1-2-3 Come Do Some More Dental Hygiene Activities With Me
Yesterday I posted a few of my most popular dental hygiene-themed activities, which focussed on a variety of standards. (Scroll down if you missed it.) Today, I've got a few more on the craftier side.
I like to cover a variety of standards in all of my subject areas whenever I do a unit, and Dental hygiene is no exception.
We had scissor practice daily, as my Y5's really needed to work on their cutting skills, and it was also a way for them to strengthen their finger muscles, so writing became easier for them.
With that in mind, I designed the "secret triangle" where children get in that cutting practice, while reviewing shapes, and learning some basic facts about dental hygiene.
Introducing it as a "secret message" writing prompt, got their attention, and kept interest high. They really enjoyed this activity, and were excited to take it home to share.
Print off the circle template on white paper. Students trim, fold the "flaps" on the dashed lines, and then write at least 3 things they do to help take care of their teeth.
I've included a triangle, with a rhyming poem, that they can cut and then glue to the back. I found it in a dozen places Online and no one seems to know who wrote it.
"Got my toothpaste, got my brush. I won't hurry; I won't rush. Making sure my teeth are clean, front and back and in between. When I brush for quite a while, I will have a happy smile!"
Hold the folds shut with a sticker. Click on the link to view/download the Dental Hygiene Secret Triangle Writing Prompt.
Because I always had "early finishers" I liked to have some independent centers that my Y5s could transition to, when they completed their work. Because of the dental hygiene theme we were doing, I designed this interesting toothbrush center game, which reinforces color words.
Click on the link to view/download the Toothbrush Color Word Center Activity packet.
Run off the master toothbrush on white construction paper; laminate and trim.
Using dry erase markers, students trace and write the color words in matching colors and then place the appropriate colored handle over the top.
While I was diddling around making the toothbrush templates, I thought they would also work for a cute writing prompt craftivity, which would again give them some more cutting practice, as well as a review of how students can take care of their teeth.
So I designed the "Snip and Flip" Toothbrush writing prompt" Click on the link to view/download it.
For this activity, run off the handles on popular colors of construction paper and give students a choice. (I have a handle for boys (his) and one for girls (hers) so you can have a teachable pronoun moment too.)
Run the "bristle boxes" off on white paper. Students cut on the lines to make "bristle tabs" that they can flip over to reveal the other bristle box, where they've written how they take care of their teeth.
I also included a traceable bristle box for PK children (pictured). Click on the link to view/download the Snip and Flip Toothbrush Writing Prompt Craftivity.
Finally, these tooth-themed alphabet cards are great for all sorts of activities: sequencing, sorting, patterning, and playing games like Memory Match and I Have; Who Has? As with all of the alphabet card packets, they include an upper and lowercase set for more options.
There are several pages of tips and ideas for what else to use them for too. Click on the link to view/download the Dental Hygiene Alphabet Cards.
That's it for today. Thanks for visiting. If you'd like to see all of my dental hygiene FREEBIES, click on the link to zip on over to that section of TeachWithMe.
Winter weather continues to rear it's frigid face here in Michigan, so it's time to throw another log on the fire and snuggle in. Wishing you a warm and cozy day.
"Use your smile to change the world; but don't let the world change your smile." -Unknown
