Date: May 12, 1997

Grade Level(s): 1, 2

Subject(s):

• Health/Body Systems and senses

Brushing your teeth seems simple enough, but are you brushing, and is your family brushing the correct way? To help students understand the correct way to brush their teeth, and the importance of why we need to do it correctly, this lesson makes them actually learn the correct procedure while demonstrating on modeled teeth. Students will also watch a video that talks about bad breath and plaque.

Goal:

Students will understand the importance of brushing their teeth the correct way.

Objectives:

The students will demonstrate the correct way to brush by coming up to front of room and practicing on the set of modeled teeth. The students will explain why it is necessary to brush regularly and correctly.

Background Information:

This activity can also be used with students at the level of kindergarten, as a introductory section. This lesson teaches them about specific problems that can occur when not brushing or flossing correctly.

Concepts:

Students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate the correct way to brush and floss.

2. List some problems that can happen if this is not done.

3. Identify reasons for wanting healthy teeth and gums.

Materials:

set of large modeled teeth

large toothbrush

video on why it is important on brushing teeth

blackboard

Procedure:

1. Tell the students to write down the steps they take in brushing their teeth (depending on the grade level, or just write their responses on the board).

2. After discussing their answers, play the video that shows the correct way of brushing teeth.

3. The video will also cover problems that will occur if you neglect your teeth (bad breath, yellow teeth, cavities, etc.)

4. When the video is finished, go over some of the important points students need to remember.

5. Write on the board the steps to brushing your teeth correctly.

6. After discussion, have students come up and practice the correct way on the set of modeled teeth that is in the front of the room.

7. Have everyone get a chance to practice.

8. As a treat, pass out a toothbrush and a trial size toothpaste to take home and practice there.

9.  If you have a bulletin board on this topic, ask the students every morning for a week, who has brushed their teeth the correct way.  If they raise their hand, they get to come up to front of the room and show us how on the modeled set. Then those students will get a tooth with their name on it that says they brushed. They get to put these teeth on the bulletin board to show their effort.

Assessment:

1. Ask students what happens if you don't brush regularly and correctly.

2. Watch the students practice on the large set of model teeth, so you know who understands it and who doesn't.

3. Ask students who is going to brush regularly and correctly from now on?