This week’s activity

Oral health activity

Initially, the teacher asked the children to think about why we need to keep our mouths clean.  One child responded that “because food makes our teeth dirty”.  This led to discussion around food and how, even though the food (and drink) can be good/healthy for our bodies, such as fruit and vegetables, it can make our teeth dirty.  To help prevent this, the taecher explained that it is important to brush our teeth twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed.  Many of the children said that they brush their own teeth.  Whilst the teacher agreed that it is lovely for the children to learn how to brush their own teeth, it is still really important that an adult –  parent/family member – help them to brush their teeth as well, just to make sure they have had a really good clean.

Once they had established why they should be brushing their teeth, it was time to get some hands-on practice.  We have a special resource which helps children to learn the correct technique for teeth brushing.  Many of the children thought the brush should go up and down and side-to-side.  The teacher actually explained that they should be using the brush in a circular motion instead.

The discussion then moved on to visiting the dentist.  They thought about what the dentist does and how it is important for everyone to visit the dentist regularly to check up on their teeth and make sure they are clean and shiny.  Many of the children said they had been to the dentist.  As we talk about oral hygiene and visiting the dentist at other times during the session, one of the children recalled the teacher talking about it at a previous activity.  It is very rewarding when children can recall what they have learnt.

Finally, they discussed food and drink that can help to keep our teeth strong – milk, cheese, etc.  They also discussed less obvious foods, such as green leafy vegetables like cabbage and broccoli.

There are photos on our  Facebook page.

Thank you.

The Pre-school Team