappropriate ways of managing their anger and ways they can change their mood. Ask them to show you their ruler of emotions.
Communication
How we talk and listen is the focus of this unit. Students will get a chance to do several experiments demonstrating the importance of verbal and non-verbal communication. They will also learn who not to talk to and design their own personal safety poster.
Nutrition
In this unit, first graders will be introduced to the food pyramid and the concepts of balance, variety, and moderation. They will distinguish between healthy and unhealthy foods and plan their favorite breakfast. Did you eat this morning?
A Healthy Earth
Do you use a lunch box? Do you shut off the faucet while brushing your teeth? Do you return empty cans to the grocery store? Students learn about earth�s natural resources and their health links. They will be shown the importance of conservation and recycling and create their own board game about the three R's.
The Lungs
Leapfrog, hopscotch puff...puff. Baseball, soccer huff ... huff. What works musch harder when your at play? They help blow out candles on your birthday! Students learn about their breathing machine. They will make a model of the lungs and discuss how to keep their own lungs healthy.
