Stop the Spread of Germs

Teach How to Not Spread Germs

(A good lesson for the first day of school)

Objective: Introduce the concept of germs as micro-organisms that can make us sick.  Teach children how to stop the spread of germs.

Preparation:  Have the following materials:

• Hand washing facilities
• Liquid foam soap
• Paper towels
• Materials for model germs such as pom-poms, pipe cleaners, wiggly eyes, foam shapes, etc.
• Construction paper
• Decide on a book to read — Suggested books:  Germs are not for Sharing by Elizabeth Verdick, Germs! Germs! Germs! By Bobbi Katz, The Adventures of Micki Microbe by Maurine Burnham Guymon

Lesson:

Read the book(s) then discuss.  Discussion Questions:

• What are germs?  Germs are tiny living things called micro-organisms. They can’t be seen with our eyes alone, but they can sometimes make us sick.
• How are germs spread?  When you sneeze or cough germs rush out of your nose and mouth into the air.  Germs can be on your hands although they cannot be seen and can spread to things you touch.
• How do we prevent them from spreading?  Cover your face when you sneeze or cough with your elbow or shoulder to stop the spread of germs with your hands.  If you stay home when you are sick, your friends at school won’t get sick.
• When is it important to wash your hands?  You need to wash our hands after you cough, sneeze or blow your nose, play with a pet, or go to the bathroom.  We need to also wash our hands before we eat.

Have the children practice washing their hands.  Role-play washing hands.  (Squirt soap on hands then rub in for about 20 seconds or the length of a simple song, then wash and dry.)

Activity: Make Model Germs

It is fun to have children create germs.  Have the children make “germs” from pom-poms, pipe cleaners, and foam pieces glued to construction or heavy paper.  You can have them draw on eyes or use wiggly eyes or sequins.  Let them be creative and show their interpretation of what germs look like.  Write the word “germs” on the paper.

For more educational materials and information visit www.phonicsbyspelling.com

 

Discipline Tip–First Day of School

Discipline Tip—First Day of School       

 

The beginning of a new school year is a good time to set the tone for the year at home and in the classroom.  Here are a few tips to make the first day of school the start of a great year:

·       Know every child’s name and work to make each feel welcome to your class or your home.  It is fun to sing a simple song that includes each child’s name, for example “Here we are together, together, together.  Here we are together in our school.  There’s ____, and _____, and (continue to include all the children).

·       Only have a few rules and voice them in a positive manner.  (Never use the word “Don’t”.  It just puts ideas in their heads.)  Sample rule:  “In our school everyone treats everyone kindly.” (Then invite the children to create ideas of how they can treat each other kindly.  With children who can read you can help them create a list of the positive ideas the children come up with.)

·       SMILE!

·       Believe children can mind and behave.  Your attitude is contagious.  

·       Plan fun, simple, and short activities.  Keep it a fun, interesting day. 

·       Set a simple routine.  This way, children know what to look forward to each day.  Vary the activities inside the routine.

·       Never use bribery.

Have a great, enjoyable new school year.

For more educational tips and information visit www.phonicsbyspelling.com