With the heavy media coverage of Swine flu and the increase in the number of Swine flu cases, children are probably worrying about germs. Why not put together a health unit on germs to help them understand germs and how to help prevent the spread of viruses?
Use Simple Words and Pictures to Explain Germs
Young children don't need a lot of technical jargon. Begin your unit by talking about what a germ, the flu, or a virus is. They'll probably have a lot of ideas. Guide them to the right definitions.
Next, read a few picture books with them or read Junie B Jones Shipwrecked, which has a lot of information about germs, sneezing and how to avoid getting sick.
Show How Germs Spread
It is really hard to explain how something kids can't see can spread and make other children sick. Instead of explaining the concept with words, try this demonstration I learned from a children's librarian.
- Drop a scoop of corn starch into your hand a fake a sneeze.
- Have the children look for the corn starch on nearby objects and show them the residue on your hands.
- Walk to a child's desk and touch a few items.
- Have the children look at the items to see if they see corn starch.
- Explain that germs spread like corn starch.
- Next, wipe up the corn starch and wash your hands.
- Put another scoop of corn starch in one hand.
- Fake another sneeze, but cover your hand and face with your arm.
- Have the children look for corn starch.
- Wash your hands or use antibacterial gel.
- Touch a few items on a child's desk.
- Have the children look for corn starch on the items.
Once the children see the difference covering their mouths when they sneeze or washing their hands makes, they'll usually be eager to stop the spread of germs.
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